Winter Activities in the Smokies
Ober Gatlinburg
For many, winter in the Smokies means skiing, snowboard and tubing at Ober Gatlinburg. The slopes are open throughout the winter months. There are 10 different ski trails at the park with different levels of difficulty. Everyone, from beginners to experts, can have a great time! If you are new to skiing or snowboarding, they offer lessons from the experts in the field.
If you aren’t up to skiing or snowboarding, but still love the snow, snow tubing is a great alternative for everyone. There’s nothing like zipping down a huge hill on an inner tube!
When you are done hitting the slopes, step inside and enjoy a huge variety of shops, the food court, or even go ice skating, and don’t forget to try out the ice bumper cars!
Scenic Drive Through Cades Cove
Cades Cove is one of the most beautiful parts of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. But, in the winter, there’s a special beauty that you won’t find any other time of the year. Cades Cove is situated on an 11 mile one-way loop road that gives you the chance to sightsee at a leisurely pace. There are plenty of pull offs along the way if you would like to stop and take in the beautiful scenery. We highly recommend you go at a leisurely pace. With the bare trees of winter, you have a much greater chance of seeing some of the wildlife that calls Cades Cove home. Some animals you may see include black bears, white-tail deer, coyote, turkeys, and so much more!!
Any time of year you can take in the history of Cades Cove. There are a vast number of sites to see including three churches, a working grist mill, barns, log houses, and several other restored buildings. Self guiding tour booklets are at the start of the cove that discusses the history of the area.
If you like hiking, two trails of interest are Abrams Falls and The Middle Prong Trail. Abrams Falls is a five mile, moderately strenuous hike. The falls is only 20 feet tall, but the massive volume of water that rushes over it makes up for it! The Middle Prong Trail is considered one of the best waterfall hikes in the Smokies. There are three major waterfalls and several smaller falls. Winter is the only time to experience the beautiful frozen waterfalls while hiking the Middle Prong Trail.
.
.
Old Mill District Bridge Closed for Repairs
The bridge near The Old Mill closed on January 6th for repairs. If everything goes well the bridge is scheduled to reopon in April.
The Old Mill, Pottery House Cafe and the other businessess located in the Old Mill District are still open and ready to serve you.
Some alternate routes to take while the bridge is closed for repairs:
-From Stoplight 7: turn left on River Road, return to the Parkway, and turn right at Stoplight 5.
-From Stoplight 5: take Jake Thomas Road to Teaster Lane, then to Old Mill Avenue.
-From Stoplight 8: take Dollywood Lane to Teaster Lane, then to Old Mill Avenue.
.
.
"You have the potential to achieve great things. Believe in yourself!!