The Great Smoky Mountains are nestled between the border of North Carolina and Tennessee and are among the most gorgeous and elegant landscapes in the US. The Smokies is a unique and ecologically diverse subrange of the bigger Appalachian Mountains. Popular for the large old-growth forest, these mountains are home to many unique species as well as painterly landscapes.
If you have visited the Smoky Mountains National Park or nearby areas in the spring, summer, or fall, you probably know that it can get crowded.
This is why you should consider a fun getaway during the winter. Note that during wintertime, you will find fewer visitors and less traffic and enjoy clearer and better views of the gorgeous landscape.
You will be glad to know that Smoky Mountain town boasts a wide variety of restaurants and fun family-friendly attractions. You will also find fantastic mountain scenery, 5K races, quaint little chapels, food festivals, and live music.
And the wonderful Rosedale Mountain Retreat provides you with the best BBQ areas and ATV riding regions in and near The Smokies. Providing mountain views and the best amenities, our convenient cabins have everything that you need for a memorable vacation.
Here are some best ways to enjoy winter in the Smoky Mountains.
Winter Hiking in the National Park
Did you know that hitting the gorgeous trails is not just a summertime activity in the Great Smokies? All you have to do is take a couple of precautions and be more mindful of the ice and snow on the way, and you will be able to enjoy relatively crowd-free hiking and other activities through these cold months.
The best thing is that there are hundreds of hiking opportunities available to you throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is where you may explore the beautiful and serene natural surroundings, see some fascinating historic structures and even spot some wildlife if you are lucky. Some amazing trail options are Andrews Bald, Porters Creek, and Charlies Bunion.
See a Frozen Waterfall
Keep in mind that most nights in the gorgeous park from December through late February reach below freezing temperatures. However, the good news is that the days usually warm up. There is no doubt that this frequent freezing and thawing makes for an incredible and stunning waterfall display of dripping ice.
You will like the Laurel Falls; it is a moderate hike on the northern side of the park. On the other hand, Mingo Falls and Tom Branch Falls are easy and quick to get to in the southern region.
With snow-covered peaks, dark evergreens, sleeping black bears, frozen waterfalls, trickling streams, and sleeping wildlife, the national park is certainly the best place to reconnect with nature as well as rejuvenate the soul.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Keep in mind that you can also enjoy snowboarding and skiing during the winter in the Smokies! You will find several ticket options, such as full-day sessions, night sessions, twilight sessions, two-day tickets, and three-day tickets. Did you know that each of the sessions allows you unlimited access to the amazing ski slopes and the lifts that service them?
And that is not all; you will find many indoor shops and eateries so that you can stay and play for several hours on end!
Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights
You will be happy to know that more than 5 million lights dance and twinkle in Pigeon Forge in the Christmas spirit throughout the town. As a result, the town becomes a magical winter wonderland. You can access the convenient map in order to see this fun and incredible display, which is also available online.
Take a Picturesque Drive Through Cades Cove
It is not everyone’s idea of fun and entertainment to spend the day outside, with slick, icy, or rainy conditions and freezing temperatures.
However, that does not mean you need to miss the beauty and splendor of the national park. You can take a gorgeous and fun scenic drive through the Great Smokies instead!
Note that one of the ideal places to drive through this park in order to spot wildlife, historical sites, and breathtaking and unique views is Cades Cove. This eleven-mile route is paved and provides some of the best sightseeing in the Smokies right from your vehicle. So, pack some drinks, snacks, and a jacket and camera when you would like to hop out for a bit.
Smoky Mountain Opry
You can also enjoy a wide range of amazing live entertainment at this 2-hour program in the famous Pigeon Forge. Some of the things you can see are singing, comedy, dancing, and aerial acrobatics with many performers and artists from the Smoky Mountains area.
Stay Inside
If you don’t feel like going outside, you can also stay inside a warm cabin in the Smokies! There is nothing better than curling up in front of a comfy fireplace, sipping on some hot chocolate, and watching your favorite movies.
Where to Stay
There is no doubt that the Smoky Mountains offer many winter activities. You can also enjoy the beautiful and breathtaking mountain scenery and wildlife while riding your ATV or off-road vehicle. If you are looking to stay in the Smoky Mountains during the holidays, you can head to the beautiful and serene cabins in the region, such as Rosedale Mountain Retreat.
You can simply decompress and unwind from your hectic and busy life and easily sit in front of the fireplace, savoring a piping hot coffee or tea. You can also have a glass of wine while watching the snowfall outside our picture windows.
Our cabin rentals feature unique amenities in order to keep everyone comfy and entertained, from king-size beds to a home theater. Regardless of what winter activities you choose to participate in, return to your comfy suite at Rosedale Mountain Retreat. Wintertime may just become your best time to visit.
Camping at Rosedale Mountain Retreat offers a memorable and fun adventure you are unlikely to find with other accommodations.
We also offer several other amenities and different activities you can participate in while staying with us during your ATV vacation. So, contact us to learn more and reserve excellent lodging to have a memorable getaway.
