TOURS OF THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS

Cades Cove Tour (Open to the public)

COST: $20 per person

LOCATION: Departs at 1:30 p.m. from the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee

TOUR LENGTH: Approximately 4 hours (length can fluctuate depending on vehicle traffic in Cades Cove)

TOUR DATES: Tours run on Saturdays from June through November. See below for specifics.

Canceled due to COVID and only charters are available

Experience the beauty and history of Cades Cove

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll find Cades Cove. It’s an area lush with history, wildlife and some of the most beautiful views you’ll find in the park. An expert guide will take you on a memorable and educational experience perfect for a Saturday afternoon.

 Whether you’re a regular visitor to Cades Cove or this is your first time, there’s always something new to learn or see. Discover the history of the Cove and share in the personal stories of its people. You’ll also learn about the ecology, flora, and wildlife of the region.

A tour through Cades Cove will offer you a rare chance to turn off your phone and reconnect with nature in one of the Smokies’ most popular spots. Take a journey into the past as you explore the lives of those who once lived in the Cove and witness its natural wonders in the flora and fauna that grow there.

Make sure you bring your camera!

• The Cove features several historic buildings, including three churches, log homes, a working grist mill, and other restored structures. You’ll be paying a visit to several buildings on the tour, including the Cable Mill, which is one of the Cove’s most popular spots.
• The wildflowers of Cades Cove draws visitors each year. Whether it’s mountain laurel, rhododendron, flame azaleas or another type of flora, the Cove is unmatched in its beauty.
• Different seasons offer different opportunities for photos. In the winter, guests can expect unexpected sights, as the trees have shed their leaves. In the spring, you can expect beautiful, lush vegetation.

 What you need to know!

ACTIVITY RATING: easy, moderate, challenging, demanding

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The tour will not involve hiking or very much walking, but visitors should be advised the tour does make frequent stops at several sites. Attendees will be entering and exiting the tour vehicles multiple times, and there are also some areas of uneven surfaces. Attendees will also have to climb a few steps to enter buildings in the Cove.

WHAT TO WEAR: In addition to wearing (or bringing) sunscreen, it’s best to dress comfortably. Due to the nature of the tour, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes so you’ll be able to enjoy the stops along the way comfortably. Also, because the tour will continue rain or shine, we suggest you bring a rain jacket, just in case.

WHAT TO BRING: Feel free to bring a camera along for the many photo opportunities you’ll see along the tour. You’re also welcome to bring along non-alcoholic drinks — we recommend plenty of water — or snacks, but be aware restroom facilities are limited in the Cove. A restroom break will be available halfway through the tour at Cable Mill. You can also bring binoculars, a notebook or related items to make the most of your experience. We do suggest having a backpack handy for these items, though, to make exiting the vehicles as simple as possible.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT: Cades Cove tours are limited to 14-18 guests. Click here or call us at 865-448-8838 to make your reservation. 

WEATHER POLICY: We reserve the right to cancel or reroute tours up until the last minute due to weather, safety, mechanical failure or other uncontrollable circumstances. In this case we will try to reschedule, give rainchecks, agree on another more accessible destination, or, if necessary, give a full refund. We also wait until the last minute to make these calls. We do not speculate on forecasts.

CANCELLATION POLICY: In order to cancel or reschedule a reservation without fees and penalties, call us no less than one week in advance. Refunds will not be given for any change made with less than a week’s notice.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Cades Cove Heritage Tours is a private non-profit that seeks to provide a superior visitor experience while protecting the natural and cultural resource of Cades Cove.  We offer visitors the choice to take a relaxing guided tour and learn about the natural resources and human history in the Cove, all without having to worry about “who’s going to drive?”

Coming soon!

Cades Cove “Behind the Scenes Tour” with retired National Park Service ranger Mike Meldrum

COST: $75 per person with box lunch included — choice of ham, turkey or salad (reservations required)

LOCATION: Departs at 9:30 a.m. from the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee

TOUR LENGTH: Approximately 7 hours (length can fluctuate depending on vehicle traffic in Cades Cove)

TOUR DATES: Tours with Mike Meldrum have limited availability. See below for specifics.

