Your Complete Guide to Visiting Gatlinburg in the Winter
You’ve made a great decision to visit Gatlinburg in the winter! You’ll quickly discover all sorts of fun activities to participate in, attractions to visit and best of all, snow. You’re probably wondering what all you should do when so many great options exist. Allow our Smoky Mountain experts to give you a hand with your complete guide to visiting Gatlinburg in the winter:
Things To Do
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the place to be each winter! Exploring Gatlinburg’s national park presents great opportunities to explore the very best of nature in the Smoky Mountains. Spend your time hiking trails in the park, searching for animals native to the area, trekking to mountain peaks for incredible views or just enjoying a beautiful day. Motor nature trails even allow folks to explore scenery from the comfort of their own vehicles.
Winterfest Light Displays
Each year Gatlinburg and the entire Smoky Mountains are decorated with millions of Christmas lights and holiday decorations to put visitors and locals alike in the holiday spirit. As you drive down the Gatlinburg Parkway, you’ll be greeted by intricate light displays that transform our beautiful mountain town into a winter wonderland. The holiday lights stay on through mid February each year.
Best Chance To See Snow?
Are you hoping to see your own Winter Wonderland while visiting Gatlinburg? If so, we recommend visiting early in the calendar year!
According to U.S. Climate Data, January and February are the most likely months to see snow in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. On average, Gatlinburg receives about 4 inches of snow each January and roughly 2 inches each February. While those numbers start to drop off after February, both March and April bring about 1 inch of snow to Gatlinburg.
Oftentimes snow in Gatlinburg is more likely to be found at higher elevations where temperatures tend to drop even further. It’s not uncommon to see no snow on the ground in Gatlinburg, yet a quick look at the mountains shows snow-covered peaks. Newfound Gap, located at roughly 5,000 feet above sea level, receives an average of up to 70 inches of snow each winter.
Where To Stay
Gatlinburg offers a great selection of lodging options, from condos to cabins to chalets to hotels.
Gatlinburg hotels tend to be centrally located near numerous area attractions, making them a popular choice for folks looking to explore on foot. Gatlinburg cabins provide families with extra privacy to go along with gorgeous mountain views.
If you’re participating in an event at Rocky Top Sports World, we’re happy to help you find a place for your group to stay! We’ve partnered with Team Travel Source so that you, your family, team or group can all stay in comfort.
Upcoming Winter Events at Rocky Top Sports World
Rocky Top 7v7 Classic
There’s no time for slacking off during the offseason! 7-on-7 football teams take the fields at Rocky Top Sports World for an action-packed weekend February 25-26 as part of the Rocky Top 7v7 Classic. Ages 10 through the high school level will compete as part of 7-on-7 teams, along with a lineman challenge for the big fellas on the offensive and defensive lines.
We’re excited for you to visit Gatlinburg in the winter and explore the very best our mountain town has to offer. Before you arrive, take a look at these things to do in Gatlinburg in the winter!
