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Cades Cove Loop Road

Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile drive to enjoy alongside your four-legged traveling companion. Located approximately 27 miles outside of Gatlinburg, near the town of Townsend, TN, this scenic road allows visitors an opportunity to sightsee at a leisurely pace. The route also offers the best wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and gives access to dog-friendly hiking trails. Visit Website

Or call (865) 436-1200 for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Cades Cove Loop Road has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 bones by 17 canine critics on BringFido and 4.5 out of 5 by 657 guests on TripAdvisor.


Visitors report that the Cades Cove Loop Road offers breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife sightings, including bears, deer, and turkeys. Some travelers note that while dogs are allowed on the loop, they must remain in vehicles for safety reasons due to the presence of bears.

AI-generated from the text of reviews

  • April
    Oct 17, 2023
    Journey loved his rides through Cades Cove

    Journey loved his rides through Cades Cove. He loved the horses, deer, and turkeys. We followed rules and didn't get him out, but lots of people had their dogs out at buildings and pull off areas. Wish dogs could do some of the trails, since we love hiking.

  • Vanesa
    Sep 22, 2023
    Great as long as your dog is not reactive

    Our dog slept for most of the ride, since we took a long walk before that, but she still looked for very intrigued by some of the animals. We saw a bear, coyotes and a deer.

  • Maria
    Aug 3, 2023
    Great scenic ride

    We took this ride with our dog. we got to see deer, coyotes, and a Bear! we were able to walk with our dog in the visitors area and she was sooo happy! loved the ride!

  • Aletha
    Jun 13, 2023
    Beautiful scenery!

    We had perfect weather on our most recent trip to Cades Cove, and we were fortunate to see one grown bear and three cubs, horses and turkeys. Tasia loved the ride!

  • Julie
    Sep 11, 2022
    Absolutely Beautiful

    We visited Cades Cove during our family vacation and brought our pup along. Although we couldn't take him into any of the buildings, we still had a great time taking in all the scenery and learning of the history of Cades Cove! It was such a relaxing time taking in all the beauty!

  • Karen
    Jul 6, 2022
    Walk the loop road

    We took our two Aussies on a Wednesday when the park closes the loop road to vehicles. We were allowed to walk on the road with our dogs and went early not to be in the heat of the day. We saw a momma bear and 3 cubs and kept our distance. The bikers on the loop were very respectful to our space with the dogs.

    Note - the loop is 11 miles around. We walked two and turned around back to our car. Our dogs loved the outdoor exercise!

  • Hannah
    Jun 11, 2022
    Got to see some bears … and tons of tourists

    We knew that our dog was not allowed out of the car for this but we didn’t realize that this loop involves driving at a snails pace behind people smoking and blasting music in ATVs. If you have a very small dog and you use a back pack or carrier to hold your dog, I’d recommend doing this on a day when only bikes are allowed.

  • John
    May 21, 2022
    Great drive

    Get there early and really see the bears. Our drive was fun and we got to see many animals. Our dog did get to watch from the back window. Again I feel there should be more access for dogs.

  • Samantha
    Jul 11, 2021
    Beautiful views

    Although you stay in your car for this it was truly beautiful. It was fun to include the dog as she enjoys having her window down and taking in the sights. It can get backed up sometimes so allow plenty of time. We actually saw a black bear so that was cool. Definitely a must do if you are in the area.

  • Kaila
    Jul 16, 2019
    Great Time

    We drove around two and a half hours to get to Cades Cove and stopped at the picnic area to grill... Our dog Gidget loves going. She met other friendly dog and people, ate a hotdog, and overall had a great time... Next we went around the loop and we had let her out of the car to walk and nobody said anything so we continued to walk. I personally don’t see why people are making a big deal about them not getting out of the car. 😕 Overall we had a wonderful time 🤗

  • Shannon
    Jun 21, 2018
    Loved the senic loop

    We played Jurassic park sound track as we drove through. We saw 5 bears, 3 wild turkeys and one deer. Was a pretty cool day. Our dogs enjoyed the leisure ride but had to roll up the window once when we got real close to a bear. Can't take your chances. I can see why walking around with the pups isn't very safe. Some amazing views. Be patient if there are a lot of folks taking the loop as well. Not for you if your in a hurry and beware of zero phone service in the area. Great opportunity to unwind and make a day of it.

  • Lucy
    More than a year ago
    Dogs and Bears

    The Park tells dog owners NOT to bring animals to historic buildings or on trails, for the safety of people and dogs. Because of the numerous bears, a dog's safety is in jeopardy when taken into the woods, on trails, or in buildings. The bears have a sense of smell 100x more powerful than a human's therefore becoming an attraction for the bears to the pets. Not a pretty scenerio. Pets can walk on the Loop Road, on leash, at Orientation Shelter area, Visitor Center, along Abrams Trail road and parking area and to creek for a drink of water. Due to warm weather, the suggestion is to leave pets at home. Do not leave a dog in a car during warm days.

  • Melissa
    More than a year ago
    Cades Cove

    Although we love Cades Cove so much, we were very dissapointed to drive there with a 2-yr old and 9-yr old, and a 9 lb dachshund just be told we cant take the dog out of the car. We have seen many people there before over the last ten yrs with dogs, so we just assumed we could bring our pet. Its an awesome place, but not for our fur babies. Thats what I get for assuming!

  • Camille
    More than a year ago
    Not for an explorative pup

    This is not what I would call a dog friendly activity. According to the park ranger the dogs are allowed on the loop, but only in the car and in the parking lots. That means that if you stop to get out and explore your pup has to stay in the car. The views are beautiful making it hard to resist letting the dog run around in the fields. If you don't plan to get out of the car bring your dog. Otherwise it is not worth it.

  • Christine
    More than a year ago
    Paradise

    Love that place, really, me and my husband go there every year for holidays with our dog Chakkie, that is like paradise for dogs
    Christine

  • Rob
    More than a year ago
    Cades Cove

    I would love it if they had even a couple of trails that you could take your dog on a leash. We have a Yorkie that is bonded to us like a human child and we can not leave him in a kennel. We love coming to Cades Cove and hick some trails. Just wish we could hick some.

  • Donna
    More than a year ago
    Cades Cove Loop Road

    Cades Cove is my idea of heaven on earth. I have been there many times, as I love to take pictures and paint them later. The area looks different every time I see it, sunup or sundown. Absolutely beautiful; very relaxing day.

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Area Info

Cades Cove Loop Road