This 11 mile one-way road has woods and meadows; wild animals- deer, black bears, turkeys and domestic animals- horses; modern facilities- gift shop and rest area half way around the loop, and restored buildings- churches, mills, settler's homes. The loop road is open to cars, bikes, hikers, etc. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon are better times... more

Don't come to this park in a rush or you will get irratated. Come here to enjoy a very nice drive and even better scenery. Be prepared for people to stop in the middle of the one way road and block traffic, but it is all good. Bring the camera, binoculars, and a picnic for a great time. They say... more

If people were not rude and inconsiderate - this would be a gem. But the drivers that stop on the circle and film out of the car window or worse - get out and leave their car - absolutely ruin this place. I went 15 years ago when it was not as popular. If you can go EARLY and on... more

Be sure to add the Cades Cove Loop Road to your plans if you are going to be in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. The drive is slow, on a one-way road, but you will see the most beautiful scenery! Buy a guidebook ($1.00) at the welcome center before you start your trip- it tells you about everything. We saw wild... more

If you ever visit Gatlinburg area, do not forget to take a drive through Cades Cove scenic loop. It is approx. 7 miles and winds through countryside and forests. Maintain the speed limit as you are sure to come across many deer and Black bears (both wild). Even if you do not spot any wild animals, the drive itself is... more

Our first trip to the area and in a week's time, we drove thru Cade's Cove 3 times :) First day for fun and tromping around all the cabins, barns, etc. 2nd time, we were there before the gates open to enjoy the wildlife and misty meadows. We were rewarded with numerous deer and wild turkey and were THRILLED to... more

The driving loop is a beautiful way to experience the true essence of the Smoky Mountains that is otherwise engulfed with tourism. DH and I traveled the road on a Sunday and it was a little crowded. I didn't mind, but DH seems a little stressed by the narrow road, frequent stops, and stopping and starting so this definitely isn't... more

We went the Sunday of Labor Day weekend this year and wow did we regret that. Originally I wanted to do the horseback riding but it was an hour wait so we were like lets do the loop and then check back. It took us over 2 hours and we only stopped and saw 2 places. On days like that... more

We went in the afternoon last week. Very hot day. Do not go on a hot afternoon, you will not see anything. We went through the whole 11 mile loop and saw 1 little bear in the distance and one deer. Took about 2 hours to go through because the traffic and speed limit. Very beautiful scenary. We did not... more