3 Fun Great Smoky Mountain Activities to Enjoy During the Winter Months
While we are closed for the season, there are still plenty of ways to stay active during the winter in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Smokies! From breathing in the crisp mountain air at night as you take in the holiday lights to soaring down a snow-covered hill, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy being outside. Here are a few fun Great Smoky Mountain activities you can enjoy during the winter months:
1. Smoky Mountain Winterfest Light Displays
Winterfest is one of the most popular activities to enjoy when you visit the Smoky Mountains during the winter. The lights stay on even after the holiday season has come to an end, usually until mid-February! Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville are decorated in millions of twinkling lights, and you can take in all the sights with a drive or trolley ride.
The best way to view Winterfest lights in the Smokies is by walking the Wonders of Light Trail, starting at Patriot Park. This beautiful walking path ranks high on the list of Pigeon Forge winter activities due to the many incredible light displays, making it the perfect addition to any family trip or romantic getaway!
2. Snow Tubing in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
One of the most popular Great Smoky Mountains winter activities is snow tubing. After tubing down the hill, you don’t even have to walk back up because the Magic Carpet escalator system takes you back to the top! Here are the top places for snow tubing:
Gatlinburg Snow Tubing at Ober Mountain
350-foot hill & 50-foot drop- Ages 3 to 5 must ride with an adult
- 90-minute snow tubing sessions
- Buying tickets in advance highly encouraged
Pigeon Forge Snow Tubing at Rowdy Bear
- Longest outdoor tubing hill in Tennessee
- Those 40 to 47 inches tall must ride with an adult
- 90-minute snow tubing sessions
- Buying tickets in advance highly encouraged
3. Skiing in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains
Ober Mountain Ski Resort
You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding during the winter months in the Smokies, both of which can also be found at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg! You can bring your own equipment or take advantage of the convenient equipment rentals, as well as ski lessons for those who are interested in hitting the slopes for the first time! When planning your Gatlinburg ski trip, be sure to check the Ober slope report for the latest ski conditions and trail availability.
Cross Country Skiing
If you are a fan of cross-country skiing and the snow conditions are right, head to Kuwohi Road! This 7-mile road leads to Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), which is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi!
This road is ideal for cross-country skiing because it is closed to all motorized vehicles from December 1st to March 31st, and there is usually plenty of snow due to the road’s high elevation. Just keep in mind that Kuwohi Road is accessed via Newfound Gap Road, so make sure the road is not closed due to ice or snow before your visit.
Looking for even more ideas for Smoky Mountains winter activities? Check out this list of things to do during the white-water rafting off-season!
Plan Your Spring White Water Rafting Trip
While enjoying these fun Great Smoky Mountain activities during the winter months, you can look forward to joining us in the spring for some thrilling white water rafting near Gatlinburg TN! The spring trips are some of the best because the water levels are less predictable, meaning you may experience everything from level III – IV rapids to a leisurely trip down the river!
