Cycling Route Through Forest – View of Bates Mountain loop from Valley View Parking

Cycling Route Through Forest – View of Bates Mountain loop from Valley View Parking

Hard

4.5

(2830)

8,075

riders

Cycling Route Through Forest – View of Bates Mountain loop from Valley View Parking

08:40

156km

2,890m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions. Check ahead to confirm restricted segments are open to the public.

After 152 km for 2.11 km

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

5 m

View of Cades Cove Valley

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Cades Cove loop winds for 11 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's a glorious ride on a bike with a backdrop of mountain peaks and lush green countryside. The views from here are particularly stunning.

Tip by

168 m

Cycling Route Through Forest

Highlight • Cycleway

Black bear in lower right of frame. Please don't get this close! My mistake, fortunately she didn't spook.

Tip by

1.70 km

View of the Mountains from Lone Grove

Highlight • Viewpoint

As you pedal along Cades Cove Loop Road, you'll pass a parking lot at Lone Grove which offers up uninterrupted views of the lush green mountains. In the spring this …

Tip by

101 km

View of Bates Mountain

Highlight • Viewpoint

Keep looking out between the trees for gorgeous views as the road climbs (or descends if you're going in the lucky direction!).

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109 km

View of the Great Smoky Mountains

Highlight • Viewpoint

As the road passes under Rocky Mountain a viewpoint opens up which takes your breath away. It is especially beautiful in the autumn when the reds, golds and burnt oranges of the season make the scenery come alive.

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148 km

Cades Cove Loop Road

Highlight • Trail

Cades Cove is considered by some to be the heart of the Smoky Mountains. The Cove offers access to hiking and backpacking trails, horseback riding tours, camping options, wildlife viewing, …

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155 km

White-Tailed Deer in Cades Cove

Highlight • Natural

Go slow! Not so much for wildlife but for vehicles from Alabama and Ohio! JK. But seriously be careful as vehicles do not follow guidelines prohibiting stopping in the road.

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155 km

Tipton Place (historic homestead)

Highlight • Historical Site

The Tipton Place homestead is a historical farm and property that were originally constructed in the 1820s. The original owner of these structures actually owned a good bit of property …

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156 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types