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ziplining in Gatlinburg
March 19, 2025

Are you visiting the Smoky Mountains in April? There are so many great things to do this time of year! You can experience everything from unique spring events to exciting outdoor adventures! Keep reading to learn more about the can’t-miss things to do in the Smoky Mountains in April.

1. Go White Water Rafting

One of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in April is white water rafting! There are many perks of going white water rafting in spring! After spending the winter cooped up indoors, you can spend time out on the water surrounded by the beauty of nature and fresh mountain air. In April, the landscape is covered in vibrant colors and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. When you go white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains in spring, you also get to experience natural water levels on the Pigeon River. This means you could have a leisurely float down the river with small rapids or a more thrilling ride that leaves you soaking wet! This unpredictability adds to the excitement of rafting in April!

2. Search for Wildflowers

Smoky Mountain spring wildflowers in Cades Cove meadow

Another great thing to do in the Smoky Mountains in April is search for wildflowers! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also known as “Wildflower National Park” because it has more than 1,500 flowering plants, which is more than any other national park in the country! You can see all sorts of Smoky Mountain wildflowers, ranging from spring beauties and hepaticas to trillium and flame azaleas. There are so many ways to enjoy Smoky Mountain wildflowers, including wildflower hikes, scenic drives, white water rafting, and other outdoor activities.

3. Explore Hiking Trails

The weather in the Smoky Mountains in April is not too hot and not too cold, making it ideal for spending time outdoors! That’s why one of the best things to do this time of year is hiking. There are so many great trails to hike in spring! Trails like the Gregory Ridge Trail and Little River Trail are great places to see wildflowers. There are also a number of trails that lead to Smoky Mountain waterfalls, such as Ramsey Cascades, Abrams Falls, Grotto Falls, and Rainbow Falls. You’ll definitely want to add at least one hike to your vacation itinerary in April!

4. Discover Spring Events

umbrella and butterflies flower sculpture at Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival

There are so many great things happening in the Smoky Mountains in April, including a number of Smoky Mountain spring events! You’ll have no trouble finding an event to enjoy this time of year. If you’re interested in nature and wildflowers, you’ll love the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. Another popular event this month is Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival, which celebrates the season with beautiful flower sculptures and flavorful foods. Other spring events happening in April include the Music in the Mountains Spring Parade and Gatlinburg Springfest.

5. Zip Through the Trees

Are you looking for thrilling things to do in the Smoky Mountains in April? You should go ziplining! CLIMB Works offers a scenic canopy tour that takes you on a treetop adventure along 9 world-class ziplines, 3 sky bridges, and a surprise ending! During your tour, you’ll be surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on 3 sides, providing breathtaking panoramic views all around. This is a wonderful time of year to go ziplining because the weather is pleasant and the area is less busy, so you’ll be able to enjoy this activity to its fullest!

Would you love to experience the excitement of white water rafting and the thrill of ziplining during your April vacation? Smoky Mountain Outdoors is partnered with CLIMB Works to offer an exclusive combo deal! You can save $20 when you book a white water rafting and ziplining package, allowing you to experience both outdoor activities for one low price! Learn more about our zipline and white water rafting package and book your adventure today!

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Upper Pigeon River
  • Moderate Trip - 2 Hours
  • Ages 8+ or 70lbs
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Lower Pigeon River
  • Easy - 1 to 1/2 Hours
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Extreme Upper Pigeon River
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  • Ages 12+
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