Tennessee

Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Tennessee, USA
Cades Cove Sightseeing Self Guided Driving Audio Tour
  • 2 to 4 hours
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Explore beautiful Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains without the hassle of a guided tour when you book this self-guided audio-driving tour. Experience the natural beauty and delve into the area’s rich history on this popular loop. Encounter cascading waterfalls, lush hiking trails, and historic churches, and uncover the tale of how the Civil War cast its shadow over this serene cove.
  • Wind through Cades Cove’s scenic roads
  • Learn about the impact of the Civil War on the area
  • Enjoy unlimited access to the tour on the app valid for the entire year
  • Enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace

What's Included

  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park Library
    8440 TN-73, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

    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.

Start time

Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.

Opening hours

  • 6/13/2020 - 6/1/2025

    Monday - Sunday : 06:00 AM - 09:00 PM

End point

  • Cades Cove Offices And Carpenter Shop
    10050 Campground Dr, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

    ADDITIONAL NOTE: Between May and September, Cyclists and pedestrians have exclusive usage of the Cades Cove Loop Road every Wednesday. No other vehicles are allowed during this time.

What To Expect

Cades Cove Visitor Center

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

John Oliver Place

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cades Cove Methodist Church

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Elijah Oliver Cabin

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Abrams Falls Trail

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cades Cove Historical Grist Mill

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cades Cove Historical Grist Mill

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Henry Whitehead House

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Tipton Road (Pass By)

