Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Embark on a captivating audio tour of Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains. Explore nature, history, and stunning scenery all in one place. Book now for a lifetime of adventure!

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Cades Cove Visitor Center - Your tour of Cades Cove begins near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. From here, you’ll drive down a scenic route to reach the main attraction: Cades Cove Loop.

Note: This 25+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Cades Cove in 3-5 hours.

  • John Oliver Place - The first landmark you’ll encounter is the John Oliver Place, a historic homestead dating back to the early 1800s.
  • Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church - Next up is the Primitive Baptist Church, one of three historic churches in Cades Cove which offers a window into the area’s past.
  • Cades Cove Methodist Church - Past that is the Methodist Church, which cost only $115 to build when it was constructed in 1902!
  • Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church - Then there’s the Missionary Baptist Church, which split off from the Primitive Baptist Church during the early days of Cades Cove due to ideological divides.
  • Elijah Oliver Cabin - Continuing on, you’ll come to the Elijah Oliver Place, accessible via a half-mile trail. This secluded homestead once belonged to an abolitionist who found himself in grave danger when the Civil War broke out.
  • Abrams Falls Trail - Up next is the Abrams Falls Trail, which takes hikers to a powerful waterfall hidden deep in the wilderness.
  • Cades Cove Historical Grist Mill - After that, you’ll see the John Cable Grist Mill. This mill dates back to 1870 and you can still see it in operation today!
  • Henry Whitehead House - From the John Cable Grist Mill, you’ll have the option to make a detour to the Henry Whitehead House. This pleasant cabin was actually built as a wedding gift!
  • Tipton Road - Next on your route is Tipton Place, which was once home to a war hero of the American Revolution..
  • Carter Shields Cabin - Finally, you’ll come next to the Carter Shields Cabin, a staunchly abolitionist home that lost much during the Civil War.

There are many stories that you’ll hear along the way, including
• A Cherokee Homeland
• White Settlers Arrive in Cades Cove
• Smokies Wildlife
• The Cussing Cover
• Last Family who lived in Cades Cove and more.
Explore the captivating Great Smoky Mountains and the stunning Cades Cove by purchasing our special bundle that includes both destinations.

What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Purchase only one tour per vehicle, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Discover gorgeous natural scenery and rich history at Cades Cove, one of the most popular destinations in the Smoky Mountains. This scenic loop packs a ton of sights into a small space. Check out sparkling waterfalls, lush hiking trails, and historic churches all in one place! Plus, learn the fascinating history behind this cove, including how the Civil War once threatened to tear it apart.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
  • How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action’s Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing savings: • Driving Tours: Save money by purchasing a single tour for the entire vehicle, avoiding individual fees per person like on a bus tour. Connect your phone to the car speakers to share the audio.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd
Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Road
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.9
(53 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Janet_b
Aug 10, 2024
A great experience made even better - I downloaded before getting to the park and had no problems getting it to play. The stories and information were interesting and added to the wonderful experience we had driving through Cades Cove.
Review provided by Viator
Lorenagu7626rx
Aug 4, 2024
Awesome! - This is a must do when driving through Cades Cove especially if you have teens that enjoy learning about the history of the area! BEST $15 I've spent so far in this trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brenda_m
Jul 26, 2024
Absolutely gorgeous - This tour was absolutely breathtaking. We loved all the info and the scenery. The water rushing over the rocks was absolutely beautiful. The mountains were just breathtaking.
Review provided by Viator
Bdk4481dd
Jul 4, 2024
Great complement to our trip! - We discussed taking a guided tour, but decided to rent a Jeep and drive through Cades Cove on our own, and this was the perfect compliment to the trip. Even our girls (ages 6 and 8) really enjoyed listening to the tour as we drove through the park. Everything worked really smoothly, with each step along the way starting automatically as we passed it on the map. The content was really informational and interesting, and helped guide us to different stops along the loop. But it was the right balance and didn't overdo it - was nice to have some silence along the way as well. NOTE: make sure to follow the directions that were VERY clear and download the program before you get to the national park.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rspenes
Jun 10, 2024
Great Spot to see Bears! - Excellent place to see Bears, go early late afternoon, twice in a day to have the best chance to see them, traffic at times especially on weekends can be slow & long lines around the Cove area, restrooms are not until the halfway point, brings drinks, snacks, cameras, sunglasses, binoculars & go slow not matter what anyone behind you thinks, it's a slow viewing spot, stop at the restrooms for a break, stop at the old cabins for a break, we stopped at 1 cabin & 3 bears came out in it's back yard.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shannon_m
Apr 30, 2024
Download everything before you go! - Fantastic narration! Really enjoyed this self guided tour. It follows you as you drive even though there isn’t cell service as long as you download everything before you start. After purchasing, wait for the 2nd email with the link to download.
Review provided by Viator
Michelle_b
Jun 30, 2024
Don’t buy it - It wouldn’t download after I paid for it so we didn’t even get to use it during the trip-!waste of koney
Review provided by Viator
Robert_l
Jun 21, 2024
Not a good experience - I down loaded before I left home and it would not work when we got there. Why say more? It did not work and so I cannot say anything good
Review provided by Viator
James_k
Jun 10, 2024
Disappointed - Disappointed. Followed instructions prior to going to have app downloaded, but it would not work. No internet in Cades Cove past entrance. Called support-they couldn’t help so money refunded, but wasted about 90 minutes trying to use.
Review provided by Viator
James_t
Jun 7, 2024
Avoid - Don't bother using this product. Doesn't work. Cade's Cove is beautiful. This product is non-functional.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 4 guests
1
Traveler
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today