The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is mostly visited in the summer, fall, or spring. During these periods, visitors are at their peak, hence it becomes crowded. So, you want to avoid the crowd and visit in winter, but still have fun. What can you do? What are some of the things that can make the visit memorable and awesome? Read on to find some winter activities you can try.

Winter Hike

Winter hikes in the Smokies are synonymous with calm, quiet and clear views. However, you need to prepare yourself and take precautions. Furthermore, there are specific things that you can only see during this period. Since the trees are bare, you can see deep into the woods and enjoy a clear line of sight to the majestic wildlife. Additionally, you will see some of the human artifacts that are normally hidden by foliage. Isn’t that so amazing?

Winter Conditions Gear Checklist recommended by https://www.outdoors.org/trip-ideas-tips-resources/gear-advice/winter-gear-guide

Skiing and Snowboarding

You can also enjoy cross-country skiing and snowboarding during this period. Find pleasure in visiting the Ober Gatlinburg, a ski resort with good slopes and intermediate terrain to ski. The slopes are also perfect for snowboarding and snow tubing. So much fun in one place!
Beginner’s Guide to Skiing recommended by https://www.thesnowpros.org/

Create a snowman

In winter, if there is enough snow, you can build a snowman. Create some memories and have fun with family and friends as you create your very own snowman. This activity will interest the kids. Why not share in their fun?

Image Credit: Artem Labunsky – Unsplash

A Hot Tub Cabin

Since you will experience cold during your visit, rent one of the Gatlinburg cabins, especially one with a hot tub. Warm-up your evening as you enjoy the beautiful mountain views.

Night Drive

Take the fun to a whole new level by having that night drive to see the light display in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Take that tour to see this amazing scenery. You can check the guide map for location.

Image Credit: chaletvillage.com

Visit the Artisans

Make your visit memorable by visiting the arts and crafts community of the Smokies. There, you will see various handiworks from paintings, sculptures, ceramics to furniture. Moreover, you can keep the memories by purchasing photos from local photographers.

Image Credit: smokiesadventure.com

Get the Best Views of Waterfalls

Some views such as those of frozen, sparkling snow and ice on higher elevation points of waterfalls can only be enjoyed in winter. You can hike or drive to the waterfalls to have fun at these beautiful sights.

Image Credit: Joshua Bedford – Unsplash

Winterfest

In winter, there is a Winterfest organized at Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Save a date to have fun from these memorable events. Furthermore, you will enjoy the light displaces dotting the landscape all around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Image Credit: mypigeonforge.com

Meal Time

You can’t miss the opportunity of having a good meal in the Smokies. There is Mountain View Restaurant which offers a four-course meal. Remember to make a reservation 24 hours in advance. Furthermore, you can enjoy delicious family-style meals at Mama’s Farmhouse. Relax, enjoy your meal and view as well.

Image Credit: oldcreeklodgegatlinburg.com

Conclusion

There is so much to enjoy in the Smokies during winter. Therefore, don’t wait for summer, spring, or fall to come to visit. Plan to take a winter trip to enjoy these amazing activities. It will be less crowded and you’ll be able to enjoy the park at your own pace. Loads of winter fun awaits you in the Smokies!

“Imagine more than 800 miles of trails winding throughout the park which includes 71 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The Smokies are recognized as one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the east.”

This article is for you if you want more information on Top 5 Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails.

These days, travel has evolved to become more intimate and local. The COVID-19 pandemic has left the travel industry in turmoil since March as people hurriedly canceled their summer travel plans.  This has left every industry in limbo. It’s as if everything has been paused, waiting for COVID-19 to ‘pass’. Arguably, the hotel industry has been the most severely impacted.   

However, with the gradual lifting of restrictions to ease areas into the “new normal”, increasingly, people are looking for safe, smart, and easy ways to spend their summer vacations. Checking out cabin rentals near me airbnb is a great option during this unprecedented time in the travel industry. Finding the best cabin rentals near me can be frustrating but a cabin vacation is the perfect way for people to bust the stress caused by COVID-19 and get liven up their lives with the adventure and fun only a vacation in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee can bring.

Time to Look for Cabin Rentals Near Me

Since mid-April, there has been a steady increase in travel demand has families and couples try to take trips that were initially canceled due to COVID-19 before the end of summer. Fortunately, all 50 states have clear guidelines in place regarding travel.

Check Out CDC Rules and Guidelines on Local and International Travels

Do note that the Centers for Disease Control or CDC highly encourages high-risk individuals which include the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those who have underlying medical conditions to stay home.

You can check out the CDC website for rules and guidelines on international destinations. 

Choosing cabin rentals near me is a popular option especially because international bans, limited flights and canceled cruises are a problem for those wishing to take a trip.

Sunrise over Appalachian Mountains in Autumn

The Trend in Vacation Homes and Cabin Rentals

Short-term house or cabin rentals are a popular trend in the travel. It’s a low-key and low-budget option that is considered very safe especially at this time. This also includes condo or vacation rental houses.

The trend in cabin rentals is expected to be on the rise in the next few months. It seems that the mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion and stress built over the past few months has actually triggered that fight or flight response-right to mountains of Tennessee!.

In fact, an interesting trend was noted on VRBO and Airbnb, the length or duration of stay have increased while the distance seems to be limited to places that can be reached in under a day.

Getting away to cabin rentals near me is actually a practical and fun way to get away from all the stress and still maintain that social distancing protocol even on vacation.

Cabin Rentals Near Me – More Affordable and Safer Option

In fact, renting a cabin or a house near you is safer and more budget-friendly than staying in a hotel.

 A cabin in the woods in a remote area is a conducive and safe escape today because you won’t be exposed to many people as you would staying in a hotel.

Also, staying in a cabin or a rental house is much more affordable than going for other vacation modes. However, it is very important to be mindful and practice CDC established safety and health protocols during your travels.