Canceled due to COVID and only charters are available

No one knows Cades Cove like a retired national park ranger!

With nearly 20 years of service in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, retired ranger Mike Meldrum is what you might call an expert on the Smokies. A tour with Mike will take visitors to exclusive locations in the Cove, including Gregory’s Cave, the CCC Camp, the World War II Memorial Tree, Cable’s Lodge, and more.

Visitors will also have the chance to hear about Joe Gregory’s thriving business.

Back in the day, Joe used to charge visitors 50 cents to explore the cave. Earlier, it was used by Native Americans and Americans alike for various purposes. Aside from reported Civilian Conservation Corps moonshine parties and dances, the cave also hosted a government fallout shelter during the Cold War.

Guests will also be able to learn about the hidden history of Primitive Baptist Church and more.

Make sure you bring your camera!

• The wildflowers of Cades Cove draws visitors each year. Whether it’s mountain laurel, rhododendron, flame azaleas, or another type of flora, the Cove is unmatched in its beauty.
• Cades Cove is teeming with wildlife. It’s not unusual to see white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, foxes, turkey, or other animals while on tour. While it’s best not to approach or disturb the wildlife you see, they make for a great photo opportunity.
• Many more opportunities await visitors. Just let your imagination run wild.

What you need to know!

 ACTIVITY RATING: easy, moderate, challenging, demanding

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The tour will not involve hiking or very much walking, but visitors should be advised the tour does make frequent stops at several sites. Attendees will be entering and exiting the tour vehicles multiple times, and there are also some areas of uneven surfaces. Attendees will also have to climb a few steps to enter buildings in the cove.

WHAT TO WEAR: In addition to wearing (or bringing) sunscreen, it’s best to dress comfortably. Due to the nature of the tour, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes so you’ll be able to enjoy the stops along the way comfortably. Also, because the tour will continue rain or shine, we suggest you bring a rain jacket, just in case.

WHAT TO BRING: Feel free to bring a camera along for the many photo opportunities you’ll see along the tour. You’re also welcome to bring along non-alcoholic drinks — we recommend plenty of water — or snacks, but be aware restroom facilities are limited in the Cove. A restroom break will be available halfway through the tour at Cable Mill. You can also bring along binoculars, a notebook, or related items to make the most of your experience. We do suggest having a backpack handy for these items, though, to make exiting the vehicles as simple as possible.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT: Tours with Mike Meldrum are limited to 17 guests per tour. Click here or call us at 865-448-8838 to make your reservation. 

WEATHER POLICY: We reserve the right to cancel or reroute tours up until the last minute due to weather, safety, mechanical failure, or other uncontrollable circumstances. In this case, we will try to reschedule, give rainchecks, agree on another more accessible destination, or, if necessary, give a full refund. We also wait until the last minute to make these calls. We do not speculate on forecasts.

CANCELLATION POLICY: In order to cancel or reschedule a reservation without fees and penalties, call us no less than one week in advance. Refunds will not be given for any change made with less than a week’s notice.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Cades Cove Heritage Tours is a private non-profit that seeks to provide a superior visitor experience while protecting the natural and cultural resource of Cades Cove.  We offer visitors the choice to take a relaxing guided tour and learn about the natural resources and human history in the Cove, all without having to worry about “who’s going to drive?”

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour — from Townsend to Sugarlands to Newfound Gap — with Sam Venable

COST: $75 per person (reservations required)

LOCATION: Departs at 9:30 a.m. from the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee

TOUR LENGTH: Approximately 4 hours (length can fluctuate depending on vehicle traffic in Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

TOUR DATES: Tours with Sam Venable have limited availability. See below for specifics

Saturday, June 27
Saturday, August 15
Saturday, September 26
Saturday, October 24

Celebrated author, humorist offers unique look at Smokies

For more than four decades, Sam Venable has been amusing readers around East Tennessee as an award-winning writer at the Knoxville News-Sentinel. While Sam might be a humor columnist now, he got his start as an outdoors writer for the paper.

