No motorized vehicles will be allowed on Cades Cove Loop Road on Wednesdays through Sept. 1, and non-motorized users are encouraged to spread out use throughout the day by planning afternoon and early evening visits. Limited on-site parking often fills to capacity during the early morning hours. 

This summer, the park expects to launch new tools to avoid these parking issues. Tools will include information systems that allow visitors to find out if parking lots are full before entering the park and shuttles to bring people from Townsend to Cades Cove. 

The park piloted the vehicle-free Wednesday program last year, and after receiving generally positive feedback from visitors, managers decided to continue it this year. In 2021, staff will manage on-site parking to improve visitor safety, minimize impacts to campground operations and reduce roadside parking on nondurable surfaces.

By state law, all cyclists 16 and under must wear a helmet, and helmet use is encouraged for riders of all ages. Bicycle rentals are available at the campground store near Cades Cove Campground on a first-come, first-served basis during summer and fall. 865.448.9034.