About Cooper Road Trail
Cooper Road Trail is a long, gentle walk along an old road from Cades Cove west toward Abrams Creek. The National Park Service lists the route at 10.9 miles one way. The grades are mild, with about 650 feet of climbing in the westbound direction, so the challenge is distance more than elevation.
The hike
The trail starts off the Cades Cove Loop Road near the Elijah Oliver Place and follows the old Cooper Road through forest, passing creek crossings and old homesite areas. The west end drops to the Abrams Creek area near the park's western boundary. Because the route is a point-to-point, you need a second vehicle or a pickup.
When to go
Spring and fall are the best seasons. Summer can be hot and buggy.
Getting there
Start at the Cades Cove Loop Road, which is open sunrise to sunset. From early May through September the Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to cars on Wednesdays (May 6 to Sept. 30 in 2026), so pick another day unless you plan to bike in. The park charges for parking rather than entry: a parking tag is $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year, required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes. America the Beautiful and other federal passes are not accepted.
Know before you go
Pets are not allowed. Bring plenty of water; there are few reliable sources. Check Cades Cove road conditions.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Abrams Falls: a 5-mile round trip to a 25-foot waterfall
- Cades Cove Nature Trail: an easy loop of about 0.8 miles
- Rich Mountain Loop: a strenuous circuit of about 8.5 miles above the cove
Planning and safety
Allow about two miles per hour on rolling mountain trail, then add time for photos, snacks and rest. Start by mid-morning at the latest so you finish with daylight, and decide on a turnaround time before you leave the car.
Check conditions the morning you go. The park posts trail and road closures and cautions, and storms, ice and Hurricane Helene repairs can change access with little notice. Carry water, a rain layer and a map, keep a safe distance from bears and elk, and pack out everything you bring in.
Good to know
- How long is Cooper Road Trail?
- Cooper Road Trail is 10.9 miles one way, with about 650 feet of climbing. It is rated moderate.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
