Visit the Smoky Mountains
Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains are a year-round destination with stunning natural beauty.[1]But autumn is especially enchanting with the fall colors covering the ridge tops in all shades of red, orange and yellow.
A trip to the Smokies is a great time for hiking, camping and enjoying a scenic drive. But be aware that there are many crowds during peak seasons.
Visiting in Winter
Winter is the perfect time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some of the area’s best hiking and snow activities. [2]The national park is located between North Carolina and Tennessee and is known for its wildflowers, awe-inspiring waterfalls, scenic mountain views, historic cabins, and wildlife preserves.
Hiking is a popular activity in the Smokies and you can find hundreds of trails to explore, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker. Some of the most popular hikes include the Gatlinburg Trail, Cades Cove Loop, and the Deep Creek Trail.
There’s also the chance to see the park’s many animals like deer and elk in their natural habitat. Some of the most popular wildlife viewing areas include the Chimney Tops and Clingman’s Dome.[3]
Spring is another great time to visit the Smokies because it’s when you can see many different species of plants and flowers. You can find orchids, bleeding hearts, columbine, and violets, among other flowers in the park.
It’s also a great time to enjoy the many outdoor attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, such as the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, a ride that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the area. You can even zipline through the treetops at Smoky Mountain Ziplines in Pigeon Forge.[4]
If you’re looking for something a bit more active, the Smokies offer a variety of skiing and snowboarding attractions that are sure to please all ages. You can also head to Ober Gatlinburg, a family-friendly ski resort that makes real snow year-round.
During the winter, there are many other outdoor activities that can be enjoyed, including skijoring, tubing, and ice skating. The area also hosts a variety of festivals and events that take place throughout the winter.
The Smokies are also the perfect place to see the changing colors of fall foliage. The leaves on the mountains change in color from green to orange and red.[5] This is a spectacular sight to see and it’s one of the reasons why so many visitors come back year after year to enjoy the Smokies.
While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open year-round, some roads and visitor centers close during the winter months. It’s a good idea to check the park’s website for updates on closures before heading out for your vacation.
Visiting in Spring
Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Smoky Mountains. Temperatures begin to warm up, and trees start to bloom in all shades of pink and purple. There are tons of outdoor activities available during this time, including hiking, biking, and fishing.[6]
There are also tons of great waterfalls that visitors can visit during this time. For example, the Laurel Falls Trail is an easy hike to a gorgeous waterfall that features 2 tiers of water pouring over rocks.
Another wonderful thing about visiting in the spring is that you will be able to see the wildflowers that are beginning to bloom. These flowers are some of the most breathtaking in the entire park and are a must-see for anyone who is planning on going to the Smokies.[7]
You will also be able to spot some of the wildlife that you can usually only see during the summer months. For example, you will be able to see black bears and elk during this time of year.
The most popular way to experience the beauty of the Smokies is by taking a hike. There are hundreds of miles of trails to choose from. Some of the most popular hikes include Abrams Falls, Alum Cave Bluffs, and Charlies Bunion.
These hikes offer amazing views of the Smokies and are very family friendly. If you are looking for a more challenging hike, consider Mount LeConte or the Chimney Top Trail.[8] These hikes offer a little bit of everything, including a mountaintop view and some fun rock pinnacles to climb on.
Hiking is a wonderful activity for any age group, and spring is the perfect time to go on a hike in the Smokies! This is because temperatures are warmer than they are in the summer, making it easier to hike and enjoy the scenery.
If you’re visiting in the spring, be sure to pack plenty of layers. This will ensure you are prepared for any weather conditions.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country, with over 9 million people visiting annually. The park straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, and it’s a popular destination for families, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.[9]
Final Thoughts
When you think of smoky mountains, you most likely picture the blue mist that hovers around their majestic peaks and valleys.[10] You might also think of the Cherokee, who called the area “shaconage,” which means “place of the blue smoke.” But it doesn’t matter what you call them, what matters is that they conjure up an experience that millions of visitors take back with them every year.
You can visit smoky mountains in any season, but fall is our favorite time to see the gorgeous colors that the Smokies are famous for. Visiting in fall will allow you to get up close to the leaves and witness their amazing changes as they turn into shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold.[11]
If you’re a hiker, you can plan an excursion that will take you through forests and past streams and waterfalls. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with 850 miles of trails available to explore. You can find an easy hike that takes you along the Charles Bunion Trail, or conquer a hike up Mount LeConte for some breathtaking mountain views.