Carter Shields Cabin

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • 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.
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.0
44 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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0
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 44 reviews
Download everything before you go!
Shannon_M, Apr 2024
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.
Response from Host, May 2024
I'm glad you enjoyed my Cades Cove tour, Shannon! Your tip about downloading everything beforehand is handy. Check out my East Coast USA Tour Bundle for more immersive tours of iconic destinations. Safe travels on your next adventure, and I hope to be part of your journey!
It’s worth the price
Melissa_R, Jan 2024
We loved this guided tour. Learned a lot of information about the area. Beautiful place. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Melissa, I'm delighted you enjoyed the Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour and found it informative! Thank you for recommending it. If you want to explore more beautiful and exciting places, don’t forget to check out my Action+ Tour Bundle for over 100 more self-guided tours.
I was unable to download...
Chris_M, Dec 2023
I was unable to download the app and therefore lost much of the experience . The loop experience was still enjoyable and we were able to pick up some information and the view of the mountains was spectacular. Able to get good pictures just really missed the other information that must have been on that app and the stories that it would have told
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Chris, I'm sorry you couldn't download the tour for the Cades Cove. It's crucial to download the app and tour beforehand to avoid such issues; this step seems missed. The good news is the tour never expires, so it's there for you whenever you want to give it another try. Or, if you prefer, let me know, and I can exchange it for one of the 100+ other self-guided audio tours available. I'm here to ensure you have a great experience, so don't hesitate to ask for any assistance or alternatives.
Order early so you can download the day before - no cell service in the national park. Begins with Townsend.
Shelley_B, Nov 2023
Purchased the audio tour and then (only then) realized that the starting point was literally at the end of our planned drive. So it wouldn’t work. Tried to cancel, but was going to charge 100% of fee. Didn’t get an e-mail with download link on the day I ordered it, so I assumed it was only going to pop up the next day when we’d said we were planning to use the audio tour. So, decided to download it the next day before we left for the drive to “see what happens”. Finally got the notice to download literally at the end of our drive - in the national park with no cell service - so I didn’t get to even download it. This ad definitely could use some additional information for the buyer.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Shelley, I'm sorry to hear about the confusion and the issues with downloading the Cades Cove Sightseeing Tour. You're right about the spotty signal in national parks, so downloading in advance is super important. It seems there was a mix-up with the email notification – sometimes, these can sneak into the spam folder, so it's worth a check there. I did send the download password right after your purchase. The good news is that your purchase doesn't expire, so you can still enjoy the tour and listen to the stories from home whenever you'd like. Please let me know if there's anything else I can do to help.
App sucks
Jennifer_h, Nov 2023
Couldn't get to download before we left. We missed out on alot of things including my money I paid for the download
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Jennifer, I'm sorry to hear about the trouble with downloading the tour. Getting everything set up before the trip is critical, and I'm here to help ensure it's a breeze next time. The good news is your purchase doesn't expire. You can still enjoy the tour and its stories from home. If you're looking for a different experience, I've got over 100 self-guided audio tours ready for an exchange or refund. Just let me know what works best for you!
We paid for the self-guided tour, but couldn't download it. Disappointed.
Laurie_S, Nov 2023
We were unable to get the product to download. We paid our money and got a password, but were never presented with a place to type in the password.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Sorry to hear about the trouble with the download, Laurie. That's why I suggest grabbing the app and tour before heading out. No worries, though; your purchase is still good to go whenever you are. You can kick back and enjoy the stories from home or opt for another tour from our selection of over 100. Just shout out, and we'll sort out an exchange or refund for you.
Rough and confusing start but ended great
Quran_K, Aug 2023
Seeing the different properties. Particularly the ones with multiple buildings. It would have been nice to have a little more signage to identify the multiple buildings
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Thank you, Quran, for taking the time to share your feedback with us. I'm pleased you enjoyed the latter part of the tour, especially the properties with multiple buildings. I acknowledge your suggestion for better signage to help identify these structures, as clarity is paramount for an enjoyable experience. We're always looking for ways to improve, and your feedback will help us refine our tour in the future. We hope you'll try our other audio tours on your next adventure. Safe travels!
Terrible!
Cindy_F, Jul 2023
It took 2 hours to try to download app, even after following directions for downloading with Wi-Fi. We never downloaded, just ended up getting a map from the visitors center. Ver frustrating & disappointing!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Very unfortunate Cindy! It would have been beneficial if you contacted our support team regarding the issue you experienced. They are well-equipped to help and could have resolved the problem easily. It's important to note that the tour you bought is valid for a lifetime, so you can still listen to it at your convenience, whether at home or during your next visit. If you need to exchange the tour or require further help, please inform us promptly.
Beautiful
Shirley_s, Jun 2023
My husband and I seen a bear deer and the cabins stopped at the gift shop the lady there said that you will probably see a bear before the end of the tour
Response from Host, Jun 2023
That's amazing! It would be great if you could share a photo and tag @actiontourguide so I can see your experience at Cades Cove. I'm glad to hear that my tour added value to your visit and that you had a great time. If you're planning on traveling more, you might find my Action+ Tour Bundle useful. It includes over 100 self-guided tours.
We saw lots of wildlife...
Alice_A, Apr 2023
We saw lots of wildlife and it was great to learn of the history of Cades Cove! Truly breathtaking views of the mountains and vegetation!
Response from Host, May 2023
Thank you so much for your feedback, Alice! Cades Cove is definitely a destination that should be on everyone's travel bucket list. I’m so glad that you enjoyed my tour. If you plan to travel more, you may like my Action+ Tour Bundle (it has all of my self-guided tours, over 100). Thanks again!
Great tour
Ciello_H, Mar 2023
The tour was downloaded offline so that helps because theres no cell signal.The audio tracks your location and starts the tour based on location.Audio was clear and informative.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thanks, Ciello! I’m happy you enjoyed Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains with my tour. I have other tours across the country, which I hope you check out on future vacations!
Great Tour
MaryJo_H, Mar 2023
This tour is great! The descriptions start in advance of turns and parking so you have plenty of time before coming to the site. Great information and stories; so much better than just driving through without narration! Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thanks Mary! I’m thrilled that you had such a great experience with my tour! There’s so much behind the beautiful scenery and I’m so glad I was able to bring those stories to life for you. I have more tours for all sorts of places across the country — hope you check them out on future vacations!
The audio tour is a rip...
Ronnie_W, Dec 2022
The audio tour is a rip off. You cannot download the app once you get to the cove. No refund was offered. The ride through the park is FREE and the audio is NOT REQUIRED. The scenery was great.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
This tour will guide you through the neighbourhood and explain the history behind it. Cades Cove is a breathtakingly stunning picturesque spot to visit. We clearly instruct you to download the tour on a good wifi connection and provide instructions on how to set it up.
Bear Sighting
Rosanne_A, Nov 2022
We saw a bear crossing the road after getting a drink from the river. He was so close, we could see the water running off his muzzle. I was glad we were inside the vehicle. It was a jaw dropping experience.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Thank you so much for your feedback, Rosann! I’m delighted that my tour of Cades Cove added to your learning and that you enjoyed it. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to improve the tour and earn that extra star! I also have 100 other self-guided tours for other parks, scenic drives, cities, and historic sites in the US — hopefully, you’ll get the chance to try them next time! Also, just to remind you, the tour you bought is yours for a lifetime. So, you can listen to it at home or on your next visit.
Great tour
Melissa_D, Nov 2022
The audio guide was phenomenal. Highly recommend. Make sure you opt for the audio. Saw wild turkeys and beautiful deer. Beautiful area.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thank you so much for your feedback, Melissa! I’m delighted that my tour of Cades Cove added to your learning and that you enjoyed it. I also have 100 other self-guided tours for other parks, scenic drives, cities, and historic sites in the US — hopefully, you’ll get the chance to try them next time! Also, just to remind you, the tour you bought is yours for a lifetime. So, you can listen to it at home or on your next visit.
Een toegevoegde waarde
Erik_V, Aug 2023
Echt een toegevoegde waarde. Leuk verhaal tijdens de rit. Kwam ook preciesvoptijd met het verhaal. Het is een aanbeveling waard
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Erik, I'm delighted to hear you found my Cades Cove Audio Tour to be a valuable addition to your journey. It's great to know the narration was timely and added to the experience. If you venture out to explore new destinations, you might find interest in my Action+ Tour Bundle, which features over 100 self-guided tours. Enjoy your future travels, and thank you for the recommendation!

From $16.99

per group (up to 4)

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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