This trail is a well used, one mile (round trip), out and back, beginning at the Cades Cove Loop Road. The surface is well maintained, consisting of compacted dirt and gravel. Since this trail is easy to walk, very short, located in Cades Cove, and has several buildings to see, it is crowded. You will never walk alone on this trail.
GATLINBURG, TN (GSMNP) - The narrow road contributes to the feeling you are hiking on a trail, but without the exertion. Trees rise to the sky mere inches from the road and the canopy provides shade for the drive. White-tail deer and black bears roaming around is not unusual. More than 1,500 black bears are home in the Smoky Mountains, and you may see one or two.
Several historic buildings are situated along the trail. Homer Bales Barn, Alex Cole Cabin, Reagan Tub Mill, and Ephraim Bales Cabin are points of interest you may want to explore. While some visitors remain in their cars, we recommend getting out and enjoying a walking tour.
CADES COVE, TN (GSMNP) - Cades Cove is one of the most serene and pastoral places to be found anywhere on earth. The breathtaking views of pastureland, majestic trees, rolling hills, sunsets, and wandering animals are incomparable.
As one makes his way through this glorious valley, reminders are everywhere, that in the not too distant past, this place was also home to a small group of American pioneers.