GSMNP Cades Cove Loop - Wed, Jun 17 2026

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REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

GSMNP Cades Cove Loop

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove

Date(s) & Time:

Wed, Jun 17 2026 1:00 pm >> Wed, Jun 17 2026 5:00 pm

Registration Opens:

Thu, Jan 15 2026 7:05 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Tue, Jun 16 2026 6:00 pm

Event Duration:

4 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate

Distance:

11 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Linda L
Ann

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

3 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Thank you to Bill for his hike write-up.

Please join Ann and I on the Cades Cove Loop hike. This is one of three GSMNP hikes we will be leading. We will be staying at the Talley Ho Inn in Townsend, TN, Wednesday and Thursday nights. Please contact us if you would like to stay at the same location and carpool. We will also plan meals together during the trip.

This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the GSMNP. Cades Cove is closed to vehicle traffic on Wednesdays.

We will meet and start at the Cades Cove parking lot next to the Cades Cove Campground Store Bike Bldg, 10035 Campground Dr, Townsend, TN 37882.

Many people consider Cades Cove the crown jewel of the GSMNP. Cades Cove is a broad valley with an 11-mile one-way loop around it with around 750 elevation. The loop has the most concentrated group of historic buildings with churches, log houses, and a huge cable mill area in the GSMNP. We’ll take our time to enjoy the natural beauty in this valley. Most of the valley is fenced in to keep visitors separated from the wildlife in the grass area.

Cades Cove is a well-known area to spot so many different kinds of wildlife. We’ll keep our eyes wide open and cameras ready.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/cades-cove-loop-road?u=i&sh=pebdiv

Please have D3 experience in the last 4-6 weeks to join the hike.

Required Items to Bring:

Trail hiking shoes

Wear appropriate clothing/layers

Water (2 to 3 L)/hydrating drinks/electrolytes

Snacks

GSMNP Parking Pass

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking poles, if you use them

Hat/Sunglasses

Sunscreen/Bug Spray

Poncho or Rain Jacket, in case of rain

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Please arrive by 12:45 p.m. for 1:00 p.m. start.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LnJt2zH3sCPwWNKk8

General direction:

If starting from Sugarlands Visitor Center of GSMNP, it's about 25 miles. The driving is very scenic and straight forward. Just follow signs from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Cades Cove; then to Cades Cove Campground Store Bike Bldg. The normal driving time is about 50 minutes.

Notes:

Fee information: While there is no entrance fee, a paid parking fee is required for those who park longer than 15 minutes. You may purchase a daily, weekly, or annual tag online or at the visitor's center.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.

Registration for this event opens at 1/15/2026 7:05:00 PM