All the time! Oh, you want to know when is the best time of the year to visit the Smoky Mountains? It all depends on what your family likes to do. Each season has such unique sights and sounds to explore. Here is the break down on how to decide what time of year is the best fit for your Smoky Mountain vacation.
Sweet Summer Time
Summer in the Smokies, there is nothing quite like it. Summer is one of my favorite times to visit the Smoky Mountains. There is so much do during the summer in and around the mountains. All the water activities such as tubing, creek swimming or hitting some of the local water parks are just some great ways to beat the heat. There are always the year-round options such as Anakeesta, Gatlinburg SkyPark, or indoor activities like museums and the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The summer months in the Smoky Mountains are usually hot and humid so definitely something to consider especially if your trip includes a lot of outdoor adventure and activity.
Hiking, biking and exploring throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a perfect way to spend your summer trip to the mountains. The trees are full canopy and a sea of green. Although this does make it a little more difficult to spot wildlife through the green tree tops, it is still possible to search for bear, deer and elk. The picnic area at Cades Cove is the ideal spot for a picnic followed by some creek swimming. Cades Cove is actually closed to vehicle traffic on Wednesdays from May 1 through September 25 (2024) to allow for pedestrians and bicyclists without vehicle traffic.
Fall in the Smokies
Break out the flannels and boots, it’s leaf-peepers season! Autumn is another one of my favorites times to visit the Smoky Mountains. It is beautiful, and busy! Days are normally still warm, nights start to cool. Visitors flock to the Smokies every year to see the colorful, fall foliage. ‘Peak season’ varies as to when it begins but is normally between mid-October into the beginning of November, starting with the higher elevations in the mountains. Lots of traffic inside and outside the park, but manageable if you plan it right.
Fall-themed decor throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will set the mood. There are pumpkins literally everywhere. Attractions such as Dollywood and Anakeesta are the perfect fall outing, as their fall-themed festivals come to life. Be prepared for pumpkin-flavored everything. The vibrant fall colors in the background make for the best photo opportunities. You do not want to miss fall in the Smokies.
Winter
Put on your gloves and get your hot chocolate, it’s time to make some memories! Christmas time is such a festive, bright time to visit the Smoky Mountains. So many seasonal activities! Christmas decorations, dinner shows, and lights on every corner of the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area. Most hotels and some cabins are even decorated. The Fantasy of Lights Christmas parade, which takes place in Downtown Gatlinburg, is scheduled for Friday, December 6th this year. Attending the parade is high on my to-do list, I have not been able to experience this yet. Following Christmas, the New Years Eve fireworks show and ball drop at the Space Needle are also a hit! The holiday season, and especially the week between Christmas and New Years’ are very crowded.
If your travel schedule allows, January and February are the least busiest months in Gatlinburg. You also may find some bargains on booking your lodging and dining. Snow-covered roads could potentially become an obstacle, especially if you’re staying in higher elevations or on steep, narrow roads such as the Ski Mountain Road area. If you are comfortable with snow, it can sure make for some beautiful mountain views. Some entertainment shows such as the Dolly Stampede take a break in January. As always, planning ahead is key if that is an option.
Spring
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a spring break destination, spring in the Smoky Mountains is an amazing choice. Fresh mountain air, blooming wildflowers, mild temperatures, and lower crowds make for a great combination. Perfect for a day on the golf course or a trip to the mountain coaster. Even on rainy days there are plenty of things to do such as a morning at the outlet mall followed by the afternoon spent wine tasting. Although temperatures will start rising in the spring months, plan to monitor for road closures because of snow on higher elevations, such as across Newfound Gap Road.
Final Thoughts
There is no bad time to travel to the Smoky Mountains, it just depends on your preferences. Summer and fall months are typically the busiest times of year in the mountains. Travel during the week opposed to the weekend will cut down on traffic and crowds in general. No matter what time of year, one will not run out of things to do in the Smoky Mountain area. Read this previous blog entry for ideas of things to do in the Smoky Mountain area on a budget: https://takemetothesmokymountains.com/gatlinburg-on-a-budget/. Summer, fall, winter, and spring are all the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains!
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