The Great Smoky Mountains’ beauty draws in visitors year-round. Even though nature is technically always open, there may be some areas in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are closed throughout the year, particularly in the colder months. Before you visit this winter, find out what areas of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park are going to be open and closed:
Always Open: Cades Cove Loop Road
Cades Cove Loop Road is one of the areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is open year round. Visitors love it because they can enjoy all the beautiful scenery while remaining in the comfort of their vehicle. In the winter, you have the chance of seeing a real-life winter wonderland as snow blankets the ground. There may also be a possibility of seeing live animals such as the white-tailed deer. Natural scenery is not the only thing that the Great Smoky Mountains are known for, as it also has a rich history. As you drive along Cades Cove Loop Road, you can see historical structures that were once part of thriving settlements. These buildings include the John Oliver Cabin and the Primitive Baptist Church.
Always Open: Campgrounds
Camping is a popular activity year round in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Luckily, there are always campgrounds open in the area, and there are two types to choose from. If you want to hike and camp, you can go to the backcountry campgrounds. To get to them, you must hike several miles. On the other hand, the frontcountry campgrounds allow you to camp near your car. This area also has toilets and cold running water. The Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont campgrounds are frontcountry, and they stay open in the winter.
Roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park That Are Closed in Winter
Due to snow and ice, there are some roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are closed in the winter. Some of these roads include Clingmans Dome Road, Little Greenbrier Road, and the Roaring Fork Nature Trail. When roads in higher elevations get snow, it may take longer to melt because of the colder temperatures. Additionally, higher elevation areas may get more snow than lower elevation areas. Newfound Gap is nearly a mile high and receives an average of 69 inches of snow in the winter season. Other roads in the park may close unexpectedly due to hazardous weather conditions. To ensure a safe and fun winter visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is important to stay up to date on road closures in the Smokies!
Tips For Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Winter
When you are visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the winter, remember that it gets darker earlier. You don’t want to be wandering the area in the dark, even if you’re in your vehicle. If you plan on staying the night, be sure to pack plenty of warm clothing and blankets. When it gets dark, be sure to stay close to your tent, as landmarks may be harder to see.
Even though some areas may be closed, you can still enjoy a fun visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the winter. Prepare for your visit by reading over the complete list of our operating hours and seasons!