It’s important to remember that over logging was responsible for the damage done to these mountains in the past, so be sure to visit with an open mind and leave the woods a little cleaner than you found it when you first arrived. It’s worth the extra effort to help preserve and protect this incredible natural habitat for future generations.[12]
To make your visit as eco-friendly as possible, plan to use reusable goods and eat locally. These will reduce your carbon footprint and help you do your part for the environment.
You can also choose to visit the park with a group, which will reduce your transportation expenses and road congestion. Most groups will share a shuttle or tour bus, so you won’t have to worry about navigating the busy roads.
You can also make your trip as environmentally friendly as possible by taking your own food and drinks when you’re out hiking. Bring a refillable water bottle and a backpack with snacks, so you can avoid buying disposable items and wasteful consumption. [13]These small changes can have a big impact on the environment when you’re traveling to smoky mountains!
Best Times To Visit Great Smoky Mountains National
The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is during the summer and fall, when the foliage is in full bloom. During those months, the parks are less busy than the busiest times of year, and visitors can expect to experience an incredible amount of natural beauty and history in a relatively short period of time.
A popular destination for hikers, bikers and backpackers, the Smokies are also a prime spot for families looking to have fun together. There are over 850 miles of hiking trails, including the famed Appalachian Trail, where you can trek through the woods and see some of the most stunning scenery in America.[14]
Hiking in the Smokies is a great way to take in nature, but be aware of the many rules and restrictions that the park enforces. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, you’ll want to follow these guidelines for your own safety and to help preserve the beauty of this special place.
If you’re camping in the backcountry, you’ll need to secure a permit. You can apply online, or you can buy your permits in person at a number of locations in the park.
The park’s official website lists the fees, which are $4 per day, $20 per week or $40 per year.[15] The daily and weekly passes are valid for seven days. The annual tag is a good choice for regular visitors who plan to return to the park frequently.
You can purchase your parking tags online or in person at one of the nine in-person purchasing locations. You can also buy them at the automated fee machines, which are located at most visitor centers and some other popular park destinations like Cades Cove, Clingman’s Dome, Oconaluftee and Sugarlands.
For more information about the park’s parking regulations, including how to get a tag, visit the official website for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can also contact the Park Service with any questions you may have.
The Park Service does its best to protect the natural beauty of the Smokies, as well as the lives of the many people who visit it each year. [16]That means it’s important to stay safe and be mindful of the park’s rules, especially those related to wildlife. This includes observing the rules of Leave No Trace, a concept that aims to protect nature and respect its resources by staying off the land as much as possible.
When is the Most Popular Time To Visit Smoky Mount
The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park depends on the type of vacation you’re planning. The most popular times to go are during summer or fall, but you should also keep in mind that the weather can change quickly from one season to the next.[17]
If you’re traveling during spring, you can expect a stunning display of wildflowers as the trees leaf out and shade the forest floor for a short window. During this time, flame azaleas, mountain laurel, rhododendrons, and other heath family shrub flowers bloom in spectacular fashion.
Another favorite time of year to visit the mountains is in autumn, when the leaves turn into brilliant shades of gold, yellow, red, and orange. These colors are a sight to behold and make a trip to the Smokies even more memorable!
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, there are tons of trails to choose from. You can find short, easy hikes for kids and adults, or longer, more challenging hikes for advanced hikers.[18]
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a multi-day trip with Smoky Mountain Guides. This will give you plenty of opportunities to explore the park and take in the gorgeous scenery. These trips include everything from exploring the highest backcountry campsite in the Smokies to walking in a winter wonderland and enjoying gourmet meals!
The Smokies are home to a vast amount of wildlife. From elk and black bear to neon-colored salamanders, scientists discover new species inside the park each year.
It’s easy to see why this is one of the most visited parks in the United States. The smoky mountains are known for their beautiful mountain views, stunning waterfalls, and amazing historic buildings.
You can enjoy these attractions from the comfort of your car, but a guided tour can take you to even more amazing places and introduce you to the history of the area. These tours range from 3 hours to a full day, so you can pick the perfect adventure for your vacation![19]
Aside from tours and hikes, Smoky Mountain Guides also offers shuttle services to some of the most popular parks in the park. This will save you the trouble of sifting through all of the parking areas and battling traffic. The company has shuttles to popular spots like Alum Cave Trail, Laurel Falls Trail, Trillium Gap Trail (Grotto Falls), Rainbow Falls Trail, and Clingmans Dome.
What is the Weather Like?
When visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, there are many different types of weather you can expect to experience. You can visit in summer, fall, or winter. While each season brings its own distinct characteristics, all of them offer varying views and unique opportunities to explore the area.
