By Ann Johnson
Primitive Baptist Church, Cades Cove Loop, Smoky Mountains National Park. Photo by Ann Johnson.
A Sunday afternoon drive is not the best way to experience the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along U.S. 441 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
This destination is an 11-mile loop on a small one-way road with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour. Hiking, bike paths, and horseback trails are abundant. Tranquil streams dart in and out, which are perfect for tubing on this scenic path. The Primitive Baptist Church, along with cabins and barns, is surrounded by large meadows with mountain views.
Commencing this journey, one of the first things you notice is a green canopy that suddenly appears as a tunnel of nature. Your car is engulfed by the countryside, and you begin to travel back to a more unpretentious time.
Tubers along the Cades Cove Loop. Photo by Ann Johnson.
The streams and mountain views are very popular among photographers and artists, making lasting memories in photographs or on canvases. A short hike along the creeks and streams will lead you to beautiful waterfalls. The falls and the tucked-away cabins make for a perfect place to picnic or to make a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Many people use these places as backdrops for weddings or family photos.
The rippling water dancing over the river rocks and the sweet scent of the abundant wildflowers make this a perfect place to enjoy the real sights and sounds of nature.
One of the meadows holds beautiful horses available for rent along the many horseback riding paths. You may see the horses lingering around in the pastures while driving by. Visit the Cades Cove Stables for more information on these rentals.
Here are several of the more recognizable structures on the Loop:
John Oliver Cabin, Cades Cove Loop, Smoky Mountain National Park.
One of the first cabins you come across is the John Oliver cabin. The cabin remained in the Oliver family for more than a century and is the park’s oldest standing structure.
The Primitive Baptist Church is one of the latest buildings to be added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Another cabin that comes into view is the Dan Lawson Place. The original brick chimney is still in place today.
Further along is the Tipton place. An interesting fact is that the owner, Colonel Hamp Tipton, never lived in it. His daughters, Lucy and Lizzie, lived in the cabin, and they are still remembered as schoolteachers in the Cove.
Not only is this a great area for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring, it is also filled with plenty to see from the car or short walks. This makes it perfect for seniors or families with small children. The drive can last for a couple of hours or become an all-day excursion depending on your stops and activities.
If you are planning to travel to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, visit Cades Cove Scenic Loop for a step back into history. This is a day trip I highly recommend when visiting the Great Smokies.
Don’t forget to check out the Cades Cove Trading Company for bike rentals, food, and firewood for camping. Please review the rules of bringing your own firewood into the campgrounds before you get there, and as always, be a responsible camper.
Author Ann Johnson.
©Ann Johnson, 2017, updated March 2027.
About the Author: Ann Johnson is a Florida-based freelance travel writer who enjoys traveling, photography, writing, and cooking. “I am always in search of the next great bakery. A passion learned from my grandmother.” Contact Ann at – Annj.travels@gmail.com
More Information:
Also See:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Legend of Daisy Town: A Journey Through Time in the Smoky Mountains
Tennessee – The Volunteer State