When you’re planning a big family trip, it’s important to choose your time of visit carefully. If you have small children and want to go hiking, a winter trip might prove disastrous. Similarly, if you’re trying to beat the crowds, a summer trip to Gatlinburg isn’t the way to go. The Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg area offer plenty to do year-round, but depending on your circumstances and goals, one season might be better for you. Read on to discover the best time for you to visit Gatlinburg.
Spring
Are you a nature lover looking to see some gorgeous mountain blooms while avoiding the crowds? Spring is a perfect time for you to visit! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts a stunning display of spring wildflowers, most of which you won’t be able to see any other time of the year. Take advantage of the park’s Spring Flower Pilgrimage to get seminars and guided hikes centered around the local wildflowers. This time of year, the Gatlinburg Ski Lift is also an amazing experience, as you’ll get a panoramic view of the flower-covered mountains. Finally, a spring rafting trip can be a magical experience. Rafting through the budding trees is a great opportunity to see the magical sights while having a blast out on the water!
What are the disadvantages of a spring visit? You’ll need to prepare for the cold! Cooler weather can linger into the spring months, especially higher in the park. If chilly weather bothers you, or if you have small children who are susceptible to the cold, you’ll need to plan carefully and bring warm clothing for your spring trip.
Summer
If you’re visiting Gatlinburg to get the most of the town’s many attractions as well as experience everything the park has to offer, summer is the season for you. The tops of the mountains are cool year-round, and the trees provide shade in the park, keeping the temperatures bearable even in the hot months. Summer is also great for catching live music around the Gatlinburg area, browsing the extensive local farmer’s market (open every Saturday morning), and experiencing big festivals like the Fourth of July celebration. If you’re looking to enjoy all the outdoor activities Gatlinburg and the mountains have to offer, summer is your time to visit!
The main drawback of a summer visit is overcrowding. Because of the good weather and school breaks, expect to see a lot of people, especially on the most popular trails. You might also pay a higher price for attractions and lodging due to higher demand.
Fall
Until you’ve seen the Smoky Mountains in their fiery fall colors, you haven’t experienced everything the mountains have to offer. The pleasant weather and stunning foliage make for an amazing trip, and all the local trails will be open. As a bonus, because tourists prioritize seeing the trees in the park, the town attractions in Gatlinburg are sometimes less crowded. If you’d rather see the town than the trees, this is a good time to do it!
The gorgeous foliage in Great Smoky Mountain National Park does mean you’ll have to deal with some crowds. Droves of visitors turn out to see the park in its fall splendor. However, if you’re not limited by a school schedule, fall is a great time to visit and enjoy the brilliant colors of the changing mountains.
Fall is the perfect season if you’re looking to take advantage of the fun activities without scorching heat. The area also offers fall festivals, harvest fun, and Halloween-themed activities!
Winter
All the beauty of winter is magnified in the Smoky Mountains. Winter is the best time to visit to see snow-covered mountains, icy streams, and wintery sports. You’ll love skiing in the mountains at Ober Gatlinburg or snowboarding and snow tubing. You’ll beat the huge summer crowds, and if you come during the Christmas season, get ready to be awed! The town of Gatlinburg goes all out with festive lights, decorations, and holiday cheer. See Santa in multiple locations, check out the Titanic Museum’s impressive lights display, or roam the town during special holiday festivals like Winterfest, which spans both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg!
If you’re hoping to do lots of hiking and take in all the activities and attractions of the area, winter might not be your season. Many attractions such as horseback riding and ziplining are closed over the winter months, and you won’t be able to enjoy a trip with Rafting in the Smokies during the cold season. Some trails and roads are also shut down due to heavy snowfall and potentially unsafe conditions. If the cold bothers you, you’ll need to plan ahead and dress warmly!
The bottom line: every season has amazing features in the Smoky Mountains! To plan the best time for your visit, identify your trip goals, make sure the attractions you want to see are open and prepare to enjoy the beauty of the mountains!
