Cades Cove Named One of USA TODAY’s Best Scenic Views: A Smoky Mountain Treasure
There’s something magical about standing in Cades Cove as the morning mist rises off the fields, revealing the majestic mountains that encircle this historic valley. As someone who’s hiked countless Smoky Mountain trails and photographed this breathtaking landscape through every season, I wasn’t surprised to learn that Cades Cove has been named one of USA TODAY’s Most Treasured Views in America for 2025. This recognition simply confirms what locals and visitors have known for generations – Cades Cove offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the entire country.
Why Cades Cove Deserves This Recognition
Nestled within the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove presents visitors with a perfect harmony of natural beauty and historical significance. The 11-mile one-way loop road winds through a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains, creating a landscape that changes dramatically with each season.
In spring, wildflowers carpet the meadows while deer graze peacefully nearby. Summer brings lush greenery and thunderstorms that create dramatic lighting over the mountains. Fall transforms the surrounding forests into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. And winter, my personal favorite time to visit, offers stark, stunning views of the mountains when crowds thin and wildlife becomes more visible against the sparse landscape.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
One of the reasons I find myself returning to Cades Cove repeatedly is the incredible wildlife viewing. The open valley provides some of the best opportunities in the park to spot:
- Black bears (especially in early morning or late evening)
- White-tailed deer (abundant year-round)
- Coyotes (occasionally spotted crossing meadows)
- Wild turkeys (often seen in groups near forest edges)
- Red foxes (rare but memorable sightings)
I’ll never forget my first bear sighting in Cades Cove – a mother and two cubs foraging at the edge of a field as the sun rose behind the mountains. It’s these moments that connect visitors to the wild heart of the Smokies.
Historical Significance Enhances the Experience
What makes Cades Cove truly special is how human history enriches the natural setting. The valley contains the best collection of historic buildings in the park, including:
| Historic Structure | Significance |
|---|---|
| John Oliver Cabin | One of the oldest structures in the cove (1820s) |
| Primitive Baptist Church | Simple white church with fascinating Civil War history |
| Cable Mill | Working gristmill demonstrating pioneer technology |
| Tipton Place | Well-preserved homestead with multiple buildings |
New Improvements Enhance Visitor Experience
The article also mentions new steps leading to Enloe Cemetery near Mingus Mill, highlighting the park’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility to historic sites. These improvements allow visitors to connect more deeply with the area’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying its natural beauty.
Best Times to Visit Cades Cove
If you’re planning a trip to see this newly recognized national treasure, timing is everything. Having visited during all seasons and times of day, I can offer some insider tips:
- Early morning (before 9am): Best for wildlife viewing and photography when light is soft and crowds are minimal
- Weekdays: Significantly less crowded than weekends, especially during summer
- Late fall/winter: Fewer visitors and better visibility through leafless trees
- Wednesday and Saturday mornings (May-September): Vehicle-free until 10am, perfect for cyclists and pedestrians
I’ve spent countless foggy mornings watching the landscape transform as sunlight gradually fills the cove, and these moments of solitude are worth setting an early alarm.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re inspired to experience one of America’s Most Treasured Views for yourself, here are some practical considerations:
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to drive the loop road and stop at points of interest
- Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting and distant mountain views
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at designated areas throughout the cove
- Check the official park website for seasonal closures or maintenance
- Consider hiking one of several trails that begin in the cove, including Rich Mountain Road or Abrams Falls
Beyond Cades Cove: Other Scenic Treasures
While Cades Cove rightfully earns its place among America’s most treasured views, the article’s mention of Mingus Mill reminds us that Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers countless other scenic wonders. The newly accessible Enloe Cemetery joins a long list of historic and natural sites worth exploring throughout the park.
The Impact of Recognition
Being named to USA TODAY’s prestigious list will likely bring increased attention to Cades Cove. As someone who cherishes this special place, I hope new visitors will approach it with the respect and appreciation it deserves. The recognition also underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to preserve these treasured landscapes for future generations.
Preserving the View
The National Park Service works diligently to maintain the historic open fields of Cades Cove through controlled burns and other management techniques. These efforts ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy the sweeping vistas that made this location worthy of national recognition.
Next time you find yourself in East Tennessee, make time for a slow drive or bicycle ride through Cades Cove. Pause often, look up from your camera occasionally, and allow yourself to be fully present in one of America’s most treasured views. The mountains have stories to tell if we take the time to listen.