Gatlinburg in Winter Itinerary: Top 8 Things to Do
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Are you looking for the best things to do in Gatlinburg in winter? As someone who loves exploring mountain towns, I can tell you that Gatlinburg is an idyllic spot in Tennessee to visit during the colder months.
Let me share all the fun things you can do in Gatlinburg in winter, based on my own experiences and research.
Gatlinburg is a beautiful mountain town nestled in eastern Tennessee. What makes this small town stand out is its adventurous spirit and breathtaking scenic views.
No matter the time of year, the landscape seems to change with every season and every month. Personally, I think Gatlinburg is especially magical in winter. Locals even say the town has “two winters”: one before Christmas and another after.
Once the snow falls, Gatlinburg transforms into a winter wonderland, blanketed in soft, white snow. I always find myself amazed by the beauty of this place every time I visit.
Here are some of my favorite things to do while visiting Gatlinburg in winter so you can make the most of your trip and experience everything this enchanting town has to offer.
Best things to do in Gatlinburg in the Winter
When I visit Gatlinburg in winter, I’m always amazed by the variety of fun, adrenaline-filled activities nestled among the snow-capped Great Smoky Mountains. If you’re like me and love a bit of adventure, you’ll find plenty to do here!
Here’s my personal cheat sheet of the most exciting things you can experience in Gatlinburg during the winter season:
1. Go on a thrilling Downhill Mountain Coaster
One of my favorite attractions in Gatlinburg is the Great Smoky Mountains, often called the “Gateway to the Smokies.” Whenever I visit in winter, I make it a point to try the Downhill Mountain Coaster. It’s easily one of the most thrilling adventures you can experience among the snowy peaks.
Riding the coaster, I get to zoom through the beautiful green regions of the mountains, breathing in the fresh air as stunning views unfold all around me. The ride offers an incredible panorama of the mountains, the horizon, and the lush surroundings of Gatlinburg.
If I’m lucky, I even catch a glimpse of sunrays sparkling on freshly fallen snow a truly magical sight that always sticks with me.
You can find these exhilarating Downhill Mountain Coaster rides at Anakeesta, Ober Gatlinburg, and Moonshine Mountain Coaster. Each location offers its own unique twist on this unforgettable winter adventure.
2. Enjoy indoor ice skating in Ober Gatlinburg Tramway Mall
While there are plenty of open arenas for ice skating in Gatlinburg, I personally love the option of indoor ice skating, especially when the weather outside gets unpredictable.
My go-to spot is the ice skating arena inside the Ober Gatlinburg Tramway Mall. The best part is that it’s open all year round, so whether I want to escape the summer heat or enjoy some classic winter fun, this rink is always available.
The ice skating area is about 140’ x 75’, making it perfect for both beginners like me and more experienced skaters.
3. Go Snow Tubing
One of my absolute favorite winter activities in Gatlinburg is snow tubing. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat. Everyone I know who experiences it ends up loving it just as much as I do!
What makes snow tubing great is that it’s suitable for almost everyone: children as young as 3 can join in the fun as long as they’re accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older. I also find it reassuring that snow tubing is considered one of the safest winter activities around.
The best spot for snow tubing in Gatlinburg, in my opinion, is at Ober Gatlinburg. The tubing hill there is fantastic, and the outdoor escalator makes getting back up the hill quick and easy.
Just a heads-up, because this activity is so popular, the tubing hill can get quite busy on weekends and holidays. Still, the fun and excitement make it well worth the wait!
4. Try out Skiing and Snowboarding
If you love skiing as much as I do, Gatlinburg is the perfect place to indulge your passion. In fact, it’s home to the only ski resort in all of Tennessee, so you can enjoy skiing to your heart’s content.
For me, the thrill of gliding down the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg is unbeatable. If you’re an advanced skier, you’ll want to check out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can test your skills on natural, more challenging routes.
Skiing through the mountain tops and the narrow, tree-lined lanes is an experience you won’t forget.
