Overall Route Rating
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3.3 out of 5 Rider Rating 3.3
14 Reviews

Cades Cove Run

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Dec 31, 2003

Rider Reviews

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Guest
June 18, 2009
Weekends and weekday afternoons will find Cades…
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Graybush
March 11, 2012
This is one of my favorite roads in the area. I…
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Written Directions

You'll find this route in the western part of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. To get to Cades Cove Road, you'll need to start in the main entrance to the park which is near Gatlinburg Tennessee on US 441. Head into the park on US 441 and after only a mile or two, look for the signs for Cades Cove. Just follow the signs from there on out and get ready for Cades Cove Loop which is an 11 mile one way loop that takes a few hours to get through on account of the traffic density.

Scenery

This is one of the most beautiful rides I know of. It's 27 miles in and 27 out. This ride follows a river and has scenery that will take your breath away. Update provided by Miller5573 on 5/30/12: ""

Drive Enjoyment

This two-lane road is nothing but mountains and river. Cades Cove is in a National park so the road is very well maintained. It basically follows the contour of the river so it's exciting as it twists and turns. There are rock overhangs and a couple of small bridges. However, take is at a reasonable pace so you wont miss the natural beauty.

Note: Please keep the speed to something reasonable. Running 110 in a 45 gives us all a bad name and spoils the fun for everybody.

Tourism Opportunities

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Tennessee are right at the entrance to this natural area. However, once you get in there are no amenities. So fill up immediately before taking this ride. Update provided by Miller5573 on 5/30/12: "The is a winding two lane highway that traverses rolling hills with trees on both sides and some trailheads for nature walks (hikes). A mouton stream follows alongside a good portion of the road. The road ends in Cades Cove, a secluded, primitive community located in a beautiful valley within the Great Smokey Mtns. There is an eleven mile, one way, loop road that takes you around the perimeter of the valley with abundant wildlife viewings possible, mostly bear, deer, and wild turkey. An absolutely gorgeous place in the Spring and Fall."

Motorcycle Road Additional info

Update provided by Miller5573 on 5/30/12: "Many hiking trails, camping in Cades Cove. No restaurants however there is a general store by the campgrounds that has cold sandwiches and snack food including ice cream." - View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Cades Cove web site - Great Smoky Mountain National Park web site
 

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Brainsprain
January 29, 2016
36 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
My girl friend and I had a great time on this road. The original poster said there is nothing once you get on the road. Once you get toe Cades Cove Loop that is true. However there is a considerable distance from the park entrance to the Loop on Little Gorge Road, one can follow the signs to Townsend where there is a nice entrance. One nice part of the trip is places to pull off and lie by the creek in near private despite the road being close by. We took a nap and other things without being disturbed for about an hour. The day was as busy as I'd ever want to be on the road.
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Guest
December 15, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
cades cove is great on a bike I go every fourth of july {on or about}I have seen many deer bear and turkey take your time stop at all the old cabins alot of history....newer riders or less skilled riders may have a problem on some of the roads in cades cove, but my wife has been riding 6 months and had no problem, shes 5'4" 115 pounds so all i can say is enjoy the ride
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Guest
August 18, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Standard
The roads were not the best but the scenery and animals were fantastic. It was a cool, drizzly day when we went, so many animals were out including a mother bear and her cub. If you want a slow, scenic ride with wildlife, don't miss this.
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