Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a popular gateway town to the highly-visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Besides visiting the national park, this town also offers plenty of fun attractions and unique experiences throughout the year. Yes, including during the off-season! So, when is considered the off-season in Gatlinburg? What can you expect when visiting during these months? Read on to find out answers to these questions and more.
When is the off-season in Gatlinburg?
Generally, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are year-round destinations where visitors can find a reason to visit during any season. However, the months with the least visitors and considered the “off-season” in January, February, and March following the holidays.
Although these months have the fewest visitors, there are people who enjoy winter hikes and winter sports in the snow-filled months of January and February. You will also find some peaks in visitors around Valentine’s Day and during spring break weekend trips in March.
What can you expect during the off-season in Gatlinburg?
The weather is colder in Gatlinburg during the off-season months, and some attractions slow down following the winter holidays. For example, some theater shows take a 1-month break during this time or will have fewer showing times. Until late February, you can also expect Gatlinburg to still be fully decorated with Christmas lights, allowing visitors to enjoy the winter holiday charm even in the off-season.
January is the best time to see snowfall in Gatlinburg, with the average inches of snowfall being 4 inches. With regards to temperatures, it is usually between 50 and 27 degrees Fahrenheit in January and February. The weather starts to warm up by reaching the 60s during the daytime in March.
What is open during the off-season in Gatlinburg?
There are plenty of attractions that remain open in Gatlinburg during the off-season. For example, The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show, Anakeesta, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies remain in operation.
Many people visit the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Mountain to enjoy skiing, tubing, and snowboarding on their natural and man-made snow slopes. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, which is only 3 miles from downtown Gatlinburg is also open year-round. It’s the largest community of independent artists.
Certain hiking trails and popular locations in the Great Smoky Mountains remain accessible year-round as well, including Newfound Gap, Cades Cove, and the Old Sugarlands Trail. You can also easily hike to peaks in lower elevations, such as Elkmont and Greenbrier.
What is closed during the off-season in Gatlinburg?
In Gatlinburg, certain attractions such as ziplines, horseback riding stables, and the Dollywood Theme Park is typically closed during January and February. However, they start operating again once March comes around.
If you are planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains National Park, some roads, such as The Roaring Fork Motor Trail and Clingmans Dome, are closed during the winter due to snowy and icy conditions. Depending on weather conditions, some high peaks in the park, such as Mt. LeConte, can become inaccessible.
Why visit Gatlinburg in the off-season?
Visiting Gatlinburg during the off-season comes with various perks. You can enjoy fewer crowds, so there are shorter waits for major attractions and popular restaurants like the Pancake Pantry.
The lodging rates, including cabin rentals, are also lower, so you can book a great stay on a budget. It’s a great time to experience a winter-holiday vibe with the decked-out lights without breaking the bank.
Planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains during the off-season, and winter months also offers a unique experience of the beautiful national park. For example, you can see snow-capped mountain peaks, ice formations, and frozen waterfalls.
The views of the mountains from Gatlinburg are also unobstructed by trees and leaves. Another plus is that you’ll have cooler days and avoid the brutal mid-day summer heat.
What is the cheapest time to go to Gatlinburg?
Besides the off-season months of January to March, you can get some good deals in November and December when you avoid the weekends and times around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Early to mid-September also sees a dip in prices following the summer and before the October fall foliage peak season. For a hotter time of year just before the summer crowds, mid-May is a great time to visit Gatlinburg for cheaper lodging rates.
Overall, the cheapest times to go to Gatlinburg are anytime outside major holidays and the peak season of October and summer months from June to August.
You also want to avoid major travel times like Valentine’s Day, spring break weekends, or the spring or fall Rod Run weekends that happen in nearby Pigeon Forge.
Conclusion
The off-season in Gatlinburg is typically January to March. However, there are still plenty of reasons to visit this gateway town during these months to enjoy a winter wonderland and experience a different side of the Smoky Mountains, including frozen waterfalls. You can also expect better rates for your travel plans and fewer crowds!