Biking the Cades Cove Loop on a car-free day is one of our family’s favorite things to do in the park, and we try to do it at least 2-3 times per year.
You can bike or walk the loop without cars on Wednesdays from early May to September.
On this day, the Loop Road is closed to all motorized vehicles and is, in our opinion, one of the must do activities for the family in the Smokies.
If you haven’t already, see our Your Guide To Biking Cades Cove in the Smokies for all the details to enjoy this amazing experience in the Smokies.
Cades Cove Bike Rentals
If you can’t bring your own bikes, you can rent bikes (kids and adult bikes available) at the Cades Cove Campground Store.
Rental bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis on 7am on Wednesdays and at 9am other days of the week.
The rental store doesn’t open until 7am, but on our last visit we got in line just before 7am and there were about 50 people ahead of us.
They typically run out of bikes by 8 am, so you’ll wait 1-2 hours for people to complete their ride and return the bikes.
Alternatively, arrive later in the day to avoid the morning rush. Keep in mind though that it can be really hot in the afternoons. The last bike rentals go out at 3pm.
Bikes are $15 an hour for those 16+years and $10 per hour for those 15 years and under.
You can pay with credit card or cash. You will need to prepay how many hours you think you will have them, and they will charge you the extra when you come back if you are late.
Pay for at least 2 hours and 3 if you think you might stop and tour some cabins.
Helmets are included in your rental, and most bikes come with a water bottle holder.
The rentals are greenway cruisers, and the shifters can be wonky. So while they are comfortable rides, they are not exactly great for cranking up the hills. But it’s totally manageable as long you aren’t expecting to set land speed records.
If you haven’t already, see our Your Guide To Biking Cades Cove in the Smokies for all the details to enjoy this amazing experience in the Smokies.
Planning A Family Vacation To The Smokies? See Our Local’s Guide To The Smokies
If you want more info about the Tennessee side of the Smokies and especially about our favorite family-friendly trails, check out our Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guidebook available on Amazon.
It lists recommended lodging options if you are not camping as well as activities and restaurants in nearby Townsend, TN.
We give you a detailed, 5 day itinerary that hits the highlights of the park while missing the crowds and introduces you to the Smokies we know and love as locals.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Kids: A Local’s Guide— Buy on Amazon
More Smokies Blogs
Favorite Hikes With Kids In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
What Is The Best Campground In The Smoky Mountains?
Exploring Townsend: A Local’s Guide To Fun
Check out our Smokies page to see all of our favorite places in the park we love so much – best hikes, favorite campgrounds, biking Cades Cove, lodging, and more.
