If you are planning a trip to Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the top things you will want to consider is what time of year to visit! While there are incredible sights to see and lots of fun activities during each season, there are some differences in terms of what you can expect from your visit, depending on when you come to the park. Fortunately, we have got you covered with our helpful guide to visiting the Smoky Mountains during every season:
Spring
Spring in the Smoky Mountains is known for having pleasant temperatures, which can make it a great time to visit. You will be able to take full advantage of the hiking trails at the park, and there are lots of wildflowers that bloom during this time of year. Plus, the pleasant temperatures mean that wildlife tend to be fairly active during the spring, giving you a chance to spot some of the incredible creatures that call the Smoky Mountains home!
Summer
If you are looking to maximize your outdoor adventures, visiting the Smoky Mountains during summer can be a perfect choice. The temperatures don’t tend to get too high, which means that you will be able to enjoy all of the natural beauty of the Smokies by hiking the trails at the park. You can also take advantage of various water activities during the summertime, such as kayaking and white water rafting. Summer is also an ideal time to go camping in the Smoky Mountains, as the temperatures at night don’t get particularly low. There are so many outdoor adventures you can experience when you visit the Smoky Mountains during the summer!
Fall
Fall in the Smoky Mountains is best known for the incredible changing of the leaves that occurs each year, and for good reason! The red, orange, and yellow hues that overtake the mountains are truly a sight to behold, which is why visiting the Smoky Mountains during the fall can be a great choice. Wildlife tend to be more active during the fall as well, as the temperatures are cooler than during the summertime, but not as cold as winter. Fall can also be an ideal time to take a scenic drive through the park and check out the gorgeous display that the fall foliage offers!
Winter
Although you may think of winter as being too cold to visit Smoky Mountains National Park, there are lots of fun things to do during this time of year and the relative lack of crowds makes it easy to enjoy all the great activities in the area. Although some roads and trails may be closed seasonally, many of the park’s trails and roads are open year-round, allowing you to take in the beauty of the park during the winter. Additionally, there is nothing quite like seeing the mountains covered in snow, which is another great reason to visit during the wintertime!
As you can see, there are plenty of incredible things to do during each season here at Smoky Mountains National Park! Whether you are visiting the Smoky Mountains in the summer, the winter, or anytime in between, you are in for plenty of adventures and memories you can treasure forever. Learn more about our operating hours across various seasons here and get ready for a fantastic trip to Smoky Mountains National Park!
