What to Expect
Due to its high elevation and temperate Tennessee weather, Gatlinburg is a great place to visit no matter what time of year. The Smoky Mountains boast pleasant temperatures year round; with typically mild and short winters ranging with lows in the 20s and highs around 50. Summer can tend to be humid with highs in the mid 80s, but the cooler air of the elevation close to Mount LeConte makes it ideal.
At 6,593 feet, Mount LeConte is the third highest peak of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and because Elk Spring Resort is uniquely positioned near the base, views of the mountains are plentiful throughout the year. If you want to see the bright, full trees, and guarantee the best weather, be sure to come between April and September. If your family wants to see the splendor of fall in the Appalachia, October and November are key months to enjoy with us. And to treat the snowbird in your life, join us from December to February to catch the slopes.
The temperature is cool with snow-topped peaks at higher elevations with an average snowfall of around 12 inches. Winterfest is a fantastic way to enjoy the sights of Gatlinburg with lights on display all through town, riding down the Tubing Hill at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, or seeing Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas.
What to pack
While March can be tricky, it also brings the first warmth of the season with average temperatures between 45 and 70 degrees. The trees begin to wake up and the flowers bloom, and you can hike through the Smoky Mountains to see the natural beauty of the area. Click here for some of our favorite trail options and see spectacular waterfalls. Caught on a snowy or rainy afternoon? Take the family to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
What to pack
Summertime in the Smokies means humid, sunny days with temperatures in the 80s, and occasional quick thunderstorms. There are plenty of ways to beat the heat, and local swimming holes such as Midnight Hole, a popular and beautiful space approximately 70 feet wide and 10 feet deep, are abound. If your family is looking to spend a day in the water, also consider Splash Mountain, the water park at Dollywood. The trees are full and green this time of year, and you can explore why these mountains are called “smoky.”
What to pack
It goes without saying that seeing the changing of the leaves is one of the most beautiful sights to behold. Autumn in Gatlinburg holds temperatures ranging in the mid 40s to high 60s. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer many scenic drive options, and the evenings are just right to sit around one of our open fire pits and relax with your loved ones.
