The Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN in April

There is certainly no shortage of things to do in Gatlinburg TN in April! Now that spring is on its way, the Smokies are bursting at the seams with incredible events that celebrate East Tennessee’s culture and the great outdoors. If you plan on being here during April, here are some of the top events and Gatlinburg activities in April you need to know about:

Spring in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

After a cold and snowy winter, there’s nothing better than getting out and hitting the trails! The national park’s seasonal road closures like Kuwohi Road and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail open back up in the month of April, and there are plenty of spring hiking trails and scenic drives that offer beautiful views of the blooming wildflowers! There are also a couple of Smoky Mountain events in April that take place in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

Wildflowers and Waterfalls Photo Workshop

If you’re a novice photographer who would enjoy some pointers from professional photographers, you should sign up for the Wildflowers and Waterfalls Photo Workshop. You’ll learn about photography equipment, macro and water photography, reviewing photos, and so much more. You’ll spend the majority of the time out exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to visit some of the waterfalls and wildflowers and take photos.

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage 

The annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is one of the most highly anticipated spring events in the Smoky Mountains, with programs and workshops that showcase the incredible natural beauty of the local flora and fauna. Enjoy talks from passionate experts, go on guided hikes, and more!

Events at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

One of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN is visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and you’ll find several unique experiences during the month of April and throughout the spring and summer that provide an entirely new way to interact with the animals and exhibits, including:

• Breakfast With A Mermaid– Meet a real mermaid, enjoy a delicious hot breakfast, and explore the aquarium before it opens to the public! 
• Sips & Sharks Sleepover– Spend the night counting sharks instead of sheep! Enjoy food, drinks, and a behind-the-scenes tour! (ages 21+)
• Pancakes & Penguins– start your day with a yummy hot breakfast, meeting the African penguins face-to-beak, and early access to the aquarium!
• Pints & Penguins– Instead of spending the night with the sharks, have a sleepover with the penguins! Hot breakfast in the morning included. (ages 21+)

Easter Sunrise Service

If you’re visiting Gatlinburg in April, specifically during the Easter holiday, then you might be wondering if there are any Easter services. Actually, you have a couple of options to choose from! Both the Easter Service at Ober Mountain and the Easter Service at Gatlinburg SkyPark take place early in the morning on Easter Sunday, so you can watch the sunrise, listen to a beautiful service, and enjoy early access to the Smoky Mountain attraction. Gatlinburg SkyPark is also hosting a couple of additional events in April, including Music on the Mountain and an Earth Day celebration! 

Mountain Man Memorial March

Whether you’re a distance runner or simply want to support our veterans and local non-profits, then you should participate in the Mountain Man Memorial March in Gatlinburg! You can do a 5k or a 10k, or complete the half or full marathon route, covering flat, hilly, and rocky terrain through Gatlinburg and into the Smoky Mountains. 

More Things to Do in April 

Now you know what to do in Gatlinburg in April! But this isn’t the only Smoky Mountain town with a busy spring schedule of events! Pigeon Forge has lots of fun activities and festivals to look forward to in April, from the spring car shows and Rod Run to the first 2025 celebrity concert at Country Tonite Theatre! Plus, you won’t want to miss what’s new at Dollywood!

To keep up with all of the great things to do in Gatlinburg TN in April and beyond, check out our Gatlinburg Events Calendar!