Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Townsend, US
74% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (58 reviews)

Highlights

  • Gorgeous natural scenery in the Smoky Mountains
  • Rich history and historic landmarks in Cades Cove
  • Sparkling waterfalls and lush hiking trails
  • Fascinating stories and narratives along the route
  • Lifetime validity for the self-guided audio tour

Meeting Point

After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." 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: This 25+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Cades Cove in 3-5 hours. 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

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

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

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

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
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and text with instructions: • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password • Download the tour MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular Works offline after download
  • Additional information
    How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
  • Additional information
    Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Additional information
    Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
  • Additional information
    Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
  • Additional information
    Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Provided by Travel with Action

What our experts say

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

Select Currency