Cades Cove is one of the most beloved destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park — and for good reason. This scenic 6,000-acre valley is known for mountain views, abundant wildlife, preserved homesteads, historic churches, old cemeteries, and the powerful stories of the people who once called this valley home.

This guided Cades Cove tour lets you experience one of the most popular areas of the Smokies without the stress of driving. Cades Cove can get crowded, especially during peak season, so leave the traffic, parking, and slow-moving loop road to us while you relax in our comfortable passenger van.

Your Cades Cove wildlife and history tour begins at Sugarlands Visitor Center, with beautiful stops along the way as we travel toward the famous Cove. Once inside Cades Cove, our experienced naturalist guides will bring the valley to life through stories of the Cherokee presence, early European settlers, Appalachian families, farming communities, and daily life in this isolated mountain valley.

Along the way, you’ll visit historic cabins, churches, cemeteries, and scenic overlooks while learning why Cades Cove remains one of the most treasured places in the Smokies. It is also one of the best areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to look for wildlife. Wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and the iconic black bear are often seen here, making every Cades Cove tour a little different.

This relaxed Smoky Mountain guided tour is a memorable way to experience Cades Cove’s history, scenery, and wildlife — with the driving handled by guides who know the Cove well.

Best for: History lovers, wildlife watchers, families, photographers, first-time Smokies visitors, and guests looking for a comfortable guided Cades Cove tour in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.