He’s also the author of several books and a local, state and national award winner for his writing. All this goes to show the folks on tour with Sam are in for a memorable adventure and some interesting tales.

The naturalist will lead visitors on a trip through Great Smoky Mountains National Park with stops planned in Sugarlands and Newfound Gap.

Make sure you bring your camera!

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park is teeming with wildlife. It’s not unusual to see white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, foxes, turkey or other animals while on tour. While it’s best not to approach or disturb the wildlife you see, they make for a great photo opportunity.
• Sugarlands and Newfound Gap will offer plenty of chances for a photo of flora and fauna. Many more opportunities await visitors. Just let your imagination run wild.

ACTIVITY RATING: easy, moderate, challenging, demanding

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The tour will not involve hiking or very much walking, but visitors should be advised the tour does make frequent stops at several sites. Attendees will be entering and exiting the tour vehicles multiple times, and there are also some ares of uneven surfaces. Attendees will also have to climb a few steps to enter buildings in the cove.

WHAT TO WEAR: In addition to wearing (or bringing) sunscreen, it’s best to dress comfortably. Due to the nature of the tour, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes so you’ll be able to enjoy the stops along the way comfortably. Also, because the tour will continue rain or shine, we suggest you bring a rain jacket, just in case.

WHAT TO BRING: Feel free to bring a camera along for the many photo opportunities you’ll see along the tour. You’re also welcome to bring along non-alcoholic drinks — we recommend plenty of water — or snacks, but be aware restroom facilities are limited in the Cove. A restroom break will be available halfway through the tour at Cable Mill. You can also bring along binoculars, a notebook or related items to make the most of your experience. We do suggest having a backpack handy for these items, though, to make exiting the vehicles as simple as possible.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT: Tours with Sam Venable are limited to 17 guests per tour. Click here or call us at 865-448-8838 to make your reservation. 

WEATHER POLICY: We reserve the right to cancel or reroute tours up until the last minute due to weather, safety, mechanical failure  or other uncontrollable circumstances. In this case we will try to reschedule, give rainchecks, agree on another more accessible destination, or, if necessary, give a full refund. We also wait until the last minute to make these calls. We do not speculate on forecasts.

CANCELLATION POLICY: In order to cancel or reschedule a reservation without fees and penalties, call us no less than one week in advance. Refunds will not be given for any change made with less than a week’s notice.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Cades Cove Heritage Tours is a private non-profit that seeks to provide a superior visitor experience while protecting the natural and cultural resource of Cades Cove.  We offer visitors the choice to take a relaxing guided tour and learn about the natural resources and human history in the Cove, all without having to worry about “who’s going to drive?”

Wildlife in Cades Cove Tour

Cades Cove is the best location in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for observing wildlife such as White-tailed deer, American Black Bear, Wild turkey, and Coyote.  From the comfort of our air-conditioned buses, you will have the opportunity to view a variety of animals and birds as we explore Cades Cove.  Our knowledgeable driver/guide will help you spot wildlife and talk about their life histories and unique habits.  Every trip to Cades Cove is different, but each trip offers opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitats.  Join us for an enjoyable and educational experience in the beauty of Cades Cove.

COST: $75 per person (reservations required)

LOCATION: Departs at 3:00 p.m. from the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee

TOUR LENGTH: Approximately 5 1/2 hours (length can fluctuate depending on vehicle traffic in Cades Cove)

TOUR DATES: 

Saturday, April 18
Saturday, May 16
Saturday, June 27
Saturday, July 18
Saturday, August 8
Saturday, September 5
Saturday, October 24
Saturday, November 7

Make sure you bring your camera!

