WHY VISIT GATLNBURG IN SPRING?
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a beautiful destination to visit in the spring when the weather is mild, and the surrounding Smoky Mountains come to life with blooming flowers and lush greenery.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is renowned for its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and diverse plant life. Spring is an excellent time to go hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying the stunning wildflower displays.
Hiking: The national park offers a wide range of hiking trails suitable for all levels of hikers. Alum Cave Trail, Laurel Falls Trail, and Cades Cove Loop Road are popular options. Be sure to check trail conditions and closures before you go.
Wildflower viewing: Spring brings a burst of color to the region with a variety of wildflowers in bloom, including trillium, violets, and lady's slipper orchids. Cades Cove and Roaring Fork are great places for wildflower viewing.
Waterfall tours: The Smokies are home to numerous waterfalls, and spring is an ideal time to visit them when the water flow is strong. Some popular waterfalls include Laurel Falls, Grotto Falls, and Rainbow Falls.
Scenic drives: Take a drive through the Great Smoky Mountains along the Newfound Gap Road or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. These routes offer breathtaking views of the spring scenery.
Wildlife watching: Spring is a great time to spot wildlife in the park. Keep an eye out for black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species.
Arts and crafts: Visit the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, an 8-mile loop of studios, shops, and galleries where you can see and purchase local arts and crafts.
Ober Gatlinburg: While Ober Gatlinburg, the mountain resort and amusement park, is enjoyable year-round, in the spring, you can enjoy activities like tram rides, ice skating, and mini-golf with the added bonus of beautiful views.
Outdoor adventures: Consider activities like ziplining, horseback riding, or white-water rafting for an adrenaline rush while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Gatlinburg Space Needle: Get a bird's-eye view of the area from the Gatlinburg Space Needle, an observation tower with a 360-degree view of the city and surrounding mountains.
Spring festivals: Check if there are any local festivals or events happening during your visit. Spring often brings events like art festivals, music festivals, and food tastings to Gatlinburg.
Shopping and dining: Explore the unique shops, boutiques, and restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg for local crafts, gifts, and delicious Southern cuisine.