Cades Cove is not only home to incredible historic buildings and an incredible scenic drive, but also several amazing hiking trails! If you’re looking for a short trail that won’t take too much time, try hiking the Cades Cove Nature Trail. Read on to learn more about it!
| Trail Length | 2 Miles |
| Trail Difficulty | Easy |
| Trail Highlights | Creek, Wildlife, and Solitude |
Directions to the Trailhead
The trailhead for the Cades Cove Loop Nature Trail can be found at about 7 miles into the 11-mile one-way Cades Cove Loop Road, just past the Cades Cove Visitor Center. The loop is a very popular scenic drive year-round, so expect some traffic on the way. While the parking area may seem busy, the trail itself is typically quiet, offering a sense of solitude in the scenic valley. Once you’re parked at the trailhead, make sure to purchase a Smoky Mountain parking tag for your vehicle before starting your adventure. You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to look at all the beauty and just enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Trail Description
The Cades Cove Nature Trail goes in a circle and is about 2 miles roundtrip. The terrain is flat and ideal for a leisurely hike. Look up high into the tall trees. They have lots of leaves that provide shade in the warmer months. There is also a shallow creek to cross over. Make sure to use the bridge with the handrail to avoid walking over the slippery rocks. Along with the natural scenery, you may have the exciting opportunity to see some animals. Cades Cove is best known for its large population of black bears. You may also see deer and even wild turkeys. Additionally, look closely into the creek to spot some fish and salamanders.
Read our tips on what to do if you see a black bear while hiking!
Why You’ll Love The Cades Cove Nature Trail
Need a little more convincing? Here are some of the reasons why we think you’ll love the Cades Cove Nature Trail:
- Easily Accessible: The trailhead isn’t hard to get to, as you can reach it from Cades Cove Loop Road. Parking is also easy to find!
- Easy Trail: This is a short trail with flat terrain. It is great for visitors who want to admire the scenery but can’t walk too far.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love exploring this trail! It will be exciting to see all the plants and look for animals.
- Close to the Visitor Center: This trail is close to the Cades Cove Visitor Center, which has lots of great resources, such as maps and books. You can also talk to a park ranger and stock up on hiking essentials like water and first-aid supplies!
- Year-Round Beauty: The Cades Cove Nature Trail’s beauty changes with the seasons. For example, there are wildflowers on the trail in the warmer months, while bright colors adorn the leaves in the fall.
Now you know all about the Cades Cove Nature Trail! Want to learn about other amazing hikes in the area? Check out our other list of hiking trails in Cades Cove to know about!
