The Cades Cove Loop Lope is the only organized footrace permitted on the scenic 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering participants a rare opportunity to run through this historic valley without vehicle traffic. The event features two race distances: a 5K out-and-back route and a USATF-certified 10-mile loop, both showcasing the area’s rich natural beauty and wildlife. Held annually in November, the Loop Lope is a non-competitive, untimed race designed to prioritize the experience over the clock. Proceeds from the event support Friends of the Smokies, helping to fund important conservation and preservation efforts within the park. With limited entries and high demand, the race fills quickly and has become a beloved tradition for both local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts.
Races
10 miles
5 km
Race Date:
09 November, 2025
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 10‑Mile is a USATF‑certified loop course held each November on the scenic 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering runners a unique, vehicle-free opportunity to race through historic valley terrain. This mid-distance event draws up to 750 participants, supports conservation via Friends of the Smokies fundraising, and is cherished for its stunning views and wildlife sightings.
Race Date:
09 November, 2025
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K is a scenic out-and-back race held each November on Cades Cove Loop Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering runners a unique, vehicle-free 5‑kilometer experience through historic valley landscapes. This race draws up to 750 participants, supports park conservation via Friends of the Smokies fundraising, and often includes a charming water crossing where runners dash through a creek early in the course.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile?
How long is the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile?
Where does the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile?
How can I prepare for the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile?
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 10‑Mile is a USATF‑certified loop course held each November on the scenic 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering runners a unique, vehicle-free opportunity to race through historic valley terrain. This mid-distance event draws up to 750 participants, supports conservation via Friends of the Smokies fundraising, and is cherished for its stunning views and wildlife sightings.
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile is 16km long.
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile takes place in Townsend, Tennessee, United States of America.
Runna classifies the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile elevation profile as Hilly.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile?
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 10‑Mile is a USATF‑certified loop course held each November on the scenic 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering runners a unique, vehicle-free opportunity to race through historic valley terrain. This mid-distance event draws up to 750 participants, supports conservation via Friends of the Smokies fundraising, and is cherished for its stunning views and wildlife sightings.
How long is the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile?
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile is 16km long.
Where does the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile take place?
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile takes place in Townsend, Tennessee, United States of America.
What is the elevation gain of the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile?
Runna classifies the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile elevation profile as Hilly.
How can I prepare for the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K?
How long is the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K?
Where does the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K?
How can I prepare for the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K?
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K is a scenic out-and-back race held each November on Cades Cove Loop Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering runners a unique, vehicle-free 5‑kilometer experience through historic valley landscapes. This race draws up to 750 participants, supports park conservation via Friends of the Smokies fundraising, and often includes a charming water crossing where runners dash through a creek early in the course.
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K is 5km long.
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K takes place in Townsend, Tennessee, United States of America.
Runna classifies the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K elevation profile as Rolling.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K?
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K is a scenic out-and-back race held each November on Cades Cove Loop Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering runners a unique, vehicle-free 5‑kilometer experience through historic valley landscapes. This race draws up to 750 participants, supports park conservation via Friends of the Smokies fundraising, and often includes a charming water crossing where runners dash through a creek early in the course.
How long is the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K?
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K is 5km long.
Where does the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K take place?
The Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K takes place in Townsend, Tennessee, United States of America.
What is the elevation gain of the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K?
Runna classifies the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K elevation profile as Rolling.
How can I prepare for the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
More
Sport:
Running
Tags:
Nature
Park
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Cades Cove Loop Lope or Friends of Hawkhurst. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Cades Cove Loop Lope website.
