7 Must-See Sights Along the Scenic Cades Cove Loop

Cades Cove is a Smoky Mountains valley famed for abundant wildlife, mountain views, and fascinating historic sites. Explore the Cove by driving the 11-mile, one-way loop road that embraces the valley. Let these highlights be your guide to Cades Cove.

1. John Oliver Cabin

The loop’s first stop is this log cabin, built around 1820 by the first permanent European-American settlers here. The cabin is the oldest existing human-made structure in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

2. Primitive Baptist Church

The Primitive Baptist Church was the first of the valley’s three congregations, established in 1827 (though the building here is post-Civil War). Inside, look for the handprints of the church’s carpenters on the ceiling. Outside, find the Cove’s oldest graves. 

3. Abrams Falls

The forceful cascade of Abrams Falls isn’t high, but carries so much water that its foaming roar is unforgettable. Take a break from driving and hike the five mile round trip to the falls. 

4. Cable Mill

If you have time for just one stop, make it Cable Mill, a working grist mill built around 1870. The area includes barns, a corn crib and a sorghum mill. The mill offers seasonal demonstrations, grinding grain and making delicious sorghum syrup. 

5. Cades Cove Nature Trail

The easy, two-mile Nature Trail leads you into the forest, where you’ll see colorful foliage in fall, delicate wildflowers in spring, and plenty of wildlife if you tread quietly! Raccoons, foxes, deer and even black bears might pop into view, so stay alert. Casual hikers and families may prefer this trail to the more strenuous Abrams Falls hike.

6. Dan Lawson Place

Postmaster and Justice of the Peace Dan Lawson built this 1856 cabin, which served as the Cove’s first post office. The cabin has a traditional Smokies “stranger’s room”--a room, often located on the front porch, where passing travelers could spend the night.

7. Tipton Place

Unusual cantilever barns have wide, overhanging roofs, giving farmers storage space and plenty of cover to keep animals out of the rain. Tennessee has the most cantilever barns in the world, and you can see a reconstructed one where an original stood, here at Tipton Place. 

Cades Cove gets busy during peak tourist periods in summer and fall, so hit the road early in the day, or visit in the off season. Choose a Gatlinburg cabin rental for your vacation–you’ll be close to Cades Cove, so you can visit again and again!