In this Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide, we give you all the best Things To Do In the Smoky Mountains in March just in time for the Spring Break travel season!
March is a great time to explore the beautiful Smoky Mountains. The temperature begins to warm up from the cool winter season, deciduous trees grow back their leaves, and the wildflowers start to bloom. Also, March brings forth a lot of opportunities for outdoor adventures and exciting events.
The Smokies are a great destination for outdoor activities any time of year, but especially in springtime when nature is starting to come alive.
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous weekend or a relaxing getaway, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in the Smoky Mountains in March.
Perfect for hiking or traveling, this bag boasts a sturdy frame for stability while remaining incredibly light. With its spacious interior and thoughtful design, you'll be amazed at how much you can carry without feeling weighed down. Plus, the back vents keep you cool and comfortable on the move.
Where To Stay In Gatlinburg, TN?
Embark on a new adventure in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Smoky Mountains with a stay at Bear’s Wilderness Lodge, exclusively offered by GSM Family Vacations.
Nestled amidst the serene wilderness, this charming cabin offers a refreshing escape from the ordinary, inviting you to discover the true essence of mountain living.
Is March A Good Time To Visit Smoky Mountains?
It’s always a great time to visit the Smokies, it just really depends on what season you enjoy most and what activities you look forward to doing.
Smoky Mountains weather in March may still present cool temperatures, but that should not stop you from enjoying all the exciting things to do in the Smokies during this time of the year.
While crowds do begin to pick up, particularly toward the end of the month as Spring break travelers arrive, they are nowhere near the levels you will see when visiting the Smokies in the Summer or Fall.
It is also a great time to enjoy all the beautiful wildflowers while taking a short hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National park.
Things To Do In The Smoky Mountains In March
Start your spring vacation with these awesome things to do in the Smoky Mountains in March!
No matter what the season, hiking is always a great activity to do in the Smoky Mountains.
While March may still have chilly weather for most of the month, this can make hiking quite enjoyable if you prefer to avoid the bugs and the humidity associated with warmer times of the year.
The spring flowers and waterfalls are also quite enjoyable in the Smoky Mountains in March.
Some of the most popular trails to take in the Smokies include:
- The Charlies Bunion
- Andrews Bald
- Rainbow Falls
- Porters Creek Trail
- Gregory Ridge Trail
- Little River Trail
- Rich Mountain Loop
With over 1,500 types of flowering plants in the Smokies, wildflower viewing is a must when visiting the Smokies in March.
Although you may not still find all the flowers in full bloom, expect to see some amazing flowers in bloom like Spring-beauty, Trout-lily, Sharp-lobed Hepatica, Jack-in-the-pulpit.
With an abundance of flowers blooming in the area, it’s not a surprise why Great Smoky Mountains National Park has earned the nickname “Wildflower National Park”.
Although March is considered a slower time in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg still has lots of things going on and offers plenty of opportunities for fun.
One of the best Gatlinburg attractions to visit in March is the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park where you can enjoy beautiful sights, go shopping or grab a bite at SkyCenter. SkyBridge will also be illuminated with green lights as part of St. Patrick's day celebration.
A trip to the Smoky Mountains in March isn’t complete without trying some of Tennessee’s finest moonshine.
Dating back from the first Irish settlers of the area up until now, moonshine tasting has become a booming business and a must activity in the Smoky Mountains.
The best places for moonshine tasting are Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler, Sugarlands Distilling Co., and Tennessee Shine Co.
Your Smoky Mountains Vacation In March wouldn’t be complete without enjoying some of the local dining in the area.
Because there are fewer crowds in March, you have the chance to dine at these restaurants with a shorter waiting time.
Another can’t miss activity in the Smokies in March is Horseback riding. Guided horseback riding in the Smoky Mountains national park starts mid-march all through late November.
There are 4 concession horseback riding stables that offer 45 minutes to several hours of horseback riding in different scenic trails in the park.
Although the weather is still a bit tricky, you’ll find that zipline companies are slowly starting to operate again in March. Legacy Mountain Ziplines, ZipGatlinburg, Anakeesta, and Smoky Mountain Ziplines are some of the best places for Ziplining in the Smokies.
Just like with ziplining, rafting outfitters are slowly opening their doors for groups who want to enjoy the waters of the Smoky Mountains. The cool weather makes up for an extreme rafting adventure in the Smokies in March.
March is a great time for fishing in the Smokies. Fly Fishing and trout fishing starts revving up this time of the year.
Spring is a great time to rent a UTV in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg or schedule a guided ATV Tour in the Smokies.
Get ready to celebrate St. Paddy's Day in style at the Island in Pigeon Forge! On March 17, the entire area will be illuminated with a beautiful green hue, and you'll have an incredible day of festivities that promise you endless entertainment throughout your visit.
A series of car shows in the Smoky Mountains typically starts in March. A variety of car shows are held at the LeConte Convention Center in Pigeon Forge.
In these car shows, you’ll have the chance to walk around and see awesome cars. Some of the shows you’ll want to catch in March:
- Spring Corvette Expo
- Chevelles in the Smokies
- Ponies in the Smokies.
Ride the iconic SkyLift up Crockett Mountain, walk across North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge with stunning panoramic views, explore scenic trails and more!
Events at SkyPark in March 2026 to catch:
- Music on the Mountain (Mar 2 – May 30)
- St. Patrick's at the SkyPark (Mar 13 - 17)
- SkyPark Highlining Event (Mar 13 - 14)
- Pancakes In The Park (Mar 14 & 21)
Festivals and Events in The Smokies In March
There are plenty of festivals and special events that happen all year round in the Smoky Mountains. March in particular has some interesting and unique celebrations to look forward to.
- Smoky Mtn Collectable Showcase (Mar 21, 2026): A free event celebrating all things collectible in the heart of the Smokies. Attendees can explore and purchase comics, cards, toys, and more.
- Dollywood Opening Day (Mar 13, 2026): Dollywood finally opens again after its seasonal closure.
- Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest (Mar 13, 2026)- offers attendees the opportunity to sample a diverse selection of wines from Tennessee wineries, complemented by gourmet food pairings from local chefs.
- Great Smoky Spring Arts & Crafts Show (Mar 10, 2026 – Mar 15, 2026)- this spring showcase celebrates Appalachian craftsmanship with a vibrant collection of handmade art, including pottery, woodwork, jewelry, textiles, and more.
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 Checklist for the Smokies!
Related Smoky Mountains Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
More Related Resources
You don’t have to shell out a fortune when visiting the Smokies. Enjoy great deals with these Groupon For Gatlinburg Activities and Groupon For Pigeon Forge Attractions.
Double the fun during St. Patrick’s day with these 100+ St. Patrick’s day activities, crafts & food ideas that you can do inside your home, cabin, or maybe a hotel during your vacation.
Don’t Miss Our Web Stories
Barbara
Wednesday 9th of March 2022
I had the pleasure of visiting the Smokies last May over Memorial Day weekend as one of my nephew's was getting married. I loved your post and we did tour around Pigeon Forge and thought about going to Dollywood but it was raining. My daughter and I were just happy to enjoy some quiet time visiting family and trying out some new food.
Anyway, happy to feature your post at this week's Share Your Style #338 for you. Have a blessed rest of your week!
Hugs, Barb :)
Amanda
Wednesday 9th of March 2022
Thanks so much Barb! How exciting to be featured!!