If Friday’s all-day drive was enough “spirited” driving for you, you may want to spend your Saturday afternoon “free time” leisurely navigating Cades Cove Loop.
The eleven mile tour through Cades Cove begins at the Cades Cove Parking Area, where informational signs give the first description of this scenic valley. The loop follows many of the curves and courses that settlers forged years ago. Along the way you will likely come upon wildlife.
Traffic is one way on the asphalt surfaced Loop Road. Much of it is an old roadway with its natural grades and turns. Fords across streams have been retained but are surfaced with concrete aprons in order to make them passable when streams are high.
Though this is a driving trail, you must get out of your car and experience the tranquil beauty of the trails, wildlife and scenery. Please remember on your visit that the wildlife is wild and it is unlawful to attempt to feed animals. For your safety and the safety of others, do not climb over fences or leave gates open. And please do not drive on or in the fields.
If you are interested in this drive, there will be maps and directions made available at Okteenerfest.
Cades Cove Loop