4 Fun Outdoor Attractions in Gatlinburg TN to Enjoy This Winter
If the cool winter months have you missing the pleasures of camping and the great outdoors, head over to Gatlinburg for some fun outdoor activities! Since the temperatures in the Smokies are generally moderate throughout the winter months, you can still enjoy being outside among nature with hiking, skiing, snow tubing, and plenty of other wonderful activities! Here are 4 fun outdoor attractions in Gatlinburg TN that you can enjoy this winter:
1. Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open all year long for your enjoyment, so don’t let a little chilly weather keep you from exploring one of the park’s scenic hiking trails! As long as you check the weather forecast, dress in layers, and keep hydrated, you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit some of the most popular trails without the crowds! The Gatlinburg entrance into the park is just south of town, and just a little further down you’ll find the Sugarlands Visitor Center where you can start your day!
2. Snow Sports at Ober Mountain
Another one of the fun outdoor attractions in Gatlinburg TN that you can enjoy this winter is Ober Mountain, the only ski resort in Tennessee! Ober Mountain is home to a variety of challenging slopes for all skill levels, so bring your ski and snowboard gear along for the adventure or take advantage of the convenient on-site rentals! Another popular activity on the mountain is snow tubing, where you can slide down a thrilling tubing hill over and over again while the Magic Carpet takes you right back to the top of the hill!
3. Anakeesta
When it comes to the best outdoor attractions in Gatlinburg TN, you won’t want to miss Anakeesta! This spectacular mountaintop park offers some of the best views in Gatlinburg and several thrilling activities for all ages! Half of the fun is getting there, as you’ll travel 600 feet to the top of Anakeesta Mountain via the unique Chondola chairlift/gondola ride! Once you reach the peak, go for a breathtaking ride on the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, stroll across the Treetop Skywalk and climb to the top of the AnaVista observation tower!
4. Moonshine Mountain Coaster
The Moonshine Mountain Coaster is a roller coaster-style attraction where you get to control the speed of your own ride down the mountain! The single or double-rider coaster carts coast down the mountain on a specially-designed silent track and you simply use individual brake handles to speed up or slow down! A lift hill takes you up the mountain, where you have the time to admire the beauty of the Smokies before heading back downhill. The winter scenery can be particularly mesmerizing, especially when snow is on the ground!
While these attractions in Gatlinburg TN should keep you busy this winter, it’s never too early to “think spring” and look forward to another season of camping adventures! Check out all of the information about our Smoky Mountain campground today and be one of the first guests to make your plans for the upcoming season!
