Great Smoky Mountains National Park hiking guide
Rich Mountain Loop
An 8.3-mile loop with 2,040 ft of climbing in Cades Cove, rated difficult.
Key facts
- Length
- 8.3 mi (13.4 km)
- Elevation gain
- 2,040 ft (622 m)
- Route type
- Loop
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Area
- Cades Cove
- Highest point
- 3,661 ft
- Lowest point
- 1,878 ft
About Rich Mountain Loop
This scenic route offers a peaceful alternative to the busy Loop Road, beginning near its entrance and tracing the edges of open fields before arriving at the historic John Oliver Cabin. From there, the trail climbs steadily toward the crest of Rich Mountain and links up with the Indian Grave Gap and Crooked Arm Ridge trails. Along the way, hikers may spot white-tailed deer grazing in the meadows and, on occasion, a black bear moving through the forest.
Route map
This route was checked by Parka editors.
