Things To Do In The Smokies This Winter
Visiting The Great Smoky Mountains in the winter is a lot of fun. With warmer temperatures in the valley and colder temperatures in higher elevations, you get a variety of scenery and things to do. Whether you like to hike, bike, ski, or camp, there are plenty of activities available to you in the Smokies.
Based on our own experience and our guests’ feedback, we created this list of the top 10 best things to do in the Smokies this winter:
1. Visit Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a mountaintop full of fun and excitement. This unique ski resort offers visitors a variety of winter activities such as skiing, tubing, and ice skating. There is also an amusement park on-site with rides and games for the whole family. We highly recommend you take a tram ride up the mountain for picture-perfect views and scenery.
2. Tour Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a historic settlement tucked in the Smoky Mountain National Park, located outside Townsend, TN. Appalachian settlers who lived here long before the park was formed left a unique legacy of historic chapels, log cabins, and even a working grist mill.
In the winter, Cades Cove turns into a scenic wonderland with many opportunities to see wildlife including bear, dear, and numerous bird species. Take the 11-mile loop drive to a breathtaking site of snow-dusted mountain tops or simply put on your boots and enjoy and hike up to Abrams Falls or Spence Field.
3. Climb Up a Mountain
If you do decide to make a hiking trip, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a multitude of scenic trails. Pick a few and hike them for the day. Some of our favorite winter walks are Trillium Gap Trail, Laurel Falls Trail, Mountain LeConte, and Porters Creek Trail.
TIP: Bundle up! The temperatures can be quite cold at the top of the mountain
4. See the Winterfest Tour of Lights
More than 5 million lights shine in Pigeon Forge every year from mid-November to the end of February. Families can get a glimpse of their favorite fairy tale characters: Mother Goose, Humpty Dumpty, the clock from Hickory Dickory Dock, and more. Hop on a trolley or take a car ride and experience holiday winter magic nightly, until 10 pm.
5. Visit Pigeon Forge Christmas Place
Pigeon Forge Christmas Place is a year-round holiday spot located just minutes away from Elvira's Cafe. From the outside, it looks like a large gingerbread house with candy canes and peppermints all around. Once you walk in, there's an 18-foot tree in the center of the room that's covered in twinkling lights. You'll find yourself surrounded by Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands! If you haven't had enough Christmas in December, this is a place to be!
6. Experience Anakeesta
Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Anakeesta is a mountaintop park offering a memorable Smoky Mountain experience. You will find yourself strolling along the skywalk made of 14 bridges, going up to the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg called AnaVista Tower, and gazing down at lush botanical gardens 60 ft below. At Anakeesta, you can also take an exciting ride on the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, the only single-rail coaster in the United States.
7. Explore Pigeon Forge Island
Pigeon Forge Island is a family amusement park located in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Filled with numerous shops, attractions, music, and restaurants, the island is a great place to get away with unlimited entertainment options available for visitors of all ages.
Catch a live music show, watch the performance of the state-of-the-art fountain, ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, or take a spin on Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort Carousel - Pigeon Forge Island won't leave you disappointed.
8. Shop at The Old Mill General Store
The Old Mill General Store is an extension of the oldest, continually operating Grist Mill that was built nearly two centuries ago. The store features an old-fashioned general store atmosphere and stocks everything from kitchen supplies to Smoky Mountain souvenirs. This is where we source our buckwheat flour for crepes and other baking needs at Elvira's Cafe.
9. Take a Smoky Mountains Helicopter Tour
While the Great Smoky Mountains can be explored by foot, car, bicycle, or motorcycle, what can be better than seeing them from a birds-eye view? Witnessing the snow tops from above is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that is entirely possible via a helicopter tour service that can be booked with free cancelation ahead of time. Luckily, there is a number of helicopter companies that will be happy to take you for a ride.
10. Visit The Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is a museum featuring interactive exhibits that tell the story of the people who have called this area home for centuries. From ancient artifacts to interactive displays, the museum offers a deep dive into the history of Appalachia and its original settlers.
Whether you are interested in culture, history, outdoor activities, shopping, or entertainment, visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in the winter is a lot of fun. And while our cafe is closed for the season, we invite you to still come and explore our beloved area in the wintertime.