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

Cades Cove Run

Motorcycle Route Author

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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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Guest
June 18, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Weekends and weekday afternoons will find Cades Cove loop road jammed up and jelly tight but sunrise is awesome with hundreds of deer and maybe a bear.Also check for special Cycle Only days.
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Graybush
March 11, 2012
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
This is one of my favorite roads in the area. I rode it from Townsend back to Gatlinburg a couple of times last summer. This road is just twisty enough to be fun but not so much so that you can't enjoy it.
The road follows a river for the part that I rode and you cross it a couple of times so regardless which direction you travel, you will be next to rock faces at times and next to the river at times. There are plenty of pull offs to stop and take pictures, wander around, or splash in the water if you want.
Make sure to pay attention to the speed limit in the park section near Gatlinburg. With no or limited traffic, this road can be a blast.
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Guest
July 29, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
As per other reviews, Cades Cove is some of the most beautiful scenery you'll see in the Smoky's; however, be prepared to have your feet down and clutching continuously for 1-3 hours. If not for the heavy traffic would be a good cycle ride, but next time I ride it it will be on 4 wheels.
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