Great Smoky & Cades Cove Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle

Welcome to the Full Smoky Mountains & Cades Cove Bundle Tour

Get the full Smoky Mountain experience with this ultimate combo tour! Explore these picturesque mountains, uncover the rich history of the Cherokee and early settlers, and discover why this is the most-visited national park in the country. You’ll discover beautiful overlooks, hiking trails, and waterfalls on one tour, then dive into the pioneer and Civil War history of Cades Cove with the next! If you don’t want to miss a thing, this is the deal for you. 

About the Bundle

Your combo tour consists of a main Smoky Mountains tour and a tour of scenic Cades Cove. The main tour begins at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. From there, you’ll head past the Mingus Mill, a remnant of a once-thriving town. As you drive, you’ll hear accounts of the Cherokee who once lived here, their legends, and their struggles to hold onto their land. Then you’ll arrive at the Beech Flats Quiet Walkway, a perfect spot for a meditative stroll through nature.

After that, you’ll come to the first major overlook: Charles Overlook. Once you’ve snapped some stunning photos, you’ll continue toward Clingman’s Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies. Atop that dome, you’ll also find an observation deck offering unparalleled views of the mountains.

Then you’ll come to the trail for Alum Cave, one of the most popular hikes in the park! After that is Chimney Tops Overlook, offering more phenomenal mountain views. Next up is another quiet walkway at Balsam Point, offering an easy wilderness walk for those looking to stretch their legs. You’ll also hear plenty of little-known park history as you continue past yet another incredible vista and another secluded walkway.

As you continue toward Gatlinburg, you’ll also have the chance to check out the pristine Cataract Falls. You’ll pass the bizarre and famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not in the town itself, a guaranteed family favorite stop! You’ll then see Ogle Place, an old-timey homestead dating back to the 1800s. Then you’ll arrive at the astonishing Rainbow Falls, which absolutely lives up to their name!

But that’s not the only waterfall you’ll see, as two more are not far off. Then there are the historic cabins of Ephraim Bales and Reagan Tub, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. Finally, you’ll reach the historic Ely’s Mill, which is still in operation today! The main tour concludes here, but there’s lots more on the Cades Cove tour!

Your tour of Cades Cove begins just west of Gatlinburg. From there, you’ll continue west toward the scenic loop.

The first landmark is John Oliver Place, once home to some of the first homesteaders to make a living here. After that, you’ll see the Primitive Baptist Church, one of three churches here dating back to the 1800s. As you visit the next two—the Methodist Church and the Missionary Baptist Church—you’ll uncover the devastating impact of the Civil War on this community.

Then it’s on to Elijah Oliver Place, a beautifully-preserved homestead offering an authentic look at early pioneer life. After that, you’ll have the option to hike to Abrams Falls, a secluded, powerful waterfall.

Next, you’ll reach Tipton Place, home to not only a Revolutionary War veteran but also a Civil War veteran. Finally, you’ll reach the Carter Shields Cabin, another idyllic homestead from a bygone era. Then you’ll continue toward the start of the loop as you hear about the last family to call the cove home. Your tour will conclude near the start of the loop.

2022 Updates

Entrance Fee
Entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free. The park is one of the few national parks where no entrance fees are charged. Find out why!

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.

Some vehicle types such as trailers, RVs, and buses are not allowed on some secondary roads in the park, including Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

The National Park Service introduced a new pilot system for parking reservations for Laurel Falls. Check the National Park Service website for updates on parking reservations for 2022.