Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open all year long for your enjoyment, and the winter months offer some unique activities for those who don’t mind a little cold weather! Whether you want to see one of the park’s famous waterfalls frozen in place or the spectacular sight of snow-capped mountains, the winter is a special time to experience the Smokies without the crowds! Here are 4 unique things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains in the winter:
1. Go Cross Country Skiing on Kuwohi Road
The higher elevations of Great Smoky Mountains National Park receive plenty of snow over winter, with Kuwohi getting an average of 72 inches of snow between December and March. Therefore, it is not surprising that vehicle access on Kuwohi Road closes during this time period. The snow-covered roads don’t deter park visitors from making the 7-mile journey by skis or snowshoes to the Kuwohi Tower, which is the highest point in Tennessee! The national park is fine with visitors skiing on the roads closed during the winter, and you’ll find several reasons to go cross-country skiing on Kuwohi Road!
2. Seek Out Frozen Waterfalls
Another one of the unique things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains in the winter is seek out frozen waterfalls! The park’s numerous waterfalls offer a stunning sight when they freeze or are framed by ice and snow. Meigs Falls is easily accessible from a pull-off area on Little River Road about 13 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, and you’ll be amazed at the ice that builds up at these lovely falls! If you prefer to hike, you can easily reach spots like Laurel Falls at the northern end of the park or Tom Branch Falls at the southern end. Both of these waterfalls can be accessed via moderate hikes, and you’ll find that the dramatic winter scenery is well worth the effort!
3. Enjoy the Solitude of Winter Camping
Winter camping in the Great Smoky Mountains can be a serene experience that is difficult to duplicate at any other time of year! The Cades Cove and Smokemont campgrounds remain open all year, offering a peaceful camping opportunity for the truly adventurous! These campgrounds feature restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets, and each campsite offers a fire grate and picnic table. However, since there are no electrical or water hookups in the park, you’ll want to know the top tips for winter camping in the Smoky Mountains!
4. Take Photos of Snow Capped Mountains
If you are into photography, winter is an excellent time to take some photos of the Smokies when the mountain peaks are covered in snow! This is also the perfect time to capture some photos of wildlife in action, as the bare trees open up clear views of the landscape that are not available in other seasons. As if that doesn’t sound good enough, the low winter light casts beautiful shadows and highlights on the mountains that are a delight for photographers!
Now that you know some of the unique things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains in winter, make your plans to visit the national park during this special time of year! If your itinerary includes some hiking, be sure to check out these important tips for hiking in the Smoky Mountains during the winter!
