Need a remedy for those post-holiday blues? Head to the Great Smoky Mountains for an inspiring winter vacation. With fewer visitors and a lot less traffic, you’ll have easy access to gorgeous mountain views and exciting winter activities. Ditch the binge-watching and step outside to breathe in the crisp mountain air. From ski slopes to winter hikes to romantic cabins with crackling fires, an invigorating trip like this is just what you need to kick off the new year with a fresh start. Check out our top 7 favorite activities and discover why a Smoky Mountains winter holiday is exactly what you need!
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Smoky Mountains in Winter Means Skiing, Snowboarding and Snow Tubing
Hitting the slopes is a no brainer in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you’re staying on the Tennessee side of the Smokies, Ober Gatlinburg is the place to be. Strap on skis or a snowboard and shred your way down 9 different slopes that range from green circle to black diamond. Or grab a tube and fly across the white stuff, squealing all the way.
On the North Carolina side, the Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley has something for all ages and skill levels. Newbies can take a group class or private lesson, and seasoned skiers and boarders can tackle beginner, intermediate, and expert slopes. With affordable ski rentals, you don’t even need to own your own equipment. It’s all ready and waiting.
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Cross-Country Skiing to Clingmans Dome
If downhill skiing isn’t your thing, try cross-country skiing. The slower pace allows you to take in the gorgeous winter scenery and it’s a great workout. Take US 441 up the mountain and park your car at the intersection of Dome Road. Then bundle up and strap on your skis (or even snowshoes!) for a classic Smoky Mountains winter adventure.
It’s a 6-mile journey to the top of Clingman’s Dome, but the reward is well worth it. Take in majestic 360-degree views that seem to go on forever. Soak up scene and marvel at the natural beauty while you take a well-deserved rest. Snap some pics of the snowcapped peaks before you head back to your car on an easy downhill ride
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Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Maybe you’re more comfortable with two feet planted firmly on the ground. Well, hiking isn’t just a springtime activity around here. A Smoky Mountains winter hike is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors. The trails are clear of crowds, and it feels like you have the whole forest to yourself. Just be careful of ice and snow along the trail and dangling icicles when you walk under cliffs. And dress warmly!
Trails like Andrews Bald, Charlies Bunion, and Porters Creek will inspire you with their natural beauty. And if you know where to look, you might just find a little winter magic. Visit Cades Cove to see a couple of spectacular frozen waterfalls. Laurel Falls and Abrams Falls are a wintry delight with their snow and ice sparkling in the glistening daylight.
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A Smoky Mountain Winter Drive Through Cades Cove
Speaking of Cades Cove, you’d be hard pressed to find a more picturesque area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park any time of year. But when winter blankets the area in snow, it’s something truly amazing. In the high tourist season, traffic along the 11-mile loop can get backed up, but with fewer crowds in the winter, the road is all yours. Enjoy a leisurely sightseeing drive as you take in the beautiful landscapes filled with wildlife. All the animals who aren’t hibernating are out enjoying the open fields. White-tailed deer can be spotted grazing in the mornings. Add in the snow capped mountains in the background and a few historic cabins dotting the valley, and you’ve got photo-ops that will light up your social media feed.
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Warm Up with Whiskey
When your fingers get frosty and the mittens aren’t helping, it’s time to warm things up from the inside out. The Smokies are filled with that “good ol’ mountain dew,” and you can find some of the best Tennessee whiskey in popular distilleries around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The Tennessee Whisky Trail maps out multiple distilleries like the Old Forge Distillery and the Ole Smoky Whiskey Distillery. Or visit the tasting room at Sugarlands Distilling Company for a dram of award-winning whiskey, moonshine, and spirits. Bonus – there’s live music performances every week. Whet your whistle and catch a free show!
On the North Carolina side of the Smokies, visit Elevated Mountain Distilling Company in Maggie Valley, where you can “climb the mountain and find your spirit!” In addition to tours and bottle sales, take the stage for karaoke on Thursday evenings or enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Founder, Dave Angel, made whiskey for the first time when he was 14 years old and went on to become a global business leader with initiatives in over 30 countries on 5 continents. His family’s roots run deep in both the NC Smoky Mountains and in agriculture. “Getting back to my roots and in an agri-business, has been incredibly satisfying,” he says. “Life is fully lived, moments are celebrated, and deals are sealed with spirits!”
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Dinner with a Snowy View
After your whiskey tasting, you might find that you need to fill your belly with something a little more substantial. There’s nothing quite like watching the snow fall outside while you’re tucked safely indoors enjoying a delicious meal and a glass of wine beside a blazing fire. With plenty of fantastic restaurants to choose from throughout the Smokies, you’re sure to find something to satisfy any appetite.
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Cozy Evenings by the Fire
Finish off your day in the snow by warming up beside a roaring fire back at your cabin. Slip a warm blanket around your shoulders and snuggle the whole family up together on the couch while you sip hot cocoa topped with tiny marshmallows. Or if it’s just the two of you, then pop the cork on a bottle of wine and let the dancing flames set the mood for romance. No matter how you spend your evening by the fire, it’s the perfect end to a Smoky Mountains winter adventure!
