Kuwohi Viewpoint: USA TODAY’s Gem in the Great Smoky Mountains
When I first laid eyes on Kuwohi overlook years ago, I felt that rare combination of awe and peace that only the Smokies can deliver. Now, this treasured viewpoint is getting the national recognition it deserves, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share this news with fellow mountain enthusiasts.
USA TODAY has just named Kuwohi as one of America’s Most Treasured Views for 2025, putting this magnificent overlook in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the national map. As someone who’s hiked countless trails and witnessed hundreds of Smoky Mountain sunrises, I can tell you this distinction is well-earned.
What Makes Kuwohi Special Among Smoky Mountain Viewpoints
Kuwohi, which means “mulberry place” in Cherokee, offers visitors something truly spectacular. The panoramic vista sweeps across the Tennessee valley, showcasing layer upon layer of the famous “smoky” blue ridges that give these mountains their name. What I’ve always loved about this spot is how it captures the essence of the Smokies in one breathtaking view.
Unlike some of the park’s more commercialized viewpoints, Kuwohi retains a sense of tranquility and natural beauty that transports you back to a time before modern development. The shifting mists that dance across the mountains here create an ever-changing landscape that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible.
Planning Your Visit to Experience USA TODAY’s Most Treasured View
If you’re joining the millions heading to East Tennessee this summer, adding Kuwohi to your itinerary is a must. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when the lighting creates dramatic shadows across the mountains and the crowds are thinner.
I’ve found that early June offers the perfect balance of comfortable temperatures and vibrant greenery, though the autumn colors in October transform the view into a painter’s palette of reds, oranges, and golds that simply take your breath away.
Getting to Kuwohi Overlook
- Access is available via the main park road between Gatlinburg and Cherokee
- Parking is limited, so arrive early during peak season (June-October)
- The viewpoint is wheelchair accessible with paved paths
- Pack layers as mountain temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day
Beyond the View: Exploring the Surrounding Area
While Kuwohi itself is worth the trip, I always recommend visitors explore beyond this single viewpoint. Nearby hiking trails offer different perspectives of the landscape, and several connect to form longer adventures for the more ambitious explorers.
After nearly a decade of writing about these mountains, I’ve discovered that the magic of the Smokies lies not just in famous spots like Kuwohi, but in the unexpected moments of connection with nature you’ll find along less-traveled paths. The nearby wildflower meadows in spring are some of the most diverse in North America, with over 1,500 flowering plant species.
Why Millions Visit Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Each year, the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area welcomes millions of visitors seeking mountain beauty, family attractions, and Southern hospitality. While Dollywood and downtown Gatlinburg offer plenty of entertainment, the national park remains the crown jewel that draws nature lovers from around the world.
What I find fascinating is how places like Kuwohi connect us to both the natural history and cultural heritage of the region. The Cherokee people considered these mountains sacred, and standing at this overlook, it’s easy to understand why.
| Season | Experience at Kuwohi | Visitor Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Wildflowers, emerging green, misty mornings | Moderate |
| Summer | Lush forests, afternoon thunderstorms, vibrant wildlife | High |
| Fall | Spectacular foliage, clear air, blue skies | Very High |
| Winter | Occasional snow, bare trees revealing mountain contours | Low |
Preserving the Beauty for Future Generations
National recognition like the USA TODAY honor brings both benefits and challenges. While I’m thrilled more people will discover Kuwohi’s magic, I also hope visitors will embrace the park’s “leave no trace” principles.
Having witnessed the evolution of tourism in the Smokies over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how increased visitation impacts these fragile ecosystems. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park recently implemented parking fees at certain locations to help fund preservation efforts, a small price to pay for maintaining such extraordinary natural beauty.
Will You Experience One of America’s Most Treasured Views?
As summer approaches and vacation plans take shape, I invite you to consider adding Kuwohi to your Smoky Mountain itinerary. Stand where generations have stood before, gaze out over the ancient mountains, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Smokies regular, Kuwohi offers something special at any time of year. The USA TODAY recognition simply confirms what locals and park enthusiasts have known for generations – this view captures something timeless and profound about the American landscape.
Have you visited Kuwohi before? Are you planning a trip to the Smokies this year? I’d love to hear about your experiences in these magnificent mountains that have captured my heart and imagination for so many years.