Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is a scenic valley with a plethora of wildlife, beautiful mountain views, historic sites, and an 11-mile loop that visitors can drive, bike, or walk. It is one of the most diverse and scenic areas of the park. Several companies provide guided tours and walks in Cades Cove, and there are several inexpensive annual events for families and children. Some of these events include: guided walks, night tours, slideshows, hayrides, and junior ranger activities. Most of the tours and guided walks are offered up until October.
The Cades Cove Full Moon Walk
On May 15, night tours will be given of Cades Coves under the glow of the full moon! This blissful two-mile night walk is given by an experienced guide and is free of charge. Families are encouraged to come and join in on the fun at this national park event. The night walk begins at 8 p.m. and is expected to last about two hours. The meeting place of the tour is the entrance to Cades Cove Loop Road. The guide will be waiting to meet everyone at this location, and you are encouraged to bring water. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes!
Cades Cove Heritage Tours
This fully-guided bus tour is put on by the private non-profit, Heritage Tours. This company was founded in 2007 by a group of concerned citizens. The tours are meant to provide a fun and efficient way of sightseeing in the Smoky Mountains, while also hoping to preserve national history. The tour guides are very knowledgeable on the area’s history, and they will answer any questions you have! In hopes of decreasing the pollution that several cars would create by driving through Cades Cove with a large group of people, this tour uses only one vehicle for their tour.
Transporting up to 19 people at one time, this tour bus can shuttle many people around to see and hear all that Cades Coves has to offer, while also attempting to protect the environment. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride on this tour. Let the beautiful scenery capture your attention as you learn the rich history that is Cades Cove.
Tickets vary depending on age. Adults, seniors, and children six years and older are $10 a ticket. Children five and under are free of charge. Tours are available from April 15 to November 15 annually. This tour is perfect for families, couples, and any type of group.
Hayride Tour
Hayride tours are offered mid-March through October 31 annually. You will be sitting for the entirety of this almost two hour tour in a trailer filled with hay that is pulled by a truck. With this touring option, you are able to see Cades Cove in a whole new way! You will experience firsthand all of the history of Cades Cove, while sitting in comfort among friends. This unique tour option is the same price as many other Cades Cove tour options. Costing only $10 a person, this tour is very inexpensive for the amount of time that the tour lasts.
Carriage Rides
This carriage ride is a more intimate option for those that do not prefer large crowded tours. With only six passengers at a time allowed in the horse drawn carriage, the beautiful Cades Cove tour will take you back in time as you view history from a serene carriage with some close friends and family. All ages are welcome on this tour, and there are no weight limits. The tours go continually throughout the day and last about 45 minutes each.
Interested in learning more? The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a great website to check out if you are wanting to know more about the beautiful and historic Cades Cove. Need a place to stay during your visit to scenic Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? At Cabins For You, we have options for couples, large groups, and families seeking lots of fun! Call 1-800-684-7865 to book a cabin today!