Our family-owned hotel is a wonderful destination at any time of year, even in the coldest months of winter! You’ll find plenty of Gatlinburg winter attractions just minutes away, including skiing, snow tubing, mountain coasters, and more! Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also open all winter long for your enjoyment, and it can be one of the best times to visit without the crowds! Here are a few outdoor Gatlinburg winter activities you won’t want to miss:
1. Self-Guided Tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic
For over 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Winter Magic with millions of twinkling lights and festive holiday displays throughout the city! While these spectacular lights are turned on at the beginning of November, they shine long after the holiday season is over until the first week in February!
Walk through the magical tunnel of lights on River Road and peruse the displays on the strip in downtown Gatlinburg, or jump in the car for the best free light displays in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community! This self-guided tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic includes all the highlights that you need to see along the route!
2. Skiing, Snowboarding & Snow Tubing at Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain offers some of the best things to do in the winter, including skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in Gatlinburg! Ober transforms into a winter wonderland in the colder months, offering snowy slopes, crisp mountain air, and beautiful panoramic views of the Smokies!
When you’re ready to carve up the slopes, grab your lift ticket and head for Ober’s Ski and Snowboard Area! You’ll find trails for every skill level, from beginner greens to challenging black diamonds! If you prefer something a bit less challenging, get your family and friends together for an afternoon of snow tubing action!
3. Explore the National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open all year long for your enjoyment, and the winter months can be some of the best times to visit due to lower crowds and scenery such as snow-capped mountains and frozen waterfalls! While there are some seasonal road closures throughout the park, you can still access popular destinations such as Cades Cove Loop Road! This is the best area for wildlife viewing, as animals like deer, elk, and even the occasional black bear can be spotted against the white landscape!
Gatlinburg winter activities can also include hiking! Take a winter hike to enjoy the snow-covered paths, the silence of the woods, and the crisp mountain air. We suggest the Gatlinburg Trail, since you can access the trailhead in downtown Gatlinburg. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, a bonus if you’re already staying at our pet-friendly hotel!
4. Ride the Moonshine Mountain Coaster
If you’re craving some serious thrills during the winter months, head on over for a ride on the Moonshine Mountain Coaster! This breathtaking attraction is similar to a roller coaster where carts are securely attached to a steel track, but in this case, you control the speed of your own ride down the mountain! The coaster carts can accommodate one or two riders, and individual brake handles allow you to enjoy a leisurely ride or go full throttle through the dips, twists, and turns! The Moonshine Mountain Coaster is open year-round, and it can be an extra thrill to race down the track when surrounded by snow!
Stay at Our Gatlinburg Hotel This Winter
Ready to have fun in the Smokies during the winter? All of these wonderful outdoor Gatlinburg winter activities are just a few steps away from our hotel and downtown cabin rentals! Check out all of our Gatlinburg lodging options today and start planning your visit.
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