An Indian trail across the mountain was the primary route into the Cove for the first settlers. In the 1830s a wagon road, known as the Cades Cove Road, was built over the mountain, and served for nearly a hundred years as the main access to Tuckaleechee. The state of Tennessee built the present road in the 1920s. It is 12 miles long, with one-way traffic to the Park boundary. Beautiful glimpses of the entire Cove are visible from the top of this road. Donations being ask for new glasses for people who lead cycling group that can't read very good! hahaha!