Winter is a great time to visit Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains! Apart from holiday weekends, the crowds are smaller and traffic is lighter. Also, visitors can fit more into their trip because there are few or no wait times. If you think the Smoky Mountain area is a warm-weather destination, think again. Here are the top 3 things to do when visiting Gatlinburg in winter:
Drive to Newfound Gap Overlook
Weather permitting, Newfound Gap Road is open year-round. The National Park Service will close roads due to icy and snowy conditions, but otherwise, visitors can still access the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Check road statuses here.
The temperatures might not be suitable for hiking, but a scenic drive through the park is splendid in winter! Crank up the heat, put on your favorite music, and see the Smokies from a different perspective. Leaving Gatlinburg, stop at Sugarlands Visitors Center to visit the restrooms and the museum. While there, purchase a parking pass. Do you need a parking pass in the Smoky Mountains? Read more here.
Newfound Gap Overlook is halfway between Gatlinburg, TN, and Cherokee, NC. The drive is approximately 17 miles. Since the fall foliage is gone, the bare trees allow longer sightlines and interesting vantage points. If you’re lucky, snow will cover the landscape, but plows will clear the roads. The trip to the overlook is always peaceful.
Where can you stand in two states at one time? Newfound Gap Overlook. This spot is one of the most popular destinations in the GSMNP. The views are vast, and the historical aspect of the overlook is fascinating. President Roosevelt dedicated the national park there in 1940. He spoke from the Rockefeller Monument, which is still accessible via the original stone steps. Visitors can climb the stairs for lovely views and photo-worthy backdrops.
Newfound Gap Overlook has restrooms, and it is a great place to stretch your legs. It is also a fun spot for a picnic! Watch a Smoky Mountain sunrise without getting out of your warm car. Newfound Gap Overlook is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in the Smoky Mountains.
Visit Ober Mountain
Formerly Ober Gatlinburg, Ober Mountain is undergoing an exciting renovation and rebranding! This attraction is a mainstay of the Gatlinburg community. It is a popular year-round destination. However, it really shines in winter.
Snowsports including snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding are available to thrill seekers. Additionally, the Snow Zone gives guests of all ages the chance to play in the snow. Indoors, the ice-skating rink and ice bumper cars provide climate-controlled fun. Learn more about the winter activities at Ober Mountain. View the live webcam and slope report to plan a wild wintry day at Ober Mountain!
There are two ways to access Ober Mountain: ride the aerial tramway or drive up Ski Mountain Road. There are pros and cons for each, although riding the aerial tramway is a nostalgic adventure of its own. Plus, the tramway leaves from the Aerial Tramway Mall, which boasts unique shops and a charming cafe.
Bundle Up and Walk the Parkway
There are few things more magical than a day in Gatlinburg with crisp mountain air, snow flurries, and hot chocolate. You will never forget a winter walk along the famous Parkway in Gatlinburg! Wear layers and don’t forget a hat, gloves, and scarf. There are numerous spots along the Parkway to grab a cup of cocoa or coffee to enjoy as you saunter the streets of Gatlinburg.
The shops and attractions in Gatlinburg are open in winter, so there are plenty of opportunities to go indoors to warm up.
During your day in Gatlinburg, indulge in an interactive fondue meal at The Melting Pot. The melty cheeses and chocolates are sure to hit the spot after a cold day outdoors. Read more about The Melting Pot Gatlinburg here, and then make a reservation for an unforgettable dining experience.
Gatlinburg in Winter
When is the best time to visit Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains?
A visit is wonderful no matter the season, but winter is a great time to banish cabin fever. Average highs in Gatlinburg are in the 30s and 40s, although it is not uncommon to have sunny and warmer days. Those days will lure an influx of visitors.
Where is the best place to stay in Gatlinburg during winter?
If you hope to be close to the Parkway, the National Park, and Ober Mountain, then a hotel in Gatlinburg or a cabin along Ski Mountain Road is your best bet. Hotel rooms are convenient for proximity to the action, while cabins are desirable for fireplaces and a cozy atmosphere.
What is the most important thing to know when visiting Gatlinburg in winter?
While flurries add whimsy to a wintry day in Gatlinburg, accumulating snowfall can wreak havoc on a winter trip. Because the roads are steep and winding, traveling during and after snowy weather is treacherous. This means that visitors may get snowed in at their overnight lodging, or the accommodations may not be accessible at all. Furthermore, residents might be unable to travel to work, which means that stores, restaurants, and attractions are prone to closing during severe winter weather. Grocery stores run low on essentials during winter storms. With this in mind, simply check the local weather before making the trip.
Stay updated on the latest from Gatlinburg by signing up for our newsletter and following us on social media. There is magic in these mountains – come see for yourself!
Authored in Appalachia || Amy Morton
Comments are closed