How Early Can You Drive Cades Coves Scenic Route?

What is the earliest time you can visit Cades Cove? It’s essential to note that while Cades Cove Loop Road is generally accessible year-round, some secondary roads leading to the area may close during certain seasons. The Cades Cove Loop Road itself is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty and historical sites during these hours.

“What is the latest you can enter Cades Cove?” refers to the entrance hours for Cades Cove, a popular destination with a picnic area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Cades Cove Picnic Area is available for visitors throughout the year. While there is no pavilion, it offers more than 80 picnic spots for visitors to enjoy. Generally, the picnic area is open until sunset. However, during the summer months from May through August, it remains open until 8 p.m. Please note that the specific date mentioned, April 19, 2023, may not be representative of the usual operating hours and should be verified closer to your visit.

What is the optimal route to access Cades Cove? The entrance closest to Cades Cove is located in Townsend, Tennessee. To reach this entrance, you can follow TN-73 E into the park and then proceed southwest on Laurel Creek Road, which will lead you directly to Cades Cove. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you can enter the park by taking TN-441 south, passing through Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge until you reach the Sugarlands Visitor Center. This visitor center also serves as a gateway to Cades Cove.