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Access to one of the most popular cabins in the park: the John Oliver Cabin.


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Map Key

0.3

Miles

0.4

KM

97%

Runnable

1,880' 573 m

High

1,821' 555 m

Low

59' 18 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildlife

Closed when the Laurel Creek Road is closed from the Townsend Y to Cades Cove or when the Cades Cove Loop has been closed. For park road conditions, information can be found at twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps or by calling (865) 436-1200 and dialing extension 2, 2.

The Cades Cove Loop Road is also closed on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10:00 am to allow pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the loop road without traffic. However, you can walk or cycle to the trailhead if you want.

Runner Notes

Easy trail running on this, although you have to dodge all the people on the trail.

Description

The trailhead is located on the Cades Cove Loop Road, roughly 1 mile from the Cades Cove entrance. There is a small parking lot on the right after you pass the entrance Sparks Lane. If that lot is full, there is another parking area just ahead on the right. There is another trail that leads to the cabin that is the result of people cutting through the field.

The trail starts at the Cades Cove Loop Road and concludes at the John Oliver Cabin. John Oliver and his wife Lucretia were the first permanent settlers in Cades Cove, arriving in 1818. The cabin was built between 1822-1823, and remained in the family until the establishment of the national park. The cabin that sits before you is a replica, but provides insight into what living conditions were like for early settlers.

The trail is an easy 10 minute stroll through the woods by the field. It's a well worn path, as are 2 similar paths that cut through the fields. Take time to explore the cabin. Deer, turkeys, and bears have been seen in the fields, especially in the mornings and evenings as they come out to feed. There are great views of the Smokies' crest when you turn around and look across the field from the cabin.

If you are looking for quiet and solitude, this is not the route for you. This cabin is a very popular destination in the park, and lots of people get out of their cars to stretch their legs and take in the views.

Flora & Fauna

Deer, turkeys, coyotes, and bear have been seen in the fields in front of the cabin.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  2.8 from 4 votes

#18

in Cades Cove

#43766

Overall
  2.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
75%
2 Star
25%
1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#18

in Cades Cove

#822

in North Carolina

#43,766

Overall
3 Views Last Month
539 Since Sep 4, 2015
Easy Easy

100%
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Photos

The John Oliver cabin was constructed in the early 1820s and is one of the oldest structures in the Smokies.
Aug 27, 2023 near Wildwood, TN
Views of the Smoky Mountains spread out before you on the trail up to the John Oliver Cabin.
Aug 27, 2023 near Wildwood, TN

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