Cades Cove Audio Tour: Explore Nature and History
3.9
49 Ratings
Townsend
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.
  • 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
  • Hands-free GPS-based stories available all day with help support.
  • Comprehensive itinerary, including travel tips, audio and video narratives, and lesser-known sights.
  • GPS map and offline navigation support with step-by-step directions.
  • Personalized private tour with the freedom to take breaks and explore at your own pace.
  • Convenient mobile app with easy download instructions and exclusive access to your tours.
  • Ultimate flexibility with the ability to use the tour any day, multiple times, and it never expires.
  • Exceptional value for the whole car, offering savings over traditional bus tours.
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Only one tour should be bought per car, not per individual. Everyone shares the experience!

Explore the beautiful landscapes and deep-rooted history of Cades Cove, a hot spot in the Smoky Mountains. This picturesque circuit offers a multitude of sights in a confined area. Revel in the beauty of sparkling waterfalls, verdant hiking routes, and antique churches, all located in a single venue! Also, uncover the intriguing past of this cove, including its brush with the Civil War.

Upon reservation, before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action from your email, type in your unique code to unlock your tour. Be informed that the above process requires stable internet/wifi connection. Simply heed the verbal guidelines and the prescribed course thereafter.

This doesn’t include admission. Confirm operating hours prior to your visit.

Never expires — The tour offers lifetime access!

  • 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
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Library
Tennessee 73
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
(49 Ratings)
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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
181christye
Apr 6, 2024
Meaningful tour - This was a great addition to our scenic drive. The historical information and stories made the long drive more meaningful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erichr2968sh
Apr 4, 2024
Worth it - It worked well and added much needed context to our tour. The kids liked loved the addition as well. For me it was the most enjoyable part of the trip so far and the least expensive 🙂
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U4997bkalisonl
Mar 21, 2024
The Best Travel Companion - This was the perfect mix of history and visual information. It let you fully enjoy the trip without being intrusive. We would definitely do another one!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alliek8089
Jan 15, 2024
Great with family - We went on a cold rainy day to the Smokey mountains for this tour. It was perfect. Make Sure you download it before like they suggest- there is no service once you get into the national park.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
Lovestravel87
Apr 4, 2024
Not worth it. Smoky Mountain National Park way more scenic! - The longest hour of my life! When I read the reviews and it says it would take up to four hours. I would never do this with a family or an impatient driver again. We saw nothing! There are signs saying stay 50 yards back. 😂 from what the grass. Horses where the only animal we saw except for the two in the backseat. Not worth it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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July 2024
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