If you want to get the most out of your trip to the Smokies, we recommend planning a visit in September or October. These are the cooler months, and they offer the best temperate weather to get outside and enjoy your vacation.
This is also the perfect time to take in the spectacular fall foliage and see the landscape transform into an array of rich shades of orange, red, and gold. You can experience the changing colors of the season by hiking a trail through the woodlands, or by taking a kayak tour down the Pigeon River.[20]
In addition to being a beautiful place, the Smokies are also very biodiverse. As a result, almost any plant or animal can thrive in the park.
While the weather is usually wet and humid in the lower elevations, it can be dry and cool up at higher elevations. However, it is still advisable to bring some type of rain gear with you to protect your skin from the humidity.
The rainy season in the Smokies typically peaks in July, with heavy rainfall that can occur at any time of day. It is a good idea to check the forecast to ensure that you have adequate rain gear for your trip.
Fortunately, the Smokies have plenty of activities to keep you busy during the rainy season, including fishing, whitewater rafting, zip lining, and more. You can also enjoy a scenic drive through the mountainous terrains, or visit one of the many theme parks.
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the Smokies, horseback riding is an excellent choice. There are several stables in the area that offer guided trail rides to help you bond with your horse and soak up the breathtaking scenery.
You can even book a specialty trip in the fall that takes advantage of this seasonal change, and you’ll see how the changing colors of the trees and flowers can make a difference in your visit. For instance, you can take a backcountry hike that leads to cascades and waterfalls, then have lunch on a river island.
Visiting in Summer
The Smoky Mountains are one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Spanning both North Carolina and Tennessee, they’re home to a diversity of trees, wildflowers, animals, and a rich history that has been passed down over thousands of years.
Visitors flock to the park year-round for its beauty and wildlife, but summer is when you’ll want to visit the most. It’s the time of year when temperatures are hottest and the humidity is most intense, but also when the mountain rivers are at their best. This is the best time to go hiking and biking, as mountain streams will be cool enough for you to enjoy them without getting too wet.
A great way to beat the heat is to head up to the mountain tops and hike along the Appalachian Trail. This ridge runs through the heart of the park and offers fantastic views of the Smokies and the surrounding region.
For even better views, consider taking a hike on Clingmans Dome, which sits at the highest point in the Smokies at 5,200 feet. This mountain top is around 20 degrees cooler than the lower parts of the park, so you’ll be able to keep your cool no matter how hot it gets.
In addition to all the amazing hiking, the Smoky Mountains also have more than 90 historic structures and sites. These include barns, houses, mills, churches, and schools that tell the story of Smoky Mountain history.
You’ll find these old buildings throughout the park, including Cades Cove, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Cataloochee Valley. If you’re a history buff, be sure to take the time to explore these places to learn more about what the area was like before European settlers arrived.
As you wander through the Smokies, you’ll notice that many of these structures are slowly being reclaimed by the forest. This is a testament to the preservation efforts of the National Park Service and its dedicated volunteers.
If you’re interested in volunteering in the Smokies, check out Maryville College’s 10-day Great Smokies Experience. This program lets high school students and recent graduates get involved with preserving the area’s natural resources and cultural heritage.
Visiting in Fall
While summer is the most popular time to visit the Smoky Mountains, fall can be just as beautiful. As the temperatures begin to drop, the trees in the park start to change color from deep greens to dazzling shades of red, orange, and yellow.
You can drive along one of the scenic drives through the national park or hike in the hills to see the breathtaking colors of the fall foliage. To see the best fall colors, plan a trip in the middle of October to early November.
During this time of year, the weather is ideal, so you can enjoy hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities without worrying about the heat or humidity. This makes fall a great time to get outside, soak in the natural beauty and explore the area without having to worry about being uncomfortable.
As the leaves change color, it’s also a good time to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. The animals of the Smoky Mountains will be on the move collecting nuts, berries, and other foods for the winter. This is a great time to get a close up look at black bears, deer, squirrels and chipmunks.
While there is plenty to do in the park throughout the entire year, you can’t go wrong with a fall vacation. This is when the Smoky Mountains are at their most vibrant and stunning.
The fall season is when the mountains turn from deep greens to bright colors that are reminiscent of autumn in New England. This is an incredible sight and you won’t want to miss it!
You can find more than 100 different species of trees in the Smokies that paint the hills with bright shades of red, orange, and yellow. The fall colors aren’t limited to trees, either; moss and wildflowers bloom in the park, too.
If you’re visiting in the fall, be sure to pack layers and a rain jacket or umbrella. It’s not uncommon for the mountains to experience rainfall during this time of the year, but that shouldn’t stop you from seeing the beauty of the fall colors.
