Eight hours gives you the freedom to explore the western side of the Smokies — including the legendary Cades Cove Scenic Loop and the beautiful Little River Gorge Road, two routes that most short-term renters never get to experience.
Recommended Route: Little River Gorge Road + Cades Cove
Start at 385 E Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 and head toward the Sugarlands Visitor Center, then take Little River Road west toward Townsend. This route follows the Little River through a stunning gorge with:
The Sinks — a dramatic waterfall and swimming hole
Multiple scenic pull-offs along the river
Dense forest with some of the most photogenic spots in the park
Continue to the Cades Cove Scenic Loop — an iconic 11-mile one-way loop via Laurel Creek Road through a wide, open valley surrounded by mountains. Cades Cove is famous for:
Historic churches and homesteads preserved from the 1800s
A working grist mill (Cable Mill) you can walk through
Prime wildlife viewing — deer, black bear, wild turkey, and occasionally elk
Wide-open valley views framed by mountain ridges
What's Included
Full tank of gas, National Park pass, trail map, and safety orientation. Pack a cooler with lunch — there are plenty of scenic spots for a picnic.
Who Is This For?
Wildlife enthusiasts — Cades Cove has the highest concentration of wildlife in the park
History buffs who want to explore preserved 19th-century Appalachian homesteads
Families looking for a full-day adventure with variety — rivers, waterfalls, valleys, and mountains
Photographers who want golden hour light in Cades Cove
Good to Know
Street-legal UTVs only — no off-roading permitted
Cades Cove can get very crowded mid-day, especially on weekends and holidays
The full loop is one-way — once you start, you're committed to the 11-mile circuit
Allow 45-60 minutes for the drive from Gatlinburg to Cades Cove each way
Pro tip: Visit Cades Cove early morning or late evening for the best wildlife viewing and the least traffic. Bears and deer are most active at dawn and dusk.