• The Cove features several historic buildings, including three churches, log homes, a working grist mill, and other restored structures. You’ll be paying a visit to several buildings on the tour, including the Cable Mill, which is one of the Cove’s most popular spots.
• Cades Cove is teeming with wildlife. It’s not unusual to see white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, foxes, turkey or other animals while on tour. While it’s best not to approach or disturb the wildlife you see, they make for a great photo opportunity.
• The wildflowers of Cades Cove draws visitors each year. Whether it’s mountain laurel, rhododendron, flame azaleas or another type of flora, the Cove is unmatched in its beauty.

What you need to know!

ACTIVITY RATING: easy, moderate, challenging, demanding

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The tour will not involve hiking or very much walking, but visitors should be advised the tour does make frequent stops at several sites. Attendees will be entering and exiting the tour vehicles multiple times, and there are also some ares of uneven surfaces. Attendees will also have to climb a few steps to enter buildings in the cove.

WHAT TO WEAR: In addition to wearing (or bringing) sunscreen, it’s best to dress comfortably. Due to the nature of the tour, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes so you’ll be able to enjoy the stops along the way comfortably. Also, because the tour will continue rain or shine, we suggest you bring a rain jacket, just in case.

WHAT TO BRING: Feel free to bring a camera along for the many photo opportunities you’ll see along the tour. You’re also welcome to bring along non-alcoholic drinks — we recommend plenty of water — or snacks, but be aware restroom facilities are limited in the Cove. A restroom break will be available halfway through the tour at Cable Mill. You can also bring along binoculars, a notebook or related items to make the most of your experience. We do suggest having a backpack handy for these items, though, to make exiting the vehicles as simple as possible.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT: Click here or call us at 865-448-8838 to make your reservation. 

WEATHER POLICY: We reserve the right to cancel or reroute tours up until the last minute due to weather, safety, mechanical failure  or other uncontrollable circumstances. In this case we will try to reschedule, give rainchecks, agree on another more accessible destination, or, if necessary, give a full refund. We also wait until the last minute to make these calls. We do not speculate on forecasts.

CANCELLATION POLICY: In order to cancel or reschedule a reservation without fees and penalties, call us no less than one week in advance. Refunds will not be given for any change made with less than a week’s notice.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Cades Cove Heritage Tours is a private non-profit that seeks to provide a superior visitor experience while protecting the natural and cultural resource of Cades Cove.  We offer visitors the choice to take a relaxing guided tour and learn about the natural resources and human history in the Cove, all without having to worry about “who’s going to drive?”

Shuttle Service

Weddings * Rehearsal Dinners * Special Events * Meetings

Create a one-of-a-kind experience for your party

Have a wedding, group or special occasion coming up? Cades Cove Heritage Tours can make the day even more memorable by offering shuttle service for you and your party.

Whether your group needs a ride from your wedding to the reception or even to and from the rehearsal dinner, we have you covered. Whatever your event, leave the driving to us as you enjoy a relaxing, safe ride to your destination.

This service is not limited to weddings, though. We offer shuttle service throughout the Townsend, Walland, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and surrounding area for all of your special events, including meetings and other gatherings. The trip is completely customizable to meet your needs. You set the number of guests, date, hours and drop-off/pickup locations.

Please note: For your safety and security, our experienced drivers will remain on site in case emergency travel is required.

 What you need to know!

RESERVE YOUR TOUR: Call us at 865-448-8838 for a quote.

WEATHER POLICY: We reserve the right to cancel or reroute tours up until the last minute due to weather, safety, mechanical failure or other uncontrollable circumstances. In this case we will try to reschedule, give rain checks, agree on another more accessible destination, or, if necessary, give a full refund. We also wait until the last minute to make these calls. We do not speculate on forecasts.

CANCELLATION POLICY: In order to cancel or reschedule a reservation without fees and penalties, call us no less than one week in advance. Refunds will not be given for any change made with less than a week’s notice.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Cades Cove Heritage Tours is a private non-profit that seeks to provide a superior visitor experience while protecting the natural and cultural resource of Cades Cove.  We offer visitors the choice to take a relaxing guided tour and learn about the natural resources and human history in the Cove, all without having to worry about “who’s going to drive?”