Cade’s Cove in the Great Smokey Mountains
The following is an excerpt from a blog post covering biking info in great detail. Visit the site for more:
Cades Cove Loop is an 11-mile loop, although our map link has it at 10 miles, which has you climbing 600 feet and descending 580. The average gradient (steepness of a hill) is 3.6%.
What does all of this mean? For a seasoned cyclist, it translates into an easy ride. For someone who doesn’t bike or who is not active, it will take some effort. But before you dismiss this as too strenuous, let’s consider all the facts.
We begin by discussing the loop road. It is a cyclist’s dream! This one-lane, one-way paved road is as smooth as silk. Smooth roads are easier to navigate, allowing you time to relax and enjoy the scenery instead of stressing over potholes or debris. They also require less energy to bike on compared to the bumpy tarmac. Lastly, smooth roads are gentler on your “you know what.” Toss in the fact that there are plenty of downhills to coast, and you have an enjoyable route that riders of any age and ability can complete.
Overview
The secret is out, this is one of the most spectacular ways to see the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee! Most of the park is off limits to bikes but Cade’s Cove is a beautiful exception well worth heading to to pedal!
Rentals
Cade’s Cove campground and general store rents bikes and is a great informational resource. https://cadescovetrading.com/bikes/
A quick search of "Cade’s Cove Bike Rentals" will yield more results of local bike rental facilities further outside the park entrance.
Fee Free Days
The Park has instituted several fee free days for this area where roads are closed to public traffic for cyclists to enjoy the area without interruption.