About
Length (round trip)10.9 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyStrenuous
Elevation gain1,200 ft up
Typical time6 hr 30 min
TrailheadCades Cove, Abrams Falls road
SurfaceOld wagon road
Best seasonApril to June for wildflowers, mid-October for fall colour. High elevations are cold and icy from November to March.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityThe first mile of this trail from the Abrams Creek trailhead has been assessed using the High-Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP) to provide objective information such as grade and slope. GRIT Freedom Chairs are available for free checkout on a first-come, first-served basis for this section, which runs from Abrams Creek Campground to backcountry campsite #1. The trail begins with gravel and transitions to dirt with roots, rocks, and depressions. Note: Cooper Road Trail has two trailh...
What you'll see 🦌 Wildlife🏛️ Historic site🐴 Horses

Overview This trail was historically used to travel in and out of Cades Cove by Native Americans, early settlers, and the logging industry. These days, the Cooper Road Trail is the road less traveled. The wide trail is a former road that begins as gravel and transitions to dirt with roots, rocks, depressions and numerous stream crossings. Length 10.9 miles (17.5 km) from Abrams Creek Campground to Cades Cove Loop Road. Parking & Trailhead Cooper Road Trail has two trailheads: Abrams Creek: Park at Abrams Creek Ranger Station located on Abrams Creeks Campground Road. The Cooper Road trailhead is located at the end of the campground loop. Cades Cove Loop Road: Drive 4.3 miles on Cades Cove Loop Road from the beginning of the loop. Look for trail signs on the right and park on the left. No matter which trailhead you use, don't forget your parking tag . Nearest Restroom Nearest restroom to Abrams Creek trailhead: Available seasonally in Abrams Creek Campground . Nearest restoom to Cades Cove trailhead: Restrooms, including accessible restrooms, are available at the Cades Cove Visitor Center .

Tips
Historically the main way in and out of the cove. Flat by Smokies standards and very lightly used.
Location

Cades Cove, Abrams Falls road

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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