The Smoky Mountains are full of adventure and fun that will make your trip to the area a blast. However, what many people don’t realize is that these adventures don’t stop just because the cold weather arrives. There are many great outdoor Smoky Mountain activities for you to enjoy, no matter what time of the year it is. Just bundle up and enjoy these Gatlinburg winter attractions and more during the winter season.
1. Hiking
The Smoky Mountains are made up of 500,000 acres, 800 miles of trail and 150 official trails, giving hikers plenty of areas to roam and explore. Though some of these areas are closed during the winter, due to ice and snow, there are still plenty of amazing hiking trails open that you won’t want to miss. At Alum Cave, you can view beautiful sites of frozen icicles that were developed from ice droplets from the bluff above and breathtaking mountain views. There is a reason that this trail is the most popular winter hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains. Other great winter hiking trails include Charlies Bunion, Andrews Bald, and Porter’s Creek. At Charlies Bunion and Andrews Bald, you can experience gorgeous mountain views while at Porter’s Creek there are beautifully crafted frozen waterfalls that are guaranteed to blow your mind.
2. Viewing the Scenery
Every year, over 9 million people visit the Smoky Mountains to experience one of the most spectacular Gatlinburg winter attractions. Though the majority of these visitors come during the peak seasons to see the mountains in their full green beauty or during the changing fall colors. What people don’t realize is how beautiful these mountains are during the winter. In the winter, the mountaintops are covered in a beautiful white dusting of snow. These snow covered mountains are something that you don’t want to miss during any visit this winter to the Smoky Mountains. Some of the best places to check out during the winter season include Clingman’s Dome and Cades Cove.
3. Take a Winter Drive
A great way to stay warm and enjoy the scenery of the Smoky Mountains this winter is by taking a drive through the mountains. By taking a winter drive, you can experience all of the great wonders of winter in the Smoky Mountains. U.S. 441 (Newfound Gap Road), Little River Road and Cades Cove Loop Road are open 365 days of the year, weather permitting, so you will always have the opportunity to explore the Smoky Mountains. These roads will close if a winter storm has hit the area so it is always a good idea to check if these roads are included in the Smoky Mountain road closures list during your trip to area this winter.
