Attractions

Things to Do in Cades Cove North Carolina

Things to Do in Cades Cove North Carolina

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. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. Motorcycle enthusiasts tie in Cades Cove with the Tail of the Dragon for a motorcycle sightseeing experience.

Seeing Cades Cove

An 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove, offering motorists the opportunity to sightsee at a leisurely pace. Allow at least two to four hours to tour Cades Cove, longer if you walk some of the area’s trails. Traffic is heavy during the tourist season in summer and fall and on weekends year-round. While driving the loop road, please be courteous to other visitors and use pullouts when stopping to enjoy the scenery or view wildlife.

An inexpensive self-guiding tour booklet available at the entrance to the road provides a map and information about the cove.

Only bicycle and foot traffic are allowed on the loop road until 10:00 a.m. every Saturday and Wednesday morning from early May until late September. Otherwise the road is open to motor vehicles from sunrise until sunset daily, weather permitting.

Half-way around the loop road there is a Cabin Mill historic area, visitors center and restrooms.

Multiple trails originate at the cove, including a roundtrip trail to Abrams Falls and the Cades Cove Nature Trail. Also starting at the cove are longer hikes to Thunderhead Mountain and Rocky Top.

Wildlife Viewing

White-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, turkeys and other wildlife are frequently spotted in the open valley of Cades Cove. Wildlife viewing tips.

About Stecoah RV Resort

Welcome to Stecoah Valley RV Resort, a western North Carolina RV resort and one of the last destinations for true unspoiled natural beauty! Stecoah Valley RV Resort is nestled in the majestic Smoky Mountains of Graham County in western North Carolina close to Deals Gap and The Tail of The Dragon.