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Cades Cove Nature Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.5 (16)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. …Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  5. Cades Cove
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“A great loop full of wildlife and historic structures. ”

Parker Hertenstein
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0.8

Miles

1.3

KM

Loop

2,148' 655 m

High

1,942' 592 m

Low

210' 64 m

Up

198' 60 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

24%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Gives your kids a new appreciation for wildlife.

Description

Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. This short loop allows you to experience the rich history of the valley as you you'll pass through open fields, dense forest, and over creeks. This loop is a memorable trip you'll never forget, and you may want to come back every year. At the beginning of this trail is a campground that is open year round.

Flora & Fauna

The area is home to many diverse animal species, from turkeys and deer to bear. You may even catch sight of a fox!

Contacts

Local Club: Smoky Mountains Hiking Club

Land Manager: NPS - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Shared By:

Parker Hertenstein with improvements by Jay Fulton
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 16 votes

#1

in Cades Cove

#500

Overall
  4.5 from 16 votes
5 Star
56%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Cades Cove

#7

in North Carolina

#500

Overall
13 Views Last Month
5,635 Since Sep 4, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
8%
17%
67%
0%
8%
0%

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 6, 2026
Avrohom Ausband
Jun 18, 2026
Anonymous
Apr 21, 2024
Rachel Solorio
Apr 14, 2024
Jacee Reihing
Mar 25, 2024
Anson Han
0.8mi — 4h 48m
Nov 24, 2023
Summer King
Nov 1, 2023
Connie Ruiz
Sep 5, 2023
Aaron Fagerwick
Saw a mother black bear and two cubs 0.9mi — 0h 24m

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