Cades Cove Visitor Center
Located approximately halfway up Cades Cove’s 11-mile loop road, the Cades Cove Visitor Center sits within the historic Cable Mill area of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Originally used as a hunting ground by the Cherokee, the area was settled by pioneers in the 1820s. These early pioneers found the land suitable for growing corn and within a few years, the small settlement grew into a thriving community centered around a mill. At its peak, the Cable Mill region was home to a blacksmith, distillery, post office, churches and many homesteads.
Luckily for today’s visitors, much of the original settlement has been preserved under the supervision of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A trip to the Visitor Center is a great starting point for exploring the Cable Mill and surrounding Cades Cove areas. Inside, visitors will find maps, booklets and informational brochures, which help shed light on navigation through Cades Cove and the park itself. In addition, there is a gift shop full of souvenirs, books, t-shirts and more. Park rangers are often found within the visitor center and are happy to answer questions about the park from tourists.
The History of the Visitor Center
While the visitor center was built in the 1970s, many of the buildings surrounding it are from the mid-1800s and are open to visitors. Built in 1879, the Gregg-Cable House is a popular attraction near the visitor’s center. Originally set up as a general store, the Cable family operated the store on the ground floor of the house while occupying the second floor. The home is considered to be the first frame home built in Cades Cove and has stood up well over the decades.
Apart from the Gregg-Cable House, we’ve relocated several other historic buildings from different parts of Cades Cove to the Cable Mill area for the convenience of our visitors. After a stop at the visitor center, tourists are welcome to view the local barn, corn crib, smokehouse and old molasses furnace. The fully-functioning Grist Mill is perhaps the area’s largest attraction. The mill, constructed in the 1860s, continues to operate fully, with millers overseeing its daily operations. Visitors are welcome to tour the mill and can even purchase the corn flour it produces.
The visitor center is open daily, with the only exception being Christmas day. Opening hours vary by season, but the center generally opens at 9:00 am, closing at 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm in the winter and summer respectively. Access to the visitor center, restrooms and paths around the Cable Mill area are wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed in the center, surrounding fields or any of the historic buildings in the Cable Mill area. If visiting in the summer, keep in mind that the Cable Mill area and Cades Cove Visitor Center can become very busy. Due to the nature of the roads, snow can lead to the closure of the visitor center in the winter. However, so long as the weather permits, the Visitor Center if open year round.
Additional Information:
Visitor Center Hours
Open every day except Christmas Day.
| January | 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| February | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| March | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| April – August | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| September – October | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| November | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| December | 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Closures & Seasonal Exception
Holidays
2024–2025
| Holiday | Date | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2025 | 9:00 AM–4:30 PM |
| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | January 20, 2025 | 9:00 AM–4:30 PM |
| Washington’s Birthday | February 19, 2024 | 9:00 AM–4:30 PM |
| Memorial Day | May 27, 2024 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19, 2024 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Independence Day | July 4, 2024 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Labor Day | September 2, 2024 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Columbus Day | October 14, 2024 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Veterans Day | November 11, 2024 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 28, 2024 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2024 | Closed |
Location of Cades Cove Visitor Center
About half way through the Cades Cove Loop Road.
Special Park Programs
The Visitor Center offers programs seasonally which are led by the Park rangers. Check in with visitor center for times.
Exhibits
The Cades Cove Visitor Center houses Indoor and outdoor exhibits of Appalachian life and culture. Exhibits include Cable Mill, the grist mill which still operates from the Spring through Fall, the Cable house, and several other historic structures throughout the cove.
Q&As
Q: Where is the Cades Cove Visitor Center located?
A: The Cades Cove Visitor Center is located approximately halfway up Cades Cove’s 11-mile loop road, nestled within the historic Cable Mill area of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. This scenic location has a rich history, originally inhabited by the Cherokee and later settled by pioneers in the 1820s.
Q: What can visitors expect to find at the Cades Cove Visitor Center?
A: At the Cades Cove Visitor Center, you’ll discover a wealth of information to enhance your exploration of the Cable Mill and the surrounding Cades Cove region. Inside, visitors can access maps, booklets, and informative brochures, which are invaluable for navigating Cades Cove and the broader national park. Additionally, the visitor center boasts a gift shop where you can find souvenirs, books, t-shirts, and more. Friendly park rangers are often available to answer any questions you may have about the park.
Q: Are there any historic attractions near the Cades Cove Visitor Center?
A: Absolutely! While the visitor center itself was built in the 1970s, the area is steeped in history. One prominent attraction is the Gregg-Cable House, constructed in 1879. This house served as a general store, with the Cable family residing on the second floor. It’s considered the first frame home in Cades Cove and has stood the test of time.
Aside from the Gregg-Cable House, we’ve relocated several historic buildings from various parts of Cades Cove to the Cable Mill area for visitors to explore. Among them are a local barn, corn crib, smokehouse, and an old molasses furnace. Perhaps the most impressive of all is the fully-functioning Grist Mill, built in the 1860s, which is still operational today. Visitors even have the opportunity to tour the mill and purchase the corn flour it produces.
Q: What are the operating hours of the Cades Cove Visitor Center?
A: The Cades Cove Visitor Center is open daily, except for Christmas Day. The center’s hours may vary depending on the season; however, it typically opens at 9:00 am. During the winter, the center closes at 4:30 pm, but in the summer, the hours are extended to 7:00 pm. Importantly, the visitor center, restrooms, and paths around the Cable Mill area are wheelchair accessible. The visitor center, surrounding fields, and historic buildings in the Cable Mill area do not permit pets. During the summer months, the Cable Mill area and Cades Cove Visitor Center can become crowded. In winter, inclement weather can result in the closure of the visitor center, so it’s advisable to check conditions before planning your visit. However, it’s worth noting that as long as the weather allows, the Visitor Center remains open year-round.
Q: Can you provide the exact location of the Cades Cove Visitor Center?
A: It about halfway along the Cades Cove Loop Road.
Q: Does the Visitor Center offer any special park programs?
A: Yes, the Cades Cove Visitor Center offers seasonal programs led by knowledgeable Park Rangers.
To obtain information about program schedules and topics, be sure to inquire at the visitor center when you visit.Furthermore, during the summer months, the Cable Mill area and Cades Cove Visitor Center can become crowded. Additionally, in winter, inclement weather can result in the closure of the visitor center, so it’s advisable to check conditions before planning your visit. However, it’s worth noting that as long as the weather allows, the Visitor Center remains open year-round.
Q: What kind of exhibits can visitors explore at the Visitor Center?
A: The Visitor Center features both indoor and outdoor exhibits showcasing the vibrant Appalachian life and culture of the region. These exhibits include the Cable Mill, a fully operational grist mill that operates from spring through fall, the historic Cable house, and several other fascinating structures scattered throughout the cove. These exhibits offer insights into the area’s rich heritage and natural beauty.