When planning a trip, one of the most important things to consider is when you will take the trip! The time of year that you may decide to visit an area will depend on the area’s climate, as well as what activities you are looking to do while you are there. That is why there is no single answer to the question of when is the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains — it depends! That is why we have put together this helpful guide to the various seasons in the area to assist you in deciding on the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains:
Spring
The first of the seasons we are covering is spring in the Smoky Mountains. Throughout the spring, the weather starts to get warmer, which leads to the emergence of tons of gorgeous plant life here in the area. Flame azaleas are some of the most popular flowers to come see, with plants at low elevations blooming in April, and higher elevation spots blooming in June and July. Spring is also a good time to see wildlife throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as they are often more active during this time of year than many others.
Summer
Next up, we are going to be discussing summer, as we work to help you determine the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains! Summer is full of exciting and fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains! Events like the Summer Celebration Festival at Dollywood and the annual Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade will make it clear why people love to visit the Smokies during the summer time. Plus, even though it is summer, the mountain breeze will help keep you cool as you enjoy outdoor activities. Just remember that summer is a popular time to visit the area, as schools are out, which can mean that there are larger crowds and longer wait times for some restaurants and attractions.
Fall
Fall is considered by many to be the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains, as the changing of the leaves creates a gorgeous spectacle. Hues of yellow, orange, and red overtake the mountain range, creating scenic photo ops and amazing backdrops for hiking. If you decide you want to visit the Smokies during fall, make sure to reserve your accommodations well in advance! While you are visiting during the fall, you will be able to check out lots of seasonal festivities, including the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival and other events at some of the area’s most popular attractions. If you are specifically looking to observe the changing of the leaves, it is best to visit between early October and early November.
Winter
Last, but certainly not least, we have winter! Although it can get a bit chilly during this time of year, it is well worth a visit to the Smoky Mountains, as there are so many fun things to do during the wintertime. Whether you decide to head on over to Ober Mountain for some skiing or snowboarding, check out holiday festivals, or relax by the fireplace at your cabin rental, you are sure to have a good time. Also, with daytime temperatures that average 50 degrees, you will still be able to enjoy plenty of outdoor activities during your stay while remaining comfortable.
Now that you know more about the various seasons here in the area, you are one step closer to deciding on the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains for you! Fortunately, no matter which time of year you decide to come and visit the Smokies, we have an incredible selection of rental cabins for you to choose from. You can go ahead and browse our full selection of cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains today to find the perfect spot for your next getaway. We look forward to welcoming you!
