Treat yourself to a relaxing and heart-warming Gatlinburg vacation this February. If you do, you can experience the area before the falls break free from their icy constraints and visitors from around the world begin to converge on the Smoky Mountain National Park for the busy season.
Whether you want to experience winter in the mountains or simply enjoy a romantic V-day getaway, Gatlinburg is a great destination. Not sold yet? Read on for an inside look at some of the best local activities you can try and attractions you can visit in February.
February is a great time to visit Gatlinburg, TN, since there are fewer tourists, winter sports and activities are in full swing, and there tend to be a lot of fun events and good deals for Valentine’s Day. Aside from that, who wouldn’t want to bask in the unmatched beauty of the snow-covered Smokies, warming themselves up beside a fireplace in a quaint mountainside cabin after a fun-filled day on the town?
While Gatlinburg has a lot to offer tourists year-round, there tend to be significantly fewer visitors between January and May. With February falling firmly between those dates, you can expect to experience many of the same attractions and natural beauty — just without the crowds.
Gatlinburg is home to the only ski resort in Tennessee. But access isn’t what really makes it special. Fun for the whole family, Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg offers skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing, and a discovery snow play zone.
The most notable event in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville areas is Winterfest. This annual event ends on Feb. 18, 2024. Until then, guests can visit decadent light displays, enjoy holiday performances, experience Appalachia via train, and even get to know local wildlife one-on-one. Area restaurants, museums, and businesses also host special events and activities on Valentine’s Day so you can make memories with the special person in your life.
From quiet streets and bespoke museums to invigorating events and winter sports, Gatlinburg has a lot to offer Here’s a short list of some fun local things to do in February.
February is typically the coldest month in Gatlinburg. Still, with average temperatures ranging from 29 – 53ºF, you can still have a great time on the trails. Just remember to don some quality winter hiking gear — the exertion will do the rest to keep you warm.
Beyond that, flatter paths with lower elevations tend to be less slippery and more accessible year-round. Here are a few Gatlinburg hiking trails that offer great views and a relatively comfortable walk in February.
Tip: Most trails don’t get too icy in February, but you can usually see beautiful frozen falls if you know where to look.
A highlight of any February visit to Gatlinburg is undoubtedly Ober Gatlinburg, a popular mountaintop ski resort. Since February is one of Gatlinburg’s snowiest months, you can experience a true winter wonderland with minimal artificial snow (weather permitting). Better yet, Ober Mountain has fun activities for everyone regardless of age, interests, and abilities. Here’s a rundown of some things you can do:
Explore local museums to stimulate your mind and keep yourself sharp during vacation; there’s no shortage of captivating exhibits, historical artifacts, and interesting stories in Gatlinburg. Whether you’re interested in the region’s history or cultural heritage, these museums offer a wealth of knowledge that can enhance your visit.
History doesn’t just happen inside. On warmer days, consider seeking out some of Gatlinburg’s famous landmarks. From unencumbered views of grandiose mountain vistas to Insta-worthy photo op locations, here are a couple of places you should add to your February vacation itinerary:
Indulging in local wine, whiskey, and moonshine is a great way to immerse yourself in part of the region’s heritage. These drinks are deeply rooted in Gatlinburg’s history and traditions, and local taphouses have spent generations perfecting their recipes. Here are a few locally-owned spots with the best flavors:
Enjoy dinner in Gatlinburg to fuel up for your adventures and to delight your inner foodie. Several beautiful, unique, and romantic restaurants in the area are great during the wintery calm of February. Here are a few places we recommend dining (but there’s no shortage of worthwhile spots):
Finding the right cabin is non-negotiable for a good winter vacation in the mountains. Whether you want something simple but cozy or extravagant, you deserve somewhere comfortable, enjoyable, and warm to return after a long day of attending events, hiking, and exploring Gatlinburg.
Here are just a few options that Gatlinburg vacationers tend to snap up in a hurry, especially in February.
There are so many fun things to do in Gatlinburg in February. And after a long day of tirelessly exploring the area, there’s nothing better than heading back to a cozy cabin and sinking into a comfortable bed. If you need somewhere to lay your head when the day is done, or you want to spend time having fun at a cabin, look no further than Elk Springs Resort.
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