Kuwohi: Great Smoky Mountains’ Hidden Gem Named Among USA TODAY’s Most Treasured Views
There’s something magical about standing atop a mountain peak, breathing in that crisp, clean air while gazing out at nature’s masterpiece spread before you. As someone who’s spent years exploring and writing about the enchanting Smoky Mountains, I was thrilled to learn that Kuwohi has been recognized by USA TODAY as one of America’s Most Treasured Views for 2025. This honor is well-deserved for this special place that many hikers consider the crown jewel of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Majestic Kuwohi: A View Worth Every Step
Kuwohi, the Cherokee name for what many know as Mount LeConte, stands proudly as the third-highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 6,593 feet, it offers panoramic vistas that simply take your breath away. I’ve made the journey multiple times over the years, and each visit reveals something new – whether it’s the way morning mist clings to the valleys below or how sunset paints the surrounding peaks in hues of amber and gold.
What makes this recognition from USA TODAY so fitting is that Kuwohi isn’t just about the destination – it’s about the journey. Unlike many scenic viewpoints accessible by car, experiencing Kuwohi requires commitment. You have to earn those views one step at a time.
LeConte Lodge: A Cozy Mountain Retreat
Perched near the summit sits LeConte Lodge, a rustic haven that feels like stepping back in time. This mountain retreat is the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States and offers a unique overnight experience that connects visitors with the mountain in a profound way.
What makes the lodge truly special is its isolation. There are no roads leading to this mountaintop sanctuary – just trails. The only way to reach this cozy retreat is to lace up your hiking boots and make the trek, which ranges from 5 to 8 miles depending on which trail you choose.
I still remember my first stay at the lodge years ago. After a challenging hike up Alum Cave Trail, settling into a rocking chair on the porch with a hot cup of coffee while watching clouds drift below me felt like pure magic. The simplicity of life at the lodge – no electricity, just kerosene lamps and propane heat – creates an atmosphere that helps you disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature.
Trails to Kuwohi: Choose Your Adventure
One of the things I love most about Kuwohi is that there’s no single “right way” to experience it. The mountain offers several distinct trails, each with its own personality:
- Alum Cave Trail: At 5.5 miles one-way, this is the shortest but steepest route. It features unique geological formations including Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluff.
- Rainbow Falls Trail: This 6.7-mile route takes you past the 80-foot Rainbow Falls, which is especially stunning after rainfall or in winter when it sometimes freezes.
- Trillium Gap Trail: At 8.9 miles, this is the longest route but offers encounters with the famous llama train that supplies the lodge three times weekly.
- Bullhead Trail: This 7.2-mile trail provides some of the most open views of the surrounding mountains during your ascent.
- Boulevard Trail: Connecting from the Appalachian Trail, this 8-mile route offers a ridge-top experience unlike any other.
Why Kuwohi Deserves Its Recognition
What sets Kuwohi apart from other scenic viewpoints across America? I believe it’s the perfect combination of accessibility and remoteness. While reaching the summit requires effort, the trails are well-maintained and achievable for reasonably fit hikers. Yet once you’re there, you feel worlds away from civilization.
The views themselves are spectacular in every season. Spring brings wildflowers carpeting the forest floor, summer offers lush greenery stretching to the horizon, fall transforms the landscape into a patchwork quilt of red, orange and gold, while winter sometimes creates a dramatic landscape of ice and snow above the clouds.
Having visited many national parks across the country, I can honestly say there’s something special about the way the light plays across the rolling peaks of the Smokies from Kuwohi’s vantage point. It’s a view that somehow feels both grand and intimate simultaneously.
Planning Your Visit to Kuwohi
If you’re inspired to experience one of America’s Most Treasured Views for yourself, here are some tips from someone who’s made the journey many times:
- Reserve early: If you want to stay at LeConte Lodge, plan far ahead – reservations typically open in October for the following year and fill quickly.
- Day hikes are possible: Don’t let lodge availability deter you. While staying overnight is special, day hiking to the summit is equally rewarding.
- Start early: Hit the trail by 8am to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the summit before heading back down.
- Be prepared: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Bring layers, rain gear, plenty of water, and snacks regardless of the forecast.
- Camera ready: You’ll want to capture these views, but also take time to simply be present and absorb the experience.
More Than Just a View
What makes Kuwohi truly special isn’t just the spectacular vistas – it’s how this place makes you feel. There’s something transformative about making the journey up this mountain. The physical challenge, the changing ecosystems as you climb higher, and finally reaching that summit creates a sense of accomplishment that enhances the visual reward.
I’ve seen hikers of all ages reach the top with tears in their eyes, overcome by both the beauty before them and the pride in their achievement. That emotional connection is what turns a merely pretty view into one of America’s most treasured.
A Treasure Worth Protecting
As Kuwohi gains recognition through accolades like USA TODAY’s Most Treasured Views, it’s important we remember our responsibility to protect this special place. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains the most visited national park in America, and preserving its natural beauty requires everyone’s cooperation.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, stay on marked trails, and respect wildlife. This ensures future generations can experience the same awe-inspiring views that earned Kuwohi this well-deserved recognition.
Plan Your Smoky Mountain Adventure
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, Kuwohi offers an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve descended from its summit. As someone who’s fallen under the spell of the Smokies many times over, I can promise that this special peak offers something truly extraordinary – now officially recognized as one of America’s Most Treasured Views.
Have you experienced the magic of Kuwohi or are you planning your first visit? The mountain and its cozy lodge await, ready to show you why this view deserves every accolade it receives.