Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Townsend, US
66% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (77 reviews)
Self-guided - entry to attractions not included

Included

  • inclusion
    Other
    Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
  • inclusion
    Other
    One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Other
    No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Meeting Point

Begin from 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Meeting point

107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 , United States

End point

End Point

ADDITIONAL NOTE: Between May and September, Cyclists and pedestrians have exclusive usage of the Cades Cove Loop Road every Wednesday. No other vehicles are allowed during this time.

Meeting point

10050 Campground Dr, Townsend, TN 37882 , United States

End point

What to expect

1
Cades Cove Visitor Center

Your tour of Cades Cove begins near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. From here, you'll drive down a scenic route to reach the main attraction: Cades Cove Loop. Note: The tour is over 35+ miles long, with more than 40+ audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
2

John Oliver Place

The first landmark you'll encounter is the John Oliver Place, a historic homestead dating back to the early 1800s.

Duration 10 minutes
3

Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church

Next up is the Primitive Baptist Church, one of three historic churches in Cades Cove which offers a window into the area's past.

Duration 10 minutes
4

Cades Cove Methodist Church

Past that is the Methodist Church, which cost only $115 to build when it was constructed in 1902!

Duration 10 minutes
5

Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church

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Then there's the Missionary Baptist Church, which split off from the Primitive Baptist Church during the early days of Cades Cove due to ideological divides.

Duration 5 minutes
6

Elijah Oliver Cabin

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Continuing on, you'll come to the Elijah Oliver Place, accessible via a half-mile trail. This secluded homestead once belonged to an abolitionist who found himself in grave danger when the Civil War broke out.

Duration 5 minutes
7

Abrams Falls Trail

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Up next is the Abrams Falls Trail, which takes hikers to a powerful waterfall hidden deep in the wilderness.

Duration 10 minutes
8

Cades Cove Historical Grist Mill

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After that, you'll see the John Cable Grist Mill. This mill dates back to 1870 and you can still see it in operation today!

Duration 10 minutes
9

Henry Whitehead House

From the John Cable Grist Mill, you'll have the option to make a detour to the Henry Whitehead House. This pleasant cabin was actually built as a wedding gift!

Duration 10 minutes
10

Tipton Rd

Next on your route is Tipton Place, which was once home to a war hero of the American Revolution..

11

Carter Shields Cabin

Finally, you'll come next to the Carter Shields Cabin, a staunchly abolitionist home that lost much during the Civil War. There are many stories that you'll hear along the way, including • A Cherokee Homeland • White Settlers Arrive in Cades Cove • Smokies Wildlife • The Cussing Cover • Last Family who lived in Cades Cove and more. Explore the captivating Great Smoky Mountains and the stunning Cades Cove by purchasing our special bundle that includes both destinations.

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    A valid parking tag is required for vehicles parked for longer than 15 minutes anywhere within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • Additional information
    At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
  • Additional information
    Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday from May 6 through September 30, 2026, giving cyclists and pedestrians exclusive access.
  • Additional information
    Check current road, trail, and weather conditions before your visit, as temporary closures may affect the tour route.
  • Additional information
    Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
  • Additional information
    Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
  • Additional information
    Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
  • Additional information
    Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
  • Additional information
    Laurel Falls Trail is currently closed for rehabilitation. Check current conditions before planning a visit to the trail.
  • Additional information
    Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
  • Additional information
    More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
  • Additional information
    Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
  • Additional information
    The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
  • Additional information
    There are no gas stations inside the park, so fill your tank before entering.
  • Additional information
    Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Provided by Travel with Action

What our experts say

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    Start early to avoid crowds.
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    Bring snacks for breaks along the way.
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    Consider visiting the nearby Sugarlands Visitor Center.
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    Check for wildlife sightings in the early morning.
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    Use Bluetooth to connect your phone for audio.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Embark on a captivating journey through the picturesque beauty of Cades Cove with the self-guided driving audio tour. This immersive experience offers a unique blend of natural scenery and rich history, making it a must-visit destination in the Smoky Mountains. From sparkling waterfalls and lush hiking trails to historic churches, Cades Cove is a treasure trove of sights and stories that will leave you awe-inspired.

What to expect?

During this self-guided tour, you can expect to be immersed in the beauty and history of Cades Cove for a duration of 180 to 300 minutes. Starting near the Sugarlands Visitor Center, you'll drive along a scenic route to reach the main attraction, the Cades Cove Loop. Along the way, you'll encounter various landmarks and points of interest, such as the John Oliver Place, Primitive Baptist Church, Methodist Church, and Missionary Baptist Church. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the Elijah Oliver Place, Abrams Falls Trail, John Cable Grist Mill, Henry Whitehead House, Tipton Place, and Carter Shields Cabin. Each step of the journey is accompanied by fascinating commentary on topics ranging from Cherokee history to the last family to inhabit Cades Cove.

Who is this for?

This self-guided driving audio tour is designed for all travelers who appreciate the wonders of nature and the allure of history. Whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple seeking a romantic escape, or a family looking for an enriching experience, Cades Cove has something for everyone. Even photography enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the stunning landscapes and well-preserved structures in this historic cove. This tour is not restricted to any particular age group, making it ideal for both the young and the young at heart.

Why book this?

What sets this self-guided driving audio tour apart is the freedom it offers. You can explore at your own pace, stopping whenever you desire to admire the surroundings, take memorable photographs, or soak in the serenity of the Smoky Mountains. The audio guide provides invaluable insights, telling stories of resilience, heritage, and the forces that shaped Cades Cove. With lifetime validity, this tour ensures that you can return to relish the beauty and history of Cades Cove whenever you please.

Good to know

Before your visit, it's important to note that this tour is not an entrance ticket. Make sure to check the opening hours to plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, between May and September, cyclists and pedestrians have exclusive usage of the Cades Cove Loop Road every Wednesday, with no other vehicles allowed during this time. To make the most of this experience, be sure to have a well-charged smartphone and a reliable internet connection for accessing the Tour Guide App by Action and following the audio instructions seamlessly.

Reviews

Customers who have embarked on this self-guided driving audio tour have been thoroughly impressed with the breathtaking landscapes and the wealth of historical information woven into the journey. They applaud the flexibility and convenience offered by the tour, enabling them to delve deeper into the stories of Cades Cove at their own pace. Many have been enthralled by the hidden gems they discovered along the way, such as Abrams Falls and the John Cable Grist Mill. Overall, visitors rave about the unforgettable experience of immersing themselves in the natural beauty and intriguing past of Cades Cove through this self-guided driving audio tour.

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