Tipton Place
Step back in time at Tipton Place, a historic gem in Cades Cove offering a glimpse into early Appalachian life with cabins and barns.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and see wildlife
Tipton Place
Best Time
Beat the crowds and see wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Tipton Place, a historic gem in Cades Cove offering a glimpse into early Appalachian life with cabins and barns.
"A stroll through this site is like a journey back in time. "
🚗 Plan for the Cove Road
The Cades Cove loop road is one-way and can get congested. Allow ample time for your visit. :car:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the historic structures and grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
William 'Fighting Billy' Tipton Cabin
Cades Cove
Step back in time in this 1870s two-story cabin, a testament to early mountain living.
Historic Barns and Outbuildings
Cades Cove
Discover a cantilever barn, blacksmith shop, and corn crib, showcasing pioneer ingenuity.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
Cades Cove
Keep an eye out for deer and turkeys amidst the scenic beauty of the cove.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Past in Cades Cove
Timing is Key for Cades Cove
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Plan for the Cove Road
The Cades Cove loop road is one-way and can get congested. Allow ample time for your visit. +1 :car:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the historic structures and grounds. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera to photograph the charming cabins and scenic landscapes.
🦌 Be Wildlife Aware
You might spot deer, turkeys, and other animals. Keep a safe distance and do not feed them. :deer:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Plan for the Cove Road
The Cades Cove loop road is one-way and can get congested. Allow ample time for your visit. +1 :car:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the historic structures and grounds. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera to photograph the charming cabins and scenic landscapes.
🦌 Be Wildlife Aware
You might spot deer, turkeys, and other animals. Keep a safe distance and do not feed them. :deer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Tipton Place for its authentic glimpse into early mountain life and the beauty of Cades Cove. Many enjoy the historic structures and the chance to see wildlife. However, the significant crowds and slow traffic on the loop road can detract from the experience for some.
"What a wonderful place to visit and get a look at early Mountain life. Always a thrill to view the old cabins and barns. Beautiful place to walk and experience wildlife and nature at it's best. 11 miles on a one way road."
Connie Watters
"This is a beautiful spot. We don't stop here very often but it was not crowded when we were there this time. There are some great historic structures here and it is nice to walk around and picture what it must have been like to live here."
Stephen Ellis
"One of the historic landmarks in Cades Cove is Tipton Place. Once owned by Revolutionary War Vet William “Fighting Billy” Tipton, this two-story cabin from the 1870s is a time capsule. It has a large double-pen corn crib, old-fashioned bee gums, a blacksmith shop, and a cantilever barn. These barns held wagons, farming equipment, livestock, hays, and crops. A stroll through this site is like a journey back in time. While you’re in the Cades Cove loop, don’t forget to stop by Tipton Place."
Tasnim Ara Islam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tipton Place is located within the Cades Cove loop road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Access is via the one-way loop road, which can be reached from Townsend, TN, or Gatlinburg, TN. +1
Limited parking is available at designated pull-offs along the Cades Cove loop road near Tipton Place. Be prepared to walk a short distance from your vehicle.
No, Tipton Place is situated along the Cades Cove loop road, which is a one-way scenic drive. You cannot drive directly to it outside of the loop.
To avoid heavy traffic, aim for early mornings or late afternoons, especially on weekdays. Weekends and holidays can be extremely busy. +1
Currently, there are no regular shuttle services for the Cades Cove loop. Visitors must use their own vehicles or bicycles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tipton Place is located within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which does not charge an entrance fee. However, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes within the park.
Tipton Place is an outdoor historic site and is generally accessible whenever the Cades Cove loop road is open. The loop road's hours vary seasonally.
No, there is no separate admission fee for Tipton Place. It is part of the free-to-enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Tipton Place is accessible when the Cades Cove loop road is open. The road's accessibility can be affected by weather conditions, especially in winter.
While there are no formal guided tours of Tipton Place itself, park rangers may offer interpretive programs in the Cades Cove area. Check the park's schedule for details.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Tipton Place features a historic two-story cabin, a cantilever barn, a blacksmith shop, and a double-pen corn crib, offering a comprehensive look at early mountain life.
To fully appreciate the site and its surroundings, plan for at least 30-60 minutes. This allows time for exploring the structures and enjoying the scenery.
The grounds around Tipton Place are generally uneven and may be challenging for strollers and wheelchairs. The historic cabin interiors are not accessible.
Visitors often spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Black bears are also present in the park, so maintain a safe distance.
Restrooms are available at the Cades Cove Visitor Center and other designated points along the loop road, but not directly at Tipton Place itself.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rustic charm of the cabin, the impressive cantilever barn, and the surrounding natural beauty. Early morning and late afternoon light offer the most picturesque shots.
The 'golden hours' shortly after sunrise and before sunset provide soft, warm light that enhances the historic structures and landscape.
Drone usage is restricted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Check the official park website for current regulations regarding drone operation.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both the structures and the wider landscape. A wide-angle lens can be great for the barns.
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and use a telephoto lens to avoid disturbing the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited within the cove. Consider making it a picnic outing to extend the enjoyment. The slow pace of the loop road can be managed with car games or by pointing out interesting sights.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Photographers
Best approach: Visit during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Take your time to explore the details of the architecture and the surrounding landscape. Consider bringing a variety of lenses to capture both close-up details and wider scenic shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of William 'Fighting Billy' Tipton
The structures at Tipton Place, dating back to the 1870s, provide a vivid illustration of the self-sufficient lifestyle of early mountain settlers. The two-story cabin, a substantial dwelling for its time, speaks to the Tipton family's established presence. Complementing the cabin are essential outbuildings like the blacksmith shop, vital for tool repair and creation, and the large cantilever barn, designed to store wagons, farming equipment, and livestock. These elements collectively paint a picture of the daily challenges and ingenuity required to thrive in this frontier environment.
Visiting Tipton Place is more than just seeing old buildings; it's an immersive experience into the past. The site allows visitors to walk through history, imagining the lives of those who built and inhabited these structures. The surrounding natural beauty of Cades Cove further enhances the atmosphere, making it a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of the early American settlers.
Navigating the Cades Cove Loop Road
To make the most of your visit and minimize frustration, strategic timing is essential. Arriving early in the morning, shortly after the road opens, is highly recommended. This allows you to experience the cove with fewer cars and a greater chance of spotting wildlife.
While the drive itself is a highlight, remember that the purpose is to explore the historic structures and natural beauty. Utilize the numerous pull-offs to park and walk to sites like Tipton Place. Be patient, enjoy the scenery, and be prepared for a slow-paced journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit