What You Will Do
Purchase only one tour per vehicle, not per person. Everyone listens together!
Discover gorgeous natural scenery and rich history at Cades Cove, one of the most popular destinations in the Smoky Mountains. This scenic loop packs a ton of sights into a small space. Check out sparkling waterfalls, lush hiking trails, and historic churches all in one place! Plus, learn the fascinating history behind this cove, including how the Civil War once threatened to tear it apart.
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
1
Cades Cove Visitor Center
10 minutes
Your tour of Cades Cove begins near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. From here, you'll drive down a scenic route to reach the main attraction: Cades Cove Loop.
Note: This 25+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Cades Cove in 3-5 hours.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
2
John Oliver Place
10 minutes
The first landmark you'll encounter is the John Oliver Place, a historic homestead dating back to the early 1800s.
3
Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church
10 minutes
Next up is the Primitive Baptist Church, one of three historic churches in Cades Cove which offers a window into the area's past.
4
Cades Cove Methodist Church
10 minutes
Past that is the Methodist Church, which cost only $115 to build when it was constructed in 1902!
5
Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church
5 minutes
Then there's the Missionary Baptist Church, which split off from the Primitive Baptist Church during the early days of Cades Cove due to ideological divides.
6
Elijah Oliver Cabin
5 minutes
Continuing on, you'll come to the Elijah Oliver Place, accessible via a half-mile trail. This secluded homestead once belonged to an abolitionist who found himself in grave danger when the Civil War broke out.
7
Abrams Falls Trail
10 minutes
Up next is the Abrams Falls Trail, which takes hikers to a powerful waterfall hidden deep in the wilderness.
8
Cades Cove Historical Grist Mill
10 minutes
After that, you'll see the John Cable Grist Mill. This mill dates back to 1870 and you can still see it in operation today!
9
Henry Whitehead House
10 minutes
From the John Cable Grist Mill, you'll have the option to make a detour to the Henry Whitehead House. This pleasant cabin was actually built as a wedding gift!
10
Tipton Road
Next on your route is Tipton Place, which was once home to a war hero of the American Revolution..
11
Carter Shields Cabin
10 minutes
Finally, you'll come next to the Carter Shields Cabin, a staunchly abolitionist home that lost much during the Civil War.
There are many stories that you'll hear along the way, including
• A Cherokee Homeland
• White Settlers Arrive in Cades Cove
• Smokies Wildlife
• The Cussing Cover
• Last Family who lived in Cades Cove and more.
Explore the captivating Great Smoky Mountains and the stunning Cades Cove by purchasing our special bundle that includes both destinations.
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