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Some Southern destinations slow down during the winter months … Gatlinburg isn’t one of them. Even after the hustle of the holiday season subsides, Gatlinburg remains an ideal wintertime destination! From cozy to adventurous, check out these five reasons Gatlinburg should be at the top of your must-visit list this season.
5 Reasons to Visit Gatlinburg This Winter
Take in the Winter Views
While East Tennessee’s winter weather can be somewhat unpredictable, the snow-covered cityscape of Gatlinburg is a sight that you just can’t beat. Whether you’re strolling through town or hiking the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is home to several sought-after scenic vantage points.
A unique way to enjoy Gatlinburg’s winter landscape is from one of its many overlooks. A popular option among both tourists and locals is the Gatlinburg ByPass Overlook — an excellent choice if you prefer to take in picturesque winter views from the comfort and warmth of your car.
However, if you’re looking for an opportunity to explore the views up-close and outside, the overlook along Highway 441 and Newfound Gap Road offers designated pull-off areas for visitors. We recommend making this trip towards the end of the day, as it makes for a gorgeous sunset drive.
For sweeping aerial views, make a trip to the Clingmans Dome Overlook. As the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can expect views that extend over 100 miles on a clear day.
A winter drive to any of Gatlinburg’s scenic overlooks offers a unique view of the snow-covered Smoky Mountains.
In addition to the overlooks, many of Gatlinburg’s top attractions offer stunning vantage points. The top of AnaVisita Tower at Anakeesta not only provides 360-degree views of the Smokies, but visitors may see as far as Kentucky on a clear day! The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is another great option for taking in Gatlinburg’s winter landscape. Hanging 1,800 feet above sea level, you can enjoy breathtaking views of both Gatlinburg and Mount LeConte.
Children and adults alike will enjoy the one-of-a-kind views at Anakeesta.
Can’t-Miss Winter Events
From thousands of twinkling light displays to spectacular holiday decor and more, Gatlinburg hosts a handful of fun-filled winter events throughout the season! Perhaps the most popular event is the city’s Winter Magic Celebration. Running through Tuesday, February 28, the self-guided light tour includes millions of lights, festive decorations, and fun facts about Gatlinburg along the way. You can find a map of this year’s route HERE.
You can enjoy Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic Celebration from the streets or the comfort of your car.
To experience even more holiday lights and decor, head to Gatlinburg SkyLift Park through Wednesday, January 31. Lights Over Gatlinburg attracts thousands of visitors annually, and this year’s celebration is no exception. Not only is the display more extensive, but this year’s event also includes a new 0.6-mile hiking trail behind the SkyBridge. Visitors can expect 20 new dancing trees on the SkyTrail, a 30-foot multicolored Christmas tree, the return of the 300-foot tunnel of lights on the SkyBridge, and so much more. The event runs daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and admission is included with a ticket to SkyLift Park.
Lights Over Gatlinburg includes a 300-foot tunnel of twinkling lights on the record-breaking SkyBridge.
Outdoor Adventures
We’d be remiss not to mention all the hiking trails throughout the Smokies. While temperatures are certainly cooler, and hikers should take appropriate precautions, winter hiking in Gatlinburg can be so much fun, thanks to unobstructed views and frozen waterfalls unavailable in other seasons.
The Alum Cave trail is a moderately difficult trek, beginning at Newfound Gap Road. The path is 4.4 miles roundtrip and offers unique views of the Smokies in addition to the surrounding old-growth hardwood forest.
Another great hiking option is Andrews Bald. The 3.5-mile roundtrip hike begins at the Clingmans Dome parking lot and offers sweeping views of the nearby mountains.
You also can’t go wrong with hiking Porters Creek Trail. The four-mile roundtrip journey is heavily wooded and offers views of nearby frozen waterfalls and streams.
Few things are as serene as a winter hike through the Smokies.
Indoor Fun
Of course, if you prefer to have wintertime fun indoors, Gatlinburg offers plenty of family-friendly activities — from museums to mini golf and more.
The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is not only home to over 1,000 exotic sea creatures, but during the winter season, visitors can also enjoy photos with Saint Nick as well as see “Scuba” Claus and elves take a dip in the museum’s Ray Bay and Coral Reef galleries. In addition to the aquarium, Ripley’s also offers its Believe or Not! Museum, 5D moving theater, Marvelous Mirror Maze, and more.
Kids can enjoy up-close views of exotic sea creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
After a trip to the aquarium, grab your family and play a round of glow-in-the-dark miniature golf. Gatlin’s nine-hole blacklight mini golf course invites players to take a journey under the sea and play golf next to a giant octopus, fish, and even sunken ships.
When you’ve completed your round of golf, head to Fannie Farkle’s. For nearly four decades, the attraction has provided nostalgic fun for the whole family. Enjoy one of its famous Ogle Dogs or cheesesteaks before playing any of the entertaining arcade games.
Museum lovers are sure to enjoy the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. Home to over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world and a vast pepper mill collection, the museum is the only one of its kind in the United States.
We also recommend paying a visit to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum for a bit of Hollywood history. The attraction includes cars from popular movies and TV shows on display in recreated settings — including the Batmobile from the hit 1966 television show.
With a sister museum in Spain, Gatlinburg’s Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is the only one of its kind in the U.S.
Get a glimpse of the Ford GT40 MKII from the 2019 film “Ford v. Ferrari” at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum.
Cozy Cabin Getaways
With so much to do and see in Gatlinburg, you will need a place to unwind at the end of your adventure-filled day. Luckily, the city offers a wide variety of cabins and chalets where you can cozy up by a fireplace.
Located at the Great Smoky National Park entrance, Mountain Laurel Chalets has offered unique cabin rentals for 50 years. Whether you’re looking for lodging for a large group, a pet-friendly cabin, or a romantic getaway, there are plenty of options to choose from that are sure to fit your needs.
Stony Brook Cabins are another popular option, offering cabins that house anywhere from one to 16 rooms. While each cabin and chalet provides privacy, you’re still close to Gatlinburg’s best attractions and the national park.
Parkside Cabin Rentals offer cabins that sleep up to 36 guests and include almost every amenity imaginable — from jacuzzis to pool tables, outdoor fireplaces, and more.
To truly experience the magic of winter in Gatlinburg, book a stay at any of the city’s cozy cabins or chalets.
Enjoy your winter adventures!
This article is sponsored by the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. All photography provided.
