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snow tubing- the best smoky mountains winter activities

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Smoky Mountains Winter Activities

Although the cold weather months are typically referred to as the off-season in the Smokies, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! Find out more about the Smoky Mountains winter activities you’ll want to add to your vacation itinerary!

Smoky Mountain Winterfest

The Island in Pigeon Forge at WinterfestThe holiday light displays are up for everyone to admire throughout the Christmas season but don’t worry, Smoky Mountain Winterfest won’t wrap up until the middle of February! There’s still plenty of time to take a driving tour and experience the dazzling lights and winter magic of the season! We suggest going to Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Sevierville before they close the first week of January. Your family will love the jaw-dropping light and music show, Christmas Village, and delicious holiday treats!

Snow Tubing

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly winter activity in the Smoky Mountains, then snow tubing is the perfect option! Here are two of the most popular places to go snow tubing in Pigeon Forge:

Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark: They have the longest outdoor tubing hill in Tennessee, plus a steep drop at the end for an extra shot of adrenaline! They make their own all-natural snow and also have other fun activities like a Ski Lift Shootout alpine flyer and an Avalanche Snow Coaster ride.

Pigeon Forge Snow: This unique attraction is completely indoors and also features artificial snow that’s natural and safe. No need for a coat– the climate is a constant 60 to 70 degrees year-round! They also have a large snow play area, which is great for making snowmen.

Ober Mountain Winter Sports 

Ober Mountain Aerial tramway in Gatlinburg You can’t go wrong with spending the day participating in the variety of winter sports at Ober Mountain. All ages and experience levels can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing, and other exciting Smoky Mountains winter activities all in one place. With the Aerial Tramway that provides breathtaking mountain views during the ride up to the mountain as well as shopping and dining options, it’s no wonder families rate Ober Mountain as one of the best attractions in Gatlinburg!

Winter Hiking

Even though areas such as the Roaring Fork Motor Trail and the road to Clingmans Dome are closed during the winter, Cades Cove and Newfound Gap are still accessible. Also, many winter hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains are open, such as the Alum Cave Trail, the Gatlinburg Trail, Abrams Falls, and Laurel Falls.

 We recommend staying up-to-date with the latest road closures and other weather-related updates by monitoring the national park’s website. That way, you’re prepared and can plan the best schedule for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains safely. 

Indoor Attractions & Museums

titanic museum in pigeon forgeIn Pigeon Forge, you can visit unique attractions such as Beyond the Lens and WonderWorks, explore museums like the Titanic or the Hollywood Wax Museum, and go to a show such as Country Tonite or Hatfield and McCoy. 

Gatlinburg offers just as many exciting indoor attractions, the most popular being Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Other Smoky Mountains winter activities could include touring the Speedwerkz Exotic Car Museum, experiencing the views from the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or playing games at Fannie Farkle’s!

Relaxing at a Smoky Mountain Cabin 

There are plenty of things to enjoy during your stay at one of the many cozy cabins in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! After all of the fun you had exploring the area, take a break from activity and focus on quality time with your family and friends. You can challenge your group to a tournament by playing one of the games at the cabin, watch your favorite movie in the theater room, swim in an indoor pool, or relax with a glass of wine in the privacy of your hot tub. Even better, cuddle up on the couch next to the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate and a book for the ultimate night of relaxing!

Are you ready to enjoy these Smoky Mountains winter activities? Let us help you start planning your winter vacation! Save big on your next stay in the Smokies with this list of current cabin specials