Shake off the chill of winter and enjoy the best things to do in Gatlinburg in Spring. Here is our Gatlinburg vacation guide to help you plan the perfect trip.
Spring is a great time to visit Gatlinburg, Tennessee! The weather is mild, the flowers are blooming, and there’s so much to do. From hiking and fishing to attending festivals and touring museums, there’s something for everyone in this Smoky Mountain town.
After a few months of cold and grey weather, everyone is looking forward to the warmer days of spring. And what better place to enjoy the spring weather than Gatlinburg, Tennessee?
Here are the best things to do in Gatlinburg in Spring so that you can make the most of your trip.
Is Spring A Good Time To Visit Gatlinburg?
The answer is YES! Spring is an excellent time to visit this Smoky Mountains town. The weather is slightly warmer and the crowds are smaller than during the peak summer months.
However, big snows in March are possible , so be sure include jackets, sweaters, and other warm clothes in your Spring packing checklist for the Smoky Mountains.
You’ll find great deals on lodging and activities, making it a great time to plan your trip. Plus, there are plenty of fun events happening in Gatlinburg during the spring months.
Spring is the ideal time of year to visit Gatlinburg, not just because it’s inexpensive, but also because there’s so much to do downtown and in the Smokies!
We’ve listed below the best things to do in Gatlinburg to help you plan the ultimate vacation for spring break!
Festivals & Events in Gatlinburg in Spring
- St. Patrick’s Day Celebration- Visit Gatlinburg in March for an entire week of festivities to celebrate Irish culture. This newest Gatlinburg event which started in 2021, features all things that are Irish, from traditional Irish music, food, and a lot more!
- Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament- If you’re looking for a fun and competitive tournament to participate in, this is the perfect event for you. There are different divisions for both adult and youth anglers, so everyone can join in on the fun.
- Hands-On Gatlinburg- At this event, you can learn about traditional arts and crafts from expert instructors. You’ll also have the opportunity to create your own beautiful artwork, with courses available in fused glass ornament-making, jewelry-making woodworking, drawing, and more.
- Mountain Man Memorial March- This event is held in remembrance of America’s fallen heroes. There are marching and running events are further divided by gender and age categories.
- Spring Fling- The ski season at Ober Gatlinburg usually comes to a close in early March, but there’s still something to anticipate as Spring approaches! This year’s popular annual event in Ober honors the successful ski season with pond skimming, massive slalom, high ollie competitions, and other terrain park feature events.
- Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage- This is an annual event that takes place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other venues including Gatlinburg. The event includes lectures, hikes, and other activities focused on the region’s flora.
Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg In Spring
Spring is in the air! And you know what that means, time to get out and enjoy all there is to do and see in Gatlinburg!
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Gatlinburg, and for good reason.
The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, as well as some of the most stunning scenery in the area. Spring is a great time to visit and explore the park, as the flowers are in bloom and the animals are active.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Gatlinburg is to take a scenic drive. There are several scenic routes to choose from, but one of the most popular is the Newfound Gap Road filled with stunning scenery, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is located just minutes away from downtown Gatlinburg.
Anakeesta is a must-visit for any nature lover. This mountaintop park offers breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, as well as a variety of activities such as hiking, zip-lining, and more. Spring is the perfect time to visit Anakeesta, as the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom.
The Gatlinburg Farmers Market is the perfect place to find fresh local produce, handmade goods, and much more. The market is open every Saturday from 8:30am-noon, May to mid October.
Gatlinburg is home to a variety of wineries and distilleries, making it the perfect place to sample some of the best wines and moonshine in the area. Many of the wineries and distilleries offer tours and tastings, so be sure to check them out during your visit.
One of the best ways to explore downtown Gatlinburg is on foot. There are a variety of shops and restaurants within walking distance of each other.
Many of the shops offer a unique selection of items that can only be found in Gatlinburg. The restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, so there is something for everyone.
The Great Smoky Mountains National park is home to a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely hike or a challenging trail, you're surely find it in the Smokies, plus with the flowers and trees blooming in the spring, it's an even more pleasant experience.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg. The aquarium is home to a wide variety of sea life, including sharks, rays, and more. It's the perfect place to have fun and introduce the kids to marine wildlife.
The Gatlinburg Sky Lift is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Gatlinburg. The lift takes you to the top of Crockett Mountain, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. The lift is open year-round, but spring is a great time to go for the best weather.
Ober Gatlinburg is a must-visit for any traveler to Gatlinburg. This mountaintop resort offers stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, as well as a variety of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and more.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Gatlinburg in spring is by riding a mountain coaster. These coasters provide an exhilarating ride while offering stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.
There are several different mountain coasters to choose from in Gatlinburg, so you can find one that fits your thrill level.
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Get This FREE Spring Packing List For The Smoky Mountains Now!
Recommended Gatlinburg Vacation Resources
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg in March
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
More Related Resources
Are you feeling more adventurous and want something out of the box for spring break? Check out our list of Unique Things To Do In Gatlinburg, TN!
And no vacation is complete without taking some photos, if you’re in the market for a travel-friendly camera, here’s a post about the best compact travel camera from PhotoJeepers.