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Posted by Jon Hoffman in Things To Do
The holidays may be over, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a fun, festive family getaway here in the Great Smoky Mountains. In fact, winter is one of the best times to visit the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area. Here's why:
Board the aerial tramway at 1001 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg to reach legendary Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park, where you'll find:
Ten beautifully groomed ski trails, perfect for skiers and snowboarders alike
A popular snow-tubing park, challenging freestyle park, indoor ice skating rink, plus a safe, snowy play-zone for the littles
Seven popular eateries offering delicious après-ski noshing
Plus much more, all in a magnificent mountaintop setting
Many popular trails remain open during winter... and they're far less crowded than they'd be at the height of summer.
Hiking with younger kids? Check out easier trails like the Gatlinburg Trail (1.9 miles) or Sugarlands Nature Trail (only half a mile long).
Prefer a bit more challenge? Try the Andrews Bald Trail (3.5 miles round-trip), offering eye-popping panoramic views at about the 1.7-mile point.
Have you ever seen a waterfall frozen in magical mid-plunge? It's an awesome sight, and you can find it at several Smoky Mountain locations when the temperature dips below freezing. Hike the moderate trail to Laurel Falls, for starters (2.3 miles roundtrip). Or try the slightly more strenuous trek to Abrams Falls (5.2 miles roundtrip).
In summer, the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road teems with traffic, but it's much less busy in winter, so you can drive it in peace and privacy. Open daily from sunup to sundown, weather permitting, this one-way loop takes you through a winter wonderland, where towering trees fringe snowy meadows against a backdrop of breathtaking mountains.
Did you know that Gatlinburg hosts America's largest independent arts-and-crafts organization, featuring more than 100 skilled artisans? See their authentic Smoky Mountain wares when you "do the loop," an eight-mile road lined with shops showcasing handcrafted quilts, carvings, weavings, pottery, and more... all available for purchase.
Never been to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies? Now's your chance. This top Gatlinburg attraction is just one of several Smokies museums open daily during the winter. Check out Pigeon Forge's Titanic Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum, and upside-down Wonderworks mansion, among others.
Savor a luscious feast while you view a thrilling spectacular at Dolly Parton's Stampede and/or Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show. And don't miss the fun, food, and frolic at the Hatfield & McCoy and Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery shows.
Love to shop? You'll be in seventh heaven at The Village, a cluster of unique boutiques, galleries, and eateries in a charming Old World setting just past stoplight #6 on the Parkway.
Hankering for some hearty downhome Southern cooking? Prefer a fine-dining experience in an elegant, upscale restaurant? It's all here in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area – everything from flapjacks to filets, French to fusion, ethnic to New American. Bon Appetit!
After a full, fun-filled day, relax before a crackling fire in your comfortable family cabin. Heavenly! Contact Volunteer Cabin Rentals to reserve your winter getaway now.
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