Super Simple January Activities in Gatlinburg

What’s great about Gatlinburg and the beautiful Smokies are the amount of awesome things you can do, and January is no exception. Not only will it generally be less busy, you’ll also be fortunate to experience things that’ll keep the family entertained and filled with wonder even if the conditions aren’t so ideal. Let me show you some simple things that’ll keep you happy in spite of the expected sweater weather this month.

1. Wander into Winterfest

Through the middle of February, (yes, February!) you can keep the holiday spirit alive with a visit to Gatlinburg. The Christmas lights, snowpeople, and dazzling displays aren’t taken down after the New Year holiday. The town is aglow in all its winter glory, so feel free to walk down the Parkway or drive around the area to get a glorious glimpse of the lights.

2. Go on a Winter Hike

Having some amazing hiking trails is a huge benefit when visiting Gatlinburg in January. This is the best chance to see frozen waterfalls and beautiful snow-capped mountains. If you’re traveling on Newfound Gap Road into the Smoky Mountains, always be aware of conditions on the road and trails. The Park Service can shut them down in a flash. Check the local forecast in the morning before heading out to better plan your day of adventure.

3. Explore More Freely

I think you know what I mean by this statement. Exploring Gatlinburg in the middle of January is way different than most other times of the year. Most people don’t book vacations in the cold winter months, so that means the crowds have thinned out considerably. Also, it’s also much easier on your bank account, because accommodations are drastically cheaper than peak visitation seasons—typically the warmer months and during school breaks. We visited on a Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend a few years ago, and it was still a shock to us how easy it was to get around.

4. Take a Drive Through Cades Cove

I know this at least a 35-45 minute drive from Gatlinburg, but if you’re staying in town, this would be a magnificent idea. This is on our to-do list for when we return in the winter, so I can only imagine how beautiful this 11-mile loop with all the natural wonders and historic structures are when they’re adorned in white clusters of snow. Once again, January would be an ideal time to visit this Smoky Mountain utopia due to the decreased traffic.

If you have plans to visit at the start of a much-anticipated new year, these would be some great options for you. The best part is they can be done without dipping far into the wallet, purse, or other money bag. Have a nice trip and thanks for checking out my latest post that hopefully gained you some knowledge! Feel free to subscribe for more tips, opinions, and news from Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains!