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A trail that allows you to enjoy the history, wildflowers, and views Cades Cove is known for.


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Map Key

3.4

Miles

5.4

KM

80%

Runnable

3,200' 975 m

High

1,882' 574 m

Low

1,434' 437 m

Up

155' 47 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

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

Description

The trailhead starts at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road. There is plenty of parking on the left as you approach the Cove entrance.

The trail crosses the road and follows it for about a quarter of a mile. On the left side of the trail there are open fields that the settlers used to farm, but are now maintained by the park service to give visitors an idea of what the area looked like when people settled the area. Horses are kept in the fields today, but you can often witness deer and turkeys feasting in the fields. The trail moves away from the road and the cars until it reaches the junction with the Crooked Arm Ridge Trail. The trail then crosses Harrison Branch twice before the John Oliver Cabin comes into view around 1.4 miles. Oliver came to Cades Cove in 1818 and built the cabin that sits before you. The trail passes the cabin, starts to follow Martha's Branch (named for Oliver's daughter) up to Leading Ridge, and leaves the crowds in Cades Cove behind.

A quarter of a mile up the trail on the right, an old chimney indicates an old homesite was once here. As the best land in the cove was settled, new settlers were forced to establish homesteads further up the mountain where farming was more difficult. Although the climb becomes steeper, the trail offers enjoyable views year round. In the winter, sweeping views of Cades Cove exist. Spring brings wildflowers blooming along the trail. In the summer, flame azaleas and rosebay rhododendrons provide beautiful decorations for the trail. At mile 3.0, a great view of Cades Cove awaits you as the trail begins to climb less steeply. The trail climbs a little further for the final .3 miles until it arrives at the Indian Grave Gap Trail junction.

From this point, you have a couple of options. You can return via the path that you just completed, or turn right and follow Indian Grave Gap Trail along the ridge line to Crooked Arm Ridge Trail, the trail that drops back down to Cades Cove. This makes for a great 8.5 mile loop that can be done as a day outing.

Flora & Fauna

Deer and turkeys often feed in the fields around where the horses are kept. Bears and coyotes can also be seen in the fields as they move around Cades Cove. Horses used by the riding stables can be seen in the fields as well.

Flame azaleas, rosebay rhododendron, and other wildflowers can be seen along the field.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 4 votes

#9

in Cades Cove

#23235

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

#9

in Cades Cove

#443

in North Carolina

#23,235

Overall
12 Views Last Month
1,532 Since Sep 4, 2015
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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
Looking up at the crest of the Smokies from Cades Cove.  Horses feed in the fields.
Feb 26, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
It was easy to spot this Female turkey feeding in the field from the Rich Mountain Trail.
Feb 26, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
A look back down the trail from the Rich Mountain Loop Trail junction.
Feb 19, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
Turkeys feeding in the fields near the Rich Mountain Loop.
Feb 26, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
Trail junction.
Feb 19, 2016 near Wildwood, TN

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