what days is cades cove closed to cars

[Karl]

Cades Cove is closed to all motor vehicle traffic on Wednesdays from early May through late September each year, providing exclusive access for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, the loop road is occasionally closed for weather events like snow or ice, typically during winter months.

This weekly vehicle-free day is a managed initiative by the National Park Service to offer a different recreational experience. On these days, visitors can walk, bike, or horseback ride along the 11-mile loop without sharing the road with cars. It's a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the Cove's serenity and wildlife at a quieter pace.

For the rest of the week, the schedule is as follows:

Day of the Week	Vehicle Access	Primary Users
Monday	Open	Motorists, Cyclists, Pedestrians
Tuesday	Open	Motorists, Cyclists, Pedestrians
Wednesday (May-Sept)	Closed	Pedestrians & Cyclists Only
Thursday	Open	Motorists, Cyclists, Pedestrians
Friday	Open	Motorists, Cyclists, Pedestrians
Saturday	Open (Often very busy)	Motorists, Cyclists, Pedestrians
Sunday	Open	Motorists, Cyclists, Pedestrians

Always check the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for the most current hours and any unexpected closures due to weather or maintenance. The loop is also closed at night.

[AsherDella]

Heads up, if you're planning a summer trip, the Cove shuts its loop road to cars every Wednesday. It's bike and foot traffic only on those days. We showed up on a Wednesday once without knowing and had to pivot our plans. It worked out—we rented bikes and had a blast—but it's best to know ahead of time. Just mark your calendar for May through September.