The most visited part of the Park--and for good reason. A favorite in the Fall, this 11-mile loop road is located in an idyllic setting and offers a self-guided tour of historic homesteads, preserved structures, and churches. Mountain vistas, beautiful pastureland, abundant wildlife, and a visitor's center allow the visitor a real feel for what it was like for the early settlers to the area.

The loop road also provides access to Parson Branch Road and Rich Mountain Road which exit on the NC and TN sides of the Park, respectively. An additional feature of Cades Cove is access to the trailhead to Abrams Falls, a relatively easy 5-mile roundtrip hike. From this trail, Abrams Creek bends away in a horseshoe shape to a secluded area favored by anglers for trout fishing. Plan on spending the entire day in Cades Cove.