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winter in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Fox News Names Great Smoky Mountains National Park Among Most-Picturesque Parks in Winter

Did you know that winter is actually one of the best months for you and your family to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Not only is there a lot less traffic than other times of the year, winter also brings out some of the most stunning scenic views that the Smokies have to offer.

Speaking of the scenic winter views, on December 1, 2014, Fox News released a list of their top national parks families should visit this winter based on scenic beauty. Coming in number six on the list was the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

ice in the Great Smoky Mountains Naitonal ParkAccording to the news outlet, the Smoky Mountains are so beautiful in the winter it is almost as if visitors are staring out at a scene from a movie, not real life. In addition, the abundant number of wildlife that call this area home help make it a truly unique experience for families and guests.

At Visit My Smokies, we think the Great Smoky Mountains National park is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. However, we are glad to see that our beloved mountains are gaining national attention for their scenic views.

Top 3 Things To Do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Winter

To get a better look at these picture-perfect views mentioned by Fox News, be sure to check out our top three favorite winter things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

couple enjoying a snowball fight in the Smoky MountainsGo Hiking in the Smokies

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is always a fun experience. Not only do you get to experience the winter beauty of the Smokies up close, but you can also sneak in a little exercise into your vacation.

Before you hit the trails, be sure to read our winter Smoky Mountain hiking guide. You want to make sure your outdoor adventure is both safe and memorable.

Don’t forget, the higher in elevation you climb while winter hiking in the Smoky Mountains, the lower the temperature will drop. The rule of thumb is three degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet in elevation you gain.

Click here for more information on how to predict the weather when winter hiking in the Smoky Mountains.

Visit Ober Gatlinburg

tubing at Ober Gatlinburg Ski ResortAlthough the Gatlinburg ski resort is technically located on the outskirts of the national park, that does not mean that visitors will miss out on the chance of catching a glimpse or two of the scenic Smoky Mountains while they hit the slopes. At Ober Gatlinburg, guests are invited to spend the day enjoying any of their favorite wintertime activity, including ice skating, snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing, and more!

To see which of the resort’s many fun things to do will be open during your family’s winter vacation in the Smoky Mountains, visit their website.

Smoky Mountain Christmas light displayTour the Holiday Lights

Last, but not least, if you and your family are looking for a truly memorable scenic tour of the area, you should consider enjoying one of the many holiday light tours going on now in the area.

Here is a list of a few of our favorite Smoky Mountain Christmas light tours:

  • Pigeon Forge Trolley of Lights
    • Take an illuminated tour through the heart of Pigeon Forge on one of the city’s many trolley cars.
    • Tours run three times a night, Monday-Friday, 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9 p.m.
    • Tickets are $5 per person
    • Tours begin at the Pigeon Forge Trolley Station next to Patriot Park and The Old Mill
  • Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights
    • Guests to the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights will be able to sit back and relax and they enjoy a guided tour of all the dazzling light displays and historical sites found throughout downtown Gatlinburg.
    • Tours are Monday-Friday at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
    • Tickets are $5 per person
    • Tours begin at 88 River Road
  • Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
    • If you love Christmas music and holiday lights, than you and your family will love visiting Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium with their thousands of twinkling lights all synced to music that plays on your car’s radio system.
    • This holiday attraction is open from dusk to 10 p.m. daily, including holidays, rain or shine.
    • Tickets start at $20 per car.
    • Smokies Stadium is located at 3540 Line Drive

Do you have a favorite place to see the beauty of winter in the Smoky Mountains? Let us know in the comments below!