Cades Cove Named One of USA TODAY’s Best Scenic Views for 2025
There’s something magical about driving through Cades Cove as the morning mist lifts off the valley floor, revealing historic cabins and lush meadows surrounded by mountain views. As someone who’s spent countless days exploring the hidden corners of the Smokies, I wasn’t surprised when USA TODAY recently recognized this special place as one of America’s “Most Treasured Views” for 2025.
Having photographed sunrise in Cades Cove dozens of times, I can tell you there’s simply nowhere else like it in the Eastern United States. The recognition by USA TODAY only confirms what locals and regular visitors have known for generations – this valley is truly one of America’s natural treasures.
Why Cades Cove Deserves This Recognition
Nestled within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove offers an 11-mile one-way loop road that winds through wide-open valleys surrounded by mountain views. What makes this area particularly special is the blend of natural beauty and preserved history.
As you drive (or cycle) the loop, you’ll encounter:
- Historic homesteads and churches dating back to the early 1800s
- Wide-open meadows that offer some of the best wildlife viewing in the park
- Mountain vistas that change dramatically with the seasons
- Access to hiking trails like the popular Abrams Falls Trail
During my years exploring the Smokies, I’ve found Cades Cove to be one of the most reliable spots to view black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys in their natural habitat. The open fields allow for wildlife spotting that’s simply not possible in the densely forested areas elsewhere in the park.
Temporary Closure Alert: Abrams Falls Trail
If you’re planning a visit to Cades Cove in the coming weeks, take note that the popular Abrams Falls Trail and its parking area will be closed from June 16 through June 18 for scheduled maintenance work. Visitors will not have access to the waterfall during this brief closure.
Having hiked to Abrams Falls numerous times in different seasons, I can tell you it’s worth planning your visit around these dates if the 5-mile roundtrip hike to this 20-foot waterfall is on your bucket list. The cascading water creates one of the most powerful displays in the park, plunging into a deep pool that appears deceptively inviting (though swimming is dangerous and not recommended).
Best Times to Visit Cades Cove
From my experience exploring the cove through all four seasons, here are my recommendations for making the most of your visit:
| Season | Highlights | Crowd Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (April-May) | Wildflowers, dogwood blooms, new wildlife births | Moderate |
| Summer (June-August) | Lush green meadows, frequent wildlife sightings | Very High |
| Fall (September-November) | Spectacular foliage, rutting season for elk | High |
| Winter (December-March) | Snow-dusted mountains, improved visibility, solitude | Low (weather permitting) |
I’ve always found early morning (before 9 AM) to be the sweet spot for visiting Cades Cove. The lighting is perfect for photography, wildlife is most active, and you’ll beat the heaviest crowds that arrive mid-day.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Cades Cove Visit
After countless trips through the cove, I’ve developed a few strategies to enhance the experience:
- Visit on a Wednesday or Saturday morning during peak season when the loop is closed to vehicle traffic until 10 AM (bicycle and foot traffic only).
- Pack binoculars and a zoom lens if you have one – wildlife is often visible but at a distance.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated areas near Cable Mill or halfway through the loop.
- Allow 2-3 hours minimum to drive the loop, more if you plan to stop at historic buildings or take short walks.
- Download the NPS app before your visit since cell service is virtually non-existent in the cove.
One of my favorite memories in Cades Cove was spotting a mother bear with three cubs grazing in a distant field one spring morning. We watched them for nearly 30 minutes as the rising sun illuminated the dewy grass around them – the kind of moment that makes a 5 AM wake-up call absolutely worth it.
Beyond the Loop Road: Exploring Deeper
While the loop road gets the most attention, I encourage you to explore beyond it if time permits. The 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abrams Falls (when it reopens after maintenance) rewards you with one of the park’s most voluminous waterfalls. For a more challenging adventure, consider the Rich Mountain Loop trail, which offers spectacular views looking back into the cove.
The historic buildings throughout Cades Cove tell the story of the hardy settlers who lived in this isolated valley before it became part of the national park. I find the simple churches – Primitive Baptist Church, Methodist Church, and Missionary Baptist Church – particularly moving. Standing in these quiet spaces, you can almost hear the hymns that once filled them.
Planning Your Visit to See America’s “Most Treasured View”
With this new recognition from USA TODAY, Cades Cove is likely to see even more visitors in the coming year. Here are my practical tips for planning your trip:
- Visit during weekdays if possible, especially during summer and fall
- Arrive early (before 9 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 3 PM) to avoid the heaviest crowds
- Consider staying in Townsend, TN (the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”) for the quickest access to Cades Cove
- Check the official National Park Service website for current conditions and closures before your visit
I’ve watched sunrise paint the mountains pink from Sparks Lane and seen fields of fireflies twinkling on summer evenings. I’ve witnessed autumn transform the valley into a tapestry of reds and golds. Each visit to Cades Cove offers something new, which is why this recognition as one of America’s most treasured views is so well-deserved.
Experience This National Treasure for Yourself
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Great Smoky Mountains National Park or a seasoned explorer, Cades Cove deserves a place on your itinerary. Just remember to respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance, leave no trace, and take only photographs to preserve this special place for generations to come.
Have you visited Cades Cove? What was your favorite spot or memory? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!