Top 4 Things to Do During Winter in the Smoky Mountains
We’re looking forward to the upcoming camping season as much as you, but for now, you might be wondering what to do in the Smokies during the winter! If you happen to be in the Smoky Mountains in the winter season, you’ll still find plenty of fun activities to enjoy with your family and friends! Here are the top 4 things to do during winter in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Go for a Winter Hike in the National Park
Recommended Winter Hikes: Alum Cave, Porters Creek, Schoolhouse Gap
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open all year round for visitors, including during the chilly winter months! As long as you bundle up in layers and prepare for the weather conditions, winter can actually be a wonderful time to go hiking! You’ll not only find far fewer hikers on the most popular trails, but unique scenery ranging from snow-capped peaks to frozen waterfalls! Just keep in mind that there are a few seasonal road closures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so be sure to plan accordingly!
2. Enjoy the Outdoor Winter Sports at Ober Mountain
Another one of the things to do during winter in the Smoky Mountains is the outdoor sports at Ober Mountain, including ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing! This exciting Gatlinburg TN winter attraction offers everything from ski lessons to equipment rentals, although you are welcome to bring your own gear as well! You can purchase full sessions or night sessions for the ski slopes, while snow tubing sessions are offered in 90-minute time slots. Ober’s snow tubing tends to sell out, especially on weekends and holidays, so purchase your tickets in advance!
3. Explore a Fascinating Museum in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg
You’ll find that most of the indoor attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are open all year round, and winter is a fantastic time to explore a fascinating museum without the crowds! Some of the top Pigeon Forge winter attractions include the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum, Titanic Museum, and WonderWorks, while Gatlinburg offers the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum! The Great Smoky Mountains in winter also means it’s a great time to enjoy other indoor attractions, such as glow-in-the-dark miniature golf courses, arcades, and escape rooms!
4. See the Winterfest Light Displays Throughout the Smokies
The cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg come alive at night with more than 15 million lights each winter as part of the annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration! The lights shine from early November to late February, giving you plenty of time to experience the dazzling light displays from the comfort of your own car! To see the displays, simply drive down the Parkway and feel free to pull over to take as many photos as you like. The Pigeon Forge Riverwalk also transforms into the Wonders of Light Walking Trail during Winterest; it’s a must-do for all ages!
While winter in the Smoky Mountains may seem like it will last forever, spring will be here before you know it! Check out all the information about our Smoky Mountain campground today to get excited about the upcoming camping season!
