Cades Cove Loop Lope 2026

Cades Cove Loop Lope 2026

Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026

Times:
10-Mile Race: 7:30 AM–10:20 AM
5K Race: 7:45 AM–10:20 AM

Location:
Cades Cove Loop Road
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Townsend, Tennessee

Registration: The 2026 race is sold out. Interested runners may join the official waitlist in case additional spaces become available.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cades Cove on foot during the Cades Cove Loop Lope, the only organized footrace held inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This popular annual event gives participants a rare opportunity to run or walk through one of the Smokies’ most scenic and historic areas without regular vehicle traffic.

Participants may choose between a USATF-certified 10-mile race around the complete Cades Cove Loop Road or a 5K course that travels along the loop before cutting across Sparks Lane. The 5K course includes a memorable low-water creek crossing, adding a little extra adventure to the experience.

Proceeds from the Cades Cove Loop Lope benefit Friends of the Smokies and support important projects throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These projects include historic preservation, wildlife conservation, native plant restoration and the protection of the park’s grasslands and natural resources.

Participation is limited to 750 runners, and the event typically sells out quickly. The 2026 race is currently sold out, but runners can join the official waitlist to be contacted if spaces become available.

Transportation arrangements are required for registered runners. A limited number of reserved vehicle access passes were offered for the event, while other participants must carpool with a passholder or use the race-day shuttle transportation from the Townsend Visitor Center. An accessible shuttle will also be available.