How to Handle the Rain, Snow, and Crowds in Gatlinburg: A Beginner's Guide
Some of us love to fly blind, but many like to plan out their Gatlinburg trip rather meticulously. I would say we fall somewhere in middle. There’s really nothing wrong with either option because we are all wired differently. I imagine this post might be of great use to a couple or family that likes to have a pretty solid plan for vacation, but is thinking about secondary options if such scenarios exist. I’m going to lay out a few situations in Gatlinburg that are likely to happen, and what you can do to handle these like a pro.
1. Rain
The mountain weather really is a different animal than what you may be used to wherever you’re from. Sure it stinks when you want to enjoy the sights without rain spoiling it, but there are good options for handling it. First, you can easily find ponchos in plenty of shops on the Parkway (they prepare well for these moments). Most people don’t pack them, but the cheapo ones for a few dollars can still keep you dry. Rainy days are also perfect to check out some of the indoor attractions in Gatlinburg. The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an excellent option, especially if you have kids in tow, and there’s also an indoor putt-putt option, Circus Golf. There’s a small handful of arcades in town, but Arcadia has the most room for refuge from the rain. Dozens of games and tons of prizes waiting for you when you strike it big on tickets. For adults, you have plenty of good wineries and moonshine distilleries, if you want to sample some proofed-up beverages.
2. Snow
Snow is another situation in Gatlinburg that is a mixed bag for tourists. It sure is a beautiful sight to behold, but it can be a challenge if you have a cabin in the mountains booked. Be sure to check with the owner or company close to your dates to determine if it’s safe for you to continue on with your trip. If all you get is light snow, but still don’t want to venture out, a family game night is a great togetherness option. Most cabins are well stocked with fantastic entertainment for everyone. The Ober Gatlinburg ski resort is unlike anything you can find in Tennessee, and they’ve been at it for decades. You can skate indoors and ski outdoors on slopes that range in skill from beginner to expert.
3. Big Crowds
Unless you missed a big event in Gatlinburg, you may be a little surprised, and hopefully not too irritated, if the crowds are bigger than you expected. Sometimes you have large groups that visit, and you can usually tell when you see multiple sets of people wearing similar attire on a walk down the Parkway. If all the traffic and people are too much for you to handle, veer off the main path and walk down River Road. There are places where you can just venture down a set of steps and listen to the white noise of the flowing Little Pigeon River. For more of nature, the Gatlinburg Trail is at the end of town and will take you all the way to Sugarlands Visitor Center. It’s not the quietest path in the Smokies, but it’s vastly more peaceful than the Gatlinburg strip. It is a very pretty and criminally underrated stroll.
There you have it! Three situations in Gatlinburg that will no doubt help you have the best possible vacation. I by no means have listed every option, but you should be able to get a few ideas just by getting acclimated to your surroundings on day one. I hope you have fun on your Gatlinburg vacation, Thanks for reading, and I hope you consider subscribing to my publication for more helpful tips, news, and information about our favorite vacation destination!