Your combo tour consists of a main Smoky Mountains tour as well as 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. As you continue past yet another incredible vista and another secluded walkway, you’ll also hear plenty of little-known park history.
As you continue toward Gatlinburg, you’ll also have the chance to check out the pristine Cataract Falls. In the town itself, you’ll pass the bizarre and famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not, a guaranteed family favorite stop! You’ll then see the Ogle Place, an old-timey homestead dating back to the 1800s. Then you’ll arrive at the astonishing Rainbow Falls, which absolutely live 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 you’ll see is the 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 the 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 a Civil War veteran as well. Finally, you’ll reach the Carter Shields Cabin, another idyllic homestead from a bygone era. Then you’ll continue on 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.
Self-guided tour taken via the Action Tour Guide app
Food or drinks
