Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open all year long for your enjoyment, and the winter months can be one of the best times to explore some of the park’s spectacular hiking trails! If you don’t mind preparing for the colder conditions and bundling up in layers, you can take advantage of lower crowds, dramatic winter scenery, and a unique ambiance you can’t experience at any other time of year! Here are the top 4 reasons why you’ll love hiking the Smoky Mountains in the winter:
Fewer Crowds At Popular Trails
If you have your heart set on exploring popular hiking destinations like the Alum Cave Trail and Metcalf Bottom Trail, winter is the best time to take advantage of fewer crowds on these trails! As a bonus, you’ll also have an easier time finding parking at trailheads which is often a difficult task at other times of the year! With fewer people on the trails, you’ll increase your odds of spotting wildlife, have excellent photo opportunities, and enjoy the peaceful serenity of Mother Nature!
Moderate Temperatures At Lower Elevations
Another one of the top reasons why you’ll love hiking the Smoky Mountains in the winter is because the winter temperatures are actually rather moderate at lower elevations. Since temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, it’s best to dress in layers to prepare for your hike (wearing multiple layers regulates your body temperature and manages sweat). Remember to cover any skin exposed to cold weather and avoid cotton, which absorbs moisture.
Gorgeous Winter Scenery
While the Smokies are beautiful all year round, there is something particularly dramatic about the gorgeous winter scenery! You’ll find everything from snow-capped peaks to frozen waterfalls, creating a winter wonderland that has to be seen to be believed! In addition, the
deciduous trees have lost their leaves which makes it easier to spot animals moving through the forest! Keep your eyes out for the many white-tailed deer that call the Smokies home (they are very active during the winter as they search for food sources).
Boosts Your Mental & Physical Health
In many parts of the country, the cold and dreary days of January and February can lead to the winter blues. You’ll find that hiking the Smoky Mountains in the winter helps to boost your mental health and physical health, as it combines an active outdoor adventure with some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States! This is the perfect time to burn a few calories, as our bodies burn more energy in colder weather to maintain an appropriate body temperature!
Where To Stay
Enjoy a wonderful winter vacation in the Smokies with a getaway to our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals! Our stunning cabins are tucked away into scenic locations among the mountains, but are still just minutes away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and all of your other favorite destinations throughout the region! We offer a wide variety of affordable cabins to meet your needs, ranging from one-bedroom cabins for a romantic getaway to multi-bedroom cabins for large families and groups! While staying with us, enjoy fully equipped kitchens, private decks, soothing hot tubs, fireplaces, game rooms, and much more!
Check out all of our cabins in the Smokies today to plan your winter vacation and take advantage of this special time of year to go hiking in the Smoky Mountains! We look forward to seeing you soon!
