(0)Spring is a truly wonderful time in Gatlinburg! As spring arrives, it ushers out the frigid ice, powdery snow, and cold winds of winter. The landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains begins to transform, changing from pearl white to bright green. Vivid wildflowers in all colors of the rainbow bloom and dot the ground. The flowering shrubs and trees showcase their blossoming branches, and the wildlife begins to stir. The frozen waters begin to warm and flow into rushing waterfalls and soothing streams once more.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the country, proving itself by drawing millions of visitors each year and laying claim as the most visited national park in the country. As one of its many peaks, springtime is the best time to see, hear, and feel life spring forth throughout the Smokies!
Spring into the Great Outdoors
In Gatlinburg and throughout the national park, visitors can enjoy this immense beauty by a number of outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are perfect ways to discover the more than 800 miles of trails in the park. Fishermen can cast lines in the dozens of streams in and around the park, and golfers can take advantage of pristine, scenic, and challenging courses. A peaceful drive around the 11-mile Cades Cove loop will offer opportunities for viewing bears, deer, turkeys, foxes, and more. Guests can stop along the drive to explore historic buildings in the area or take a closer look at the wildflowers and foliage. Scenic drives along Newfound Gap Road, Clingmans Dome Road, Little River Road, and Loop Road will take guests by waterfalls, spectacular overlooks, and lush greenery. Spring days can be filled with picnics by the water, peaceful walks, and strolls along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg.
Spring Break in the Smokies
While the beach used to be the go-to for spring break trips, with spring break being pushed earlier each year, Gatlinburg is becoming increasingly popular for families. Instead of traveling farther south to enjoy the warm beach weather, families are turning to scenic Gatlinburg — centrally located for many across the country. Boasting mild spring weather, fun outdoor activities, beautiful surroundings, a large variety of restaurants, dozens of local shops and national chains, and many family-friendly attractions, it really has everything for a fantastic family vacation!
Love Is in Full Bloom!
Springtime in Gatlinburg is not just for families. With the backdrop of the rolling hills, colorful wildflowers, blue skies, mountain streams, and blooming trees, many visitors choose Gatlinburg as a wedding and honeymoon destination. Charming Gatlinburg wedding chapels offer a variety of services, including photography, gorgeous cakes, catered receptions, wedding coordinators, and more! Area attractions and activities are perfect for a honeymoon or anniversary weekend — guests enjoy winery tours and tastings, , and hilarious dinner shows. At night, guests can have peaceful, romantic times in our .
Springtime Events
Springtime in Gatlinburg is also a great time to visit because of the community calendar, packed with lots of great events fit for children and adults. Springtime events in Gatlinburg include:
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
Featuring guided hikes, tours, and seminars, the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage has something for kids and adults of all ages. Learn about the flora and fauna in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while enjoying the scenery in springtime!
Gatlinburg Farmers Market
Stop by the Gatlinburg Farmers Market during spring to pick up fresh local produce, homemade treats, and delicious jams and jellies. Visit 849 Glades Road each Saturday from May to October from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
FREE Parkway Trolley Rides
Discover downtown Gatlinburg with a FREE ride on the Gatlinburg trolleys from June to August. The open-air shuttles offer a breezy way to see the sights along the Parkway!
Springfest
Beginning in early March, Gatlinburg welcomes springtime with a 3-month celebration of flowers, wildlife, and wonderful spring weather. Enjoy events, festivals, parades, and performances all spring!
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
Open to children and adults, the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is challenging and fun. As the largest trout tournament in Tennessee, it’s held near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where many streams are stocked with thousands of trout!
Earth Week & Earth Day Festival
Focusing on green practices and the preservation of our land and natural resources, Earth Week and the Earth Day Festival in Gatlinburg feature games, face painting, crafts, classes, yummy food, and more!
Top-Notch Spring Views Just for YOU
While in Gatlinburg during springtime, a great place to stay should come top on your list of vacation must-haves. After a busy day of fishing, hiking, visiting local attractions, and shopping, head back to a comfortable cabin tucked away in the mountains. Whether you want to be close to downtown or high atop the hills of the Great Smoky Mountains, we have great cabin options for YOU! With more than 200 cabins ranging from cozy 1 bedrooms to spacious large-group cabins, you’ll easily find a variety of amenities and perks.
On nice spring days, enjoy breathtaking views filled with colorful blossoms from a mountaintop cabin or sit by the river or a stream at our cabins with water access. When the weather warms up, take a dip in your private indoor pool or splash at the resort pool outdoors. As evening approaches and cool breezes brush by, slip into your swimsuit for a relaxing soak in the muscle-soothing hot tub. Afterwards, jump into your jammies and pile in the home theater for a feature film with surround sound and barrels of popcorn. Should the excitement grow, gather in the rec room for a game tournament! Once the energy dies down, venture to the master suite for a spa bath in the jetted tub before drifting to dreamland on the king-size bed. As the sun peeks over the Smokies, wake up to stunning morning views with a hot breakfast and a cup of joe from the fully equipped kitchen. We even have several cabins within walking distance of downtown Gatlinburg — perfect for walking to area attractions and restaurants on a sunny spring day.
With the awakening of Mother Nature, exciting seasonal events, and cabin options for every occasion, springtime is a great time to make lasting memories with friends and family in Gatlinburg, Tennessee!