Visiting the Smoky Mountains during the winter means that you can enjoy fewer crowds and less traffic; plus, you might just get to see snow! Read this guide about snow in the Smokies to find out how to make the most of your winter vacation, including the best outdoor activities and attractions:
Does it snow in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
Yes! While lower elevations tend to only get a few inches a few times during the winter season, Newfound Gap, one of the highest areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, can receive over 5 feet of snow annually! That’s why it’s important to always stay up to date with seasonal road conditions before exploring the national park. So when is the best time to see snow in the Smokies? Higher elevations may get snow as early as December, but the chance of it snowing in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is at its highest in January and February.
The Best Winter Activities in the Smoky Mountains
Winter Hiking
Can you hike during the winter in the national park? Absolutely! While some access roads close for the winter like Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, for example, many areas remain open weather permitting. A few of the best Smoky Mountain hikes in winter include the Gatlinburg Trail, Rainbow Falls, Alum Cave, Metcalf Bottoms, and Ramsey Cascades.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg is the top ski resort in all of Tennessee and provides incredible slopes for all experience levels, as well as an indoor ice skating rink, a snow zone for kids, a tubing hill, and more! They offer ski lessons and rental equipment, so everyone can have fun and be safe out on the slopes, even if you’ve never skied before.
Snow Tubing
If you’re looking for a place to go snow tubing in Pigeon Forge, you’re in luck; because there are two fantastic snow tubing attractions– Pigeon Forge Snow and Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark. While Pigeon Forge Snow offers indoor snow tubing, Rowdy Bear features the longest outdoor tubing hill in the state!
Other Outdoor Attractions
There are plenty of other ways to enjoy snow in the Smokies– like visiting your favorite outdoor attractions such as SkyLand Ranch, Anakeesta, and Gatlinburg SkyPark. Not only can you admire the sprawling views and snow-capped mountains from these mountaintop attractions but they all have their own unique adventures you’ll want to experience. Plus, Winterfest lights stay up through February, so you can drive the Parkway or walk the scenic routes to enjoy the dazzling displays. When it snows, the light reflecting on the ground adds a whole new dimension of winter magic!
Where To Stay
So where should you stay during a winter vacation in the Smoky Mountains? A cozy cabin rental, of course! Not only do cabins offer more space than a hotel or condo but also a lot more unique amenities and features that add so much value to your stay. You’ll be able to keep warm during the colder weather and still enjoy the mountain scenery by stargazing in the hot tub with a glass of wine or cozying up by the fireplace with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. The kids will have plenty of fun things to keep them entertained, from the game room to the home theater to the private indoor pool!
Now that you know more about snow in the Smokies and the best things to do this winter, it’s time to plan your trip. Browse all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals to find the perfect one for your family!
