Start date for Cades Cove vehicle-free days announced after delay
CADES COVE, Tenn. (WATE) — The 2025 start date for vehicle-free days at Cades Cove has been announced after being delayed in May.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced that the vehicle-free days will begin on Wednesday, June 18 and continue every Wednesday through September 24. The days give pedestrians and cyclists the chance to experience the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road without motor vehicles.
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Non-motorized bicycles, such as Class 3 E-bikes, scooters, skateboards and hoverboards, are not allowed. However, Class 1 and Class 2 E-bikes are permitted.
Visitors are encouraged to come in the afternoon and evening hours for a better chance of securing a parking space. When there is no parking available, park staff will ask visitors to return later in the day.
The park also urged visitors to pack wisely, as going around the loop often takes longer than expected to bike or hike. Cyclists are encouraged to always wear a helmet and adhere to the speed limit of 20 miles per hour.
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The program became permanent in 2022 after a 2020 pilot program to test the concept. According to park officials, visitor feedback in response to the vehicle-free pilot was largely positive.
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