If you find skiing a bit intimidating, I recommend giving snowboarding a try. It’s just as much fun and a little easier to pick up for some people.
The best time for snowboarding is mid-December, when fresh snow blankets the slopes. Ober Gatlinburg remains my top pick for both skiing and snowboarding, but don’t miss out on the Blue Lift routes for an added adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Gatlinburg offers the perfect winter playground.
5. Explore The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of my absolute favorite places to explore in Gatlinburg. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 20,000 species of plants, fungi, and wildlife, it’s easy to see why this is the most visited spot in the area.
I never get tired of wandering its trails and taking in the swoon-worthy scenery that draws visitors from around the world.
One of the things I love most is going on winter hikes here. Many of the park’s trails wind through picturesque landscapes, and reaching the top of the mountains always feels like a reward.
When the sun hits the snow, every flake sparkles like a diamond, and I feel like I’m relaxing among the clouds. While the lower regions tend to stay a bit warmer in winter, the snow really starts to pile up as you climb higher. Nights get especially chilly, so I always make sure to bundle up!
Whether you take a guided tour or head out on a self-driving adventure, every trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will leave you with unforgettable memories. There’s just so much to see and do in this breathtaking winter wonderland.
6. Have fun at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Another fun destination I love visiting in Gatlinburg is the SkyLift Park. While there are lots of rides and attractions here, my favorite has to be the open-air chair-lift. Every time I ride it, I’m treated to breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains, especially when the peaks are dusted with snow.
The SkyLift travels 1,800 feet from the Strip up to the top of Crockett Mountain, and the ride itself lasts about nine minutes each way. It’s such a peaceful and scenic journey, perfect for soaking in the winter landscape.
One of the major highlights of SkyLift Park is the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Because of its stunning mountain backdrop and its iconic swinging wooden pathway, it’s easily one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in town.
I especially love visiting at night, when lanterns and fairy lights illuminate the bridge, creating a magical atmosphere. If you want to save money on your visit, I recommend booking your tickets in advance, as prices can be higher at the gate.
7. Cozy up with some Wine
I’ve learned that temperatures in Gatlinburg can drop as low as -18 °F at night, and I know firsthand how tough those chilly hours can be! It’s hard to enjoy all the winter fun if you’re freezing, but luckily, Gatlinburg has you covered.
In the downtown area, I always find plenty of cozy spots to warm up with some local delicacies and chase away the chills with freshly brewed beer or a selection of craft ales.
If you’re like me and love to combine food with exploring, you definitely need to check out this part of town. I’ve never been disappointed. There’s always something delicious to try. For an extra treat, I highly recommend joining a wine and shine walking tour. It’s a fantastic way to sample the best local distilleries and enjoy some wine tasting right in the heart of Gatlinburg.
8. Visit the Anakeesta Park
One of my favorite places to visit in Gatlinburg is Anakeesta Park. Even getting to the park feels like an adventure, it’s perched 600 feet above Anakeesta Mountain! I always enjoy taking the scenic sky lift ride from downtown Gatlinburg up to the summit.
The journey lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, and the views along the way are simply breathtaking. Once I arrive, I have access to the park for the entire day, giving me plenty of time to explore and relax at my own pace.
One highlight for me is walking along the 14-bridge Treetop Skywalk, with over 880 feet of connected bridges suspended 50-60 feet in the air.
It’s a whimsical experience, almost like strolling among the clouds. In addition to the incredible views and the peaceful atmosphere, I love grabbing a bite to eat at one of the park’s restaurants and unwinding in nature’s garden, watching the clouds shift and change right before my eyes.
Whenever I visit Gatlinburg in winter, I always look for accommodations that are close to the main attractions. There are plenty of hotels near the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area, but my favorite for convenience is the Hampton Inn.
It’s just steps away from both Ober Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it the perfect base for exploring everything the town has to offer.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Gatlinburg in winter? I’d love to hear about your experiences and recommendations. Share them in the comments below!