The Small Town In Tennessee That Comes Alive During The Winter Season
By Chris Dodge|Updated on November 16, 2023(Originally published January 02, 2023)
×
Chris Dodge
Author
My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
For many people who do not call Tennessee home, it may come as a surprise when we say that our state can be a winter wonderland. It might seem strange for a state in the South to make such an audacious claim, but it’s true. While we may not experience snow like our northern neighbors, we make the most of it. Spend some time in the winter in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and experience the splendor of the season. Soon you will know what we are talking about when we say this place just lights up during the cold months, but then again, every time of year is fantastic in the Great Smoky Mountains.
There are many great things to do in Gatlinburg in the winter but perhaps one of the best things is to take a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is our national park after all.
Much of the park stays open all year round and when you see our beloved mountains with snow-covered peaks, they become even more magical. There are lots of trails to hike when it is cold, but we recommend Alum Cave. This fun hike will have you walking through an arch and over bridges, arriving at a massive cave formation with an incredible view of the mountains. There is nothing more breathtaking than our majestic peaks in the Smokies, so seeing them covered with a fresh blanket of snow makes it all the more appealing. Another great option is to get out into the forest and see if you can catch the timing just right to see an enchanting frozen waterfall.
Whenever you are looking for winter fun in Tennessee, Ober Mountain is *the* place to go. Take a scenic gondola ride up the mountain and you'll be transported to a winter scene straight out of "Frozen!"
Just look at this picture for a moment. Does this not look like the most quintessential mountain town in the winter? Gatlinburg is nestled in nicely surrounded by snow-covered peaks, doesn't it just look dreamy?
Advertisement
There are so many things to do on Ober Mountain, in fact, that you'll want to stay for a whole weekend.
This is Tennessee's only ski resort so when you are looking to hit the slopes, this is your only place to go in the state. We aren't complaining though because this is one of the coolest places around (pun intended). Not only can you glide down on various trails ranging in difficulty, but this is also a fantastic spot to go tubing.
Not to be outdone but there are still tons of other winter activities to partake in like the massive ice skating rink. Part of the fun is strapping on some blades but it is a wholly different thing to get in a bumper car on the ice. Smoothly ride around and safely smash into others with these unique cars. You can even bundle up and cruise down on a mountain coaster.
The magical display at The SkyPark stays on until the end of January. Having a whole extra month to walk the SkyBridge with the light tunnel and see the dazzling lights everywhere is a great way to spend your time when the sun goes down. If you happen to be around during New Year's Eve, then this is a spectacular spot to witness the fireworks to ring in the new year.
On a particularly cold day, you might want to stay inside. If the cold keeps you from the great outdoors then the fun does not need to stop in Gatlinburg.
There are plenty of great attractions to keep you busy for weeks without even needing to fight the elements. Places like Ripley’s Believe it or Not are available to check out as well as many stores and restaurants. I have been to Ripley's Believe it or Not and you may wonder if it is as strange as it sounds. I can emphaticly say yes, yes it is.
With so much to do, you will need a place to stay so you can make the most of your winter stay.
What better place than a cozy cabin nearby? This two-story cabin is perfect for any trip to the Smoky Mountain region. With a warming fireplace and a comfy spot on the couch with your loved ones, we couldn’t think of a better way to finish off a day of winter fun.
The summer is a great time to visit this mountain city, but don’t overlook how amazing it can be during the winter. Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the winter, is pure magic! Take to the mountains and explore the Smokies, enjoy some of the best winter fun at the ski resort, or visit all the great attractions downtown; all of this can make for an epic trip.
If you happen to be making your trip during Christmas time here is a unique Christmas-themed scavenger hunt to do in Gatlinburg.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Winter In Tennessee
Chris Dodge|November 16, 2023
What are some of the best places to visit during winter in Tennessee?
To make the most of the cold months, here are some of the top places to visit during winter in Tennessee:
