If you’re looking for fun things to do in Gatlinburg in March, you’re definitely in for a treat! Use this Gatlinburg vacation guide to plan the perfect spring getaway.
March is a great time to visit Gatlinburg and enjoy the mild weather that comes with spring. This month, there are plenty of activities for all ages to explore from skiing and tubing at Ober Gatlinburg to exploring fun attractions downtown.
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is full of natural beauty and fun activities.
From scenic drives and hikes through lush forests to exploring charming shops and restaurants downtown, here are some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg in March.
Is Gatlinburg Good To Visit In March?
March is an exciting month to visit Gatlinburg because Dollywood opens back up, festivals are beginning again, and while it may still be a bit cool, Spring is in the air on most days.
Beware, however, that Jack Frost and his snow have been known to make an appearance in the Smokies in March and April from time to time.
Are bears out in March in Gatlinburg?
Black bears are a common sight in the Smoky Mountains. While they may be difficult to spot during the winter season or even early spring, bears in the area do not truly hibernate.
Instead, they enter into a semi-hibernation state during which their activity is decreased and their sleep is increased.
As such, it is possible to spot bears in the Smokies late in March. However, the best opportunity to see black bears in the area is during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer.
Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg In March
Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun or indoor thrills, there are plenty of things to do in Gatlinburg during March that will make your stay unique and memorable.
Here are some of our favorites!
March is finally the time that we start to wave goodbye to the cold and dreary winter weather. With the changing of the season, the Smoky Mountains wildflower finally starts to bloom and the deciduous trees start to come back to life again.
What better way to enjoy all of these natural wonders than hiking in Gatlinburg and The Smoky Mountains. Here are some of the best hikes to take in and near Gatlinburg.
- Little River Trail
- Middle Prong Trail
- Porters Creek Trail
- Gregory Ridge Trail
If you happen to be in Gatlinburg during March, make sure to carve some time out of your itinerary and join the festivities at Annakesta!
Their villages will be filled with St. Patrick's Day decor, Celtic music playing throughout the town and live acts like The Crossjacks, Wild Blue Yonder and bagpiper Kelly Shipe entertaining guests all day long - what else do you need for a memorable experience?
And if that's not enough Irish cheer for ya', participating food & beverage spots will have green beer ready for consumption. Cheers!
There’s nothing quite like horseback riding in the Smokies, so better saddle up and head out for a horseback riding adventure in Gatlinburg. Depending on the trail, horseback riding can last from 45 minutes to several hours.
For guided horseback riding in Smoky Mountains National Park, there are 4 riding stables available from mid-March to late November;
- Cades Cove Riding Stables
- Smokemont Riding Stable
- Smoky Mountain Riding Stables
- Sugarlands Riding Stables
Another exciting outdoor adventure to enjoy in Gatlinburg in March is white water rafting.
Depending on the conditions and water level, different white water rafting outfitters begin running the Upper and Lower Pigeon River in early March.
The slightly cold weather in March makes up for a more extreme Gatlinburg rafting adventure! Just to be sure, make a call ahead of time to the rafting company to know if they are operating by this time.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and seeking a fun and unique outdoor activity in Gatlinburg, Ziplining is something you and your family can enjoy.
Imagine yourself securely strapped into a slider, sliding down from the mountain top, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and enjoying the gorgeous scenery. Simply the best!
Bear’s Wilderness Lodge at GSM Family Vacations is your perfect home away from home while visiting Gatlinburg. Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains and the arts and crafts district, this luxurious lodge offers beautiful views of nature, incredible amenities, and plenty of entertainment options – all making it the ideal spot for a peaceful getaway.
March in Gatlinburg, Tn means the start of the mini-golf season! You will find a number of mini-golf courses in Gatlinburg that offer everything from unique themes to some of the most challenging holes in town. Here are some of the best places in Gatlinburg to play mini-golf;
- Hillbilly Golf
- Gatlin’s Fun Center
- Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf
- O’Bears Mini-Golf
Arriving at the little town of Gatlinburg, you might wonder how this small place could become so big. It’s quite easy to understand why.
Gatlinburg is the main point of entry to the Great Smoky Mountains National park and has a variety of attractions that is perfect for different types of tourists. Here are some of the best Gatlinburg attractions to enjoy in March.
- The Gatlinburg Sky Lift
- The Space Needle
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Live music at Ole Red
- Gatlinburg moonshine distillery
When you’re in Gatlinburg, Tn in March, it’s easy to get lost in the scenic mountain views and amazing local attractions.
And exploring all that’s in the itinerary can certainly work up an appetite, that’s where Gatlinburg’s popular culinary scene takes the stage.
With a smaller crowd to deal with, dining at the most popular restaurants in town means shorter wait times! Here are some of our favorite food spots in the area.
March Festivals And Events in Gatlinburg
Aside from different attractions, the town of Gatlinburg is an extremely popular place for special events throughout the entire year.
- Gatlinburg Improv Fest– Laugh your socks off at the Gatlinburg Improv Fest that will be held at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre in downtown Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Improv fest features some of the most hilarious improv groups from the area for two days of non-stop fun.
- Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day In Gatlinburg– 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! For four festive days, Gatlinburg will be decorated Shamrock Green with traditional Celtic music in the air complete with Irish flags and decorations.
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 Our FREE Spring Winter Packing Checklist For The Smokies!
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
If you’re in the mood for a different kind of adventure, make sure to check out our post on Unique Things To Do In Gatlinburg.
And speaking of unique attractions, you can’t miss visiting The Salt And Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg!
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