Get started
Why list with usHow it worksEarnings calculatorManagement
Airbnb managementProperty managementVacation rental managementShort-term rental managementServiced apartment managementHoliday home managementAirbnb co-hostingChannels & tools
Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketing
Five-hour tour by van, including Cades Cove’s 11-mile loop, stops at historic sites, scenic views, and wildlife spotting opportunities.
This five-hour tour takes you around the Cades Cove area, following an 11-mile loop road that offers both historical insight and stunning views. You'll visit notable sites like a cabin built in 1822, a cemetery containing the graves of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 veterans, as well as a working grist mill. Wildlife such as deer, turkeys, bears, and coyotes may also make an appearance along the way.
The tour features several stops with limited or no walking required, though be prepared for two stops that involve a half-mile walk on pavement. Consider bringing your own lunch or purchasing meals from Smoky Mountain Guides to enjoy during the tour.
Reviews
Our guide, Philip, picked up my wife and me right outside our hotel. We were lucky to be the only two passengers in the van, making for a very private and almost intimate experience in Cades Cove. Phil was dedicated to ensuring we had the best time possible, and his extensive knowledge of the area was unmatched. He shared a wealth of photos on his phone showcasing the original residents and settlers, which vividly brought the scenery to life. Otherwise, it might have only been views of fields, streams, and historic buildings.
We thoroughly enjoyed our 5-hour tour of Cade’s Cove. Upon arrival at the designated coffee shop in Townsend, we found convenient free parking. The coffee there is worth trying before or after your tour. We were pleased to find ourselves in a comfortable 12-seat van, and since we were the only two participants, the experience felt very personalized. Our guide, Kindel, was exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly, tailoring the tour to our preferences. We decided which attractions to explore, and Kindel shared fascinating details and history about the vintage cabins, churches, and other sites, painting a vivid picture of early settlers' lives in the Cove. She was also skilled at identifying various trees, flowers, and unique natural features along our route. For lunch, arranged by the tour, we enjoyed a meal at a lesser-visited historic cabin, sitting on the porch while engaging in conversation with Kindel. We returned to our car on schedule, having had an informative and delightful experience in Cade’s Cove. I highly recommend this tour.
This tour is a must-do. Philip, our guide, was excellent. He had a wealth of knowledge and went above and beyond to ensure our satisfaction throughout the entire experience.
Phil was a fantastic guide, sharing extensive knowledge about the history of the people from Caves Cove. He pointed out former house locations and burial sites, and we had a lovely lunch by a tranquil brook. We even spotted bears, a turkey, a grouse, and two deer. I highly recommend this tour with Phil for history enthusiasts.
Our experience in the Great Smoky Mountains was wonderful, particularly the Cades Cove tour. Our guide, Phillip, shared fascinating tales about the early pioneers and the Cherokee Indians. We spotted several black bears and deer, captured many stunning photos, and enjoyed a picnic in the woods.
This journey provided the kind of experience we cherish. Our guide, Phillip Bateman, was outstanding, possessing an in-depth knowledge of the area's history and sharing captivating stories. He also had photos to illustrate how some now-absent sites once appeared. Phillip was kind, helpful, and genuinely entertaining. Thank you, Phillip, for making our tour a memorable one. Nancy and Carl Metzgar.
Our guide, Phillip, was fantastic. He entertained us throughout the trip with captivating stories about the people of Cade Cove. I can't wait to book a six-day journey next.
This experience exceeded our expectations! Having visited Gatlinburg for 45 years, we discovered new places we had never encountered before. Dave and Joan
We experienced some initial confusion when our guide sent the meeting address, and I mistakenly went to the one listed on our paperwork. I apologized multiple times, but our guide Phillip was incredibly understanding and took responsibility for the error. He showed great kindness to our 86-year-old mother, speaking loudly for her benefit and assisting her up a steep hill during the hike. Phillip was full of information but also checked in with us about our interests to ensure we enjoyed the day. He frequently stopped for photo opportunities, allowing us to spend as much time as we wanted at each location. It was a remarkable tour, and we highly recommend it for anyone looking to explore Cades Cove.
Phil, our guide, was outstanding. He had a deep knowledge of Cades Cove's history and offered superb commentary on the Smoky Mountains.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
Visiting Gatlinburg?
Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments — concierge always included.