Winter is one of the best seasons for long vacation trips. You can make the most of the holiday season and head out to a new destination for a much-deserved break. If you are excited to visit a destination with incredible views, tall mountains, gorgeous valleys, and lots of trees, you can consider the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though summer and fall are popular seasons to visit the Smoky Mountains for hiking, it is equally popular during winter. You can enjoy many unique sights and attractions during winter while also avoiding the crowds. There are winter special events and holiday festivals in the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You can make the most of the winter experience and enjoy a relaxing vacation at this spot.
A Beautiful Season for a Beautiful Vacation
The Great Smoky Mountains and the Greater Tennessee area are known for pleasant winters. You can expect temperatures above 50F during certain days in the season. During the daytime, the high temperature may lie between 60- 70F, making it favorable for long hikes on the trails. During evening and night, it may drop below the freezing point. The higher ridges and summits may experience substantial snowfall as compared to the lower foothills and valleys. Typically, the snow can form a thick blanket over the taller peaks and higher mountain ranges. You can admire the view of snow-covered peaks from the trails. The higher elevation may receive about 2-6 feet of snow each season.
The months of December and January may receive a good amount of snow, turning it into a Christmas winter wonderland. You can enjoy plenty of holiday events in the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Expect festive decorations, colorful lights, a giant Christmas tree, family-friendly events, and much more during the Smoky Mountain winter season.
You can attend a unique event known as Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights at Pigeon Forge. The area is lit with more than five million Christmas lights, turning it into a magical wonderland. You can admire the beautiful, traditional, and colorful decorations within a huge area. Located at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the Incredible Christmas Place is a famous Christmas destination in Pigeon Forge. This 30-year-old traditional institution has a large area spanning over 43,000 square feet. The place is decorated with Christmas trees, light displays, decorations, ornaments, and much more. It is a family-friendly spot where everyone can experience the festive spirit and capture beautiful photographs for memories.
Downtown Gatlinburg is also well decorated with lots of lights and Christmas trees. You can relish holiday special meals at the famous restaurants, shop for beautiful gifts in the local stores, and spend quality time with family and friends.
Outdoor Activities During the Smoky Mountains Winter
You can never run out of options in the famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding towns in Tennessee. There is something unique for every season that can keep you entertained and engaged. First and foremost, you can explore the area by hiking on the huge trails in the national park. Smoky Mountains Winter hiking is also a fun activity to explore the natural fauna and flora of the area. The trails may have snow or ice, so be careful and avoid slippery paths. You can check some popular trails such as Porters Creek, Charles Bunion, and Andrews Bald. Head to a popular scenic spot in the park known as Cades Cove. You can look at beautiful snow-covered areas at this location. You may also find wildlife like deer and different species of birds. Enjoy sparkling ice and snow at the waterfalls. As the water from the waterfall freezes, it leads to a spectacular gravity-defying phenomenon.
If you would like to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, you can visit the popular Ober Gatlinburg ski resort. It is a freestyle intermediate park where you can enjoy ski runs, slopes, tubes, and much more. It also has a beautiful aerial tramway to see the scenic view of mountains.
With so many fun choices on the list, you can expect a wonderful vacation filled with incredible moments. Find perfect accommodations at Great Smoky Mountains Cabin Rentals and enjoy an unforgettable trip.
