I frequently hear the question, "My family is wanting to make our first trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. When is the best time of year to visit?". What may sound like a simple question, definitely doesn't come with a simple answer. The truthful answer is "Anytime"!
Every season in the Smoky Mountains provides visitors a new and exciting mountain experience. The weather changes, the colors morph, and the outdoor activities rotate. You will often find families who visit during each season of the year, year after year after year. It just never seems to lose its charm.
I'll begin with summer. While the days can be quite hot and the humidity quite high, summer fun abounds in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. Dollywood is in full swing with summer festivities, while both Dollywood's Splash Country and Soaky Mountain water parks are at their peak. White water rafting is also going strong as well just a few minutes drive outside of Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge in Hartford, TN. Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg offers summer mountain biking on the ski trails, and ice cream is found around every corner. Most resorts and hotels, as well as some rental property communities, offer swimming pools, providing a great escape from the summer heat.
As summer transitions into Fall, a whole new landscape is welcomed as the leaves on the deciduous trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. This display of nature's beauty is so famous that people travel from around the world to take in the view. A scenic drive thru the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or along the Blue Ridge Parkway is an absolute must!
While the days of yesteryear used to mean winter brought a halt to tourism in East Tennessee, that has long since changed. Winter is now a spectacular time to visit! With over 5 million twinkling lights as part of Winterfest (November-February) and a complete overhaul of the Ober Mountain Ski Resort, winter has quickly become a popular time of year to visit. And while it may be chilly outside, there are plenty of fabulous indoor activities to keep everyone happy! FYI, natural snowfall is unpredictable in this area, but you can always rest assured that Ober Mountain and Rowdy Bear Snow Park will be making snow! Just be sure to get reservations early.
Spring is yet another beautiful time of year when nature comes alive! What was dormant during the winter erupts in vibrant shades of green in Spring. Flowers begin to emerge, and wildlife begin to stir. Spring is the perfect time of year to enjoy a private cabin hot tub or a leisurely walk in the woods.
Whether you have a long weekend or an entire week to spend in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, you will leave wanting to start planning your next visit! There is just simply too much fun to be had in one single trip!
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