17 Best Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains | 2017 Winter Edition

Hey 2017! To get this brand-new year started off in the right direction, HeySmokies has compiled a list of the 17 Best Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains 2017 Winter Edition! There are some things that you can only enjoy in the Smokies during winter, so don’t let this wondrous season pass you by. On the list, you’ll find some of our tried and true favorites along with a few new places that we’re looking forward to exploring and hope you will too! Happy New Year! We’re so glad you’re here!

HeySmokies’ List of the 17 Best Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains | 2017 Winter Edition:

#1 Newfound Gap Car Snowmen and Icicle Viewing
There’s nothing quite like the sight of little snowmen atop vehicles around Gatlinburg, especially when there’s no snow on the ground in the downtown valley. From where do these little snowmen come? A short 14 mile drive on U.S. Highwy 441 (Newfound Gap Road) takes you to the highlands of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and during the winter season there’s usually a good chance of snow on the ground. And if there’s no snow, you’ll still be amazed at the beautiful icicles that hang off the rockfaces alongside the road. Newfound Gap Road can be temporarily closed 15-20 times each winter, so check current driving conditions by calling 865-436-1200 or check GSMNP’s Twitter.

#2 Cross Country Ski on Clingmans Dome Road
Although Clingmans Dome Road is closed to vehicles in winter it is not closed to people. On any given day, you’ll find folks out and about with their cross-country skis and snowshoes enjoying the snow-covered road. Or, you could just grab your snow boots and enjoy a walk in the highlands of the Great Smoky Mountains. For more info, visit The Clingmans Dome Experience in the Smokies.

#3 Downhill Skiing and Snow Tubing at Ober Gatlinburg and Cataloochee Ski Areas
Cataloochee Ski Area, with a summit elevation of 5,400 ft., is located in Maggie Valley, NC. Cataloochee offers 18 slopes with 740 ft. vertical drop. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area, with a summit elevation of 3,300 ft., is located in Gatlinburg, TN. Ober offers 9 slopes with 600 ft. vertical drop. Both ski areas offer snow tubing and snowboard free-style terrain parks. Ober Gatlinburg also has an indoor ice skating rink! For more info on lift packages, rentals and lessons, visit Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area 800-251-9202 or Cataloochee Ski Area 800-768-0285.

#4 Alum Cave Trail Hike
Take a hike on the new and improved Alum Cave Trail. Be one of the first to check out the great works of the Trails Forever crew and volunteers who’ve spent the last two years rehabbing one of the Smokies’ most popular trails to Mt. LeConte Lodge. Wide and graceful native stone and timber stairs have replaced the rutted gulleys on the trail. Even if ice prevents a hike to the Bluffs, you can still enjoy a walk in the old-growth forest at the trail’s beginning off Newfound Gap Road. The ancient forest here boasts a thick under-story of 10-foot high, evergreen rosebay rhododendron, dog-hobble along with a variety of mosses and ferns.

#5 Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
If you need to take the chill off and you’re feeling lucky, head to Cherokee, NC to the beautiful Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort for live Blackjack and Roulette and, of course, rows and rows of the latest slots. However, if gaming isn’t your thing Harrah’s offers a spa and some great restaurants you can check out while attending an upcoming concert: Air Supply on January 13, Jamey Johnson on January 28, YES on February 3, Purple Reign – Prince Tribute Show on February 18, Michael Bolton on February 24, and Rodney Carrington on March 25, 2017. For more info and tickets, visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort or call 828-497-7777. Events at Harrah’s are for guests at least 21 years old.

#6 FACE Amusement Group’s Arcades in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
The under 21 set will love an afternoon of bright lights, great music and games at one of FACE Amusement Group’s arcades in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. They offer a squeaky-clean environment, friendly staff, and great prizes! Visit Arcade City and 7-D Dark Ride Adventure at The Island in Pigeon Forge. Also in Pigeon Forge is Rockin’ Raceway and Big Top Arcade on the Parkway. In Gatlinburg, you’ll find 7-D Dark Ride Adventure in the Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler on the downtown Parkway. For more info, check out our Top Five Favorite Arcades in Gatinburg and Pigeon Forge!

#7 Cades Cove
Everyone knows Cades Cove is beautiful anytime of the year, but there is a special quietness to be found there during wintertime. Fill your thermos with some hot cocoa, pack a picnic, and take a drive around the 11-mile loop, or if you’re looking for some extra adventure, plan a camping trip. Cades Cove Campground is open year round and reservations can be made by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting www.recreation.gov. For more info, check out The Cades Cove Experience.

#8 The Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant in Gatlinburg
When it’s chilly outside who doesn’t love a little heated pot of cheese or chocolate with your favorite dipping munchies. And with Valentine’s Day coming up, what better place to cozy up for a romantic meal. The Melting Pot on the downtown Parkway in Gatlinburg is a great place for a unique and delicious dining experience. For more info, visit The Melting Pot Gatlinburg or call 865-430-4430 for hours and reservations.

#9 Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge
More weird and wacky fun has arrived in Pigeon Forge in the form of the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. Open 365 days a year from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. this new attraction offers a unique glimpse into American crime history. Originally located in Washington DC, the museum features OJ Simpson’s famous white Ford Bronco among hundreds of other artifacts. Surprisingly, Alcatraz East is super kid-friendly and offers some great programs for children of all ages. For more info, visit Alacatraz East Crime Museum or call 865-453-3278.

#10 Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Tuckasegee River Excursion
Climb aboard one of the enclosed and heated train cars of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, NC. During the winter season, they offer an 11:00 a.m. trip on Saturdays. The Tuckasegee River Excursion is a 32-mile round-trip train ride that takes about 4 hours as you travel to the town of Dillsboro. You’ll have a 1 1/2 hour layover in historic Dillsboro to enjoy dining and shopping. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful western North Carolina countryside, you get to pass by the movie set of Harrison Ford’s The Fugitive. Choose from First Class, Crown Class and Coach Class seating. For prices and reservations, visit Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

#11 Score some Big Deals at Tanger Outlets Sevierville
Polls report that shopping is a top activity of visitors to the Smoky Mountains, and budget-minded shoppers know that now is the time to score some awesome bargains. Extra-savvy shoppers may even get their next Christmas’ shopping done now! And why not with all the huge discounts and great brands to be found at Tanger Outlets? For more info on winter hours, visit Tanger Outlets Sevierville.

#12 The Donut Friar in The Village, Gatlinburg
Early birds flock to The Donut Friar at 5:00 a.m. to gather up some of the warmest, tastiest donuts in the Smokies. The Donut Friar in The Village has been a fixture in Gatlinburg for generations. Just smell your way there and enjoy some time in the cozy, old-world atmosphere of The Village with 27 unique shops. For more info, visit The Village Shops.

#13 WonderWorks Pigeon Forge
When the weather outside is frightful and little natives are restless, we’ve got just the thing for you! WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge is 35,000 sq. ft. of lively “edu-tainment” and will delight the senses of kids of all ages. With interactive, learning fun WonderWorks offers an indoor ropes challenge course, laser tag arena, live magic show and more! For info on the 100+ hands-on exhibits and tickets, visit WonderWorks Pigeon Forge.

#14 Titanic Museum Pigeon Forge
Built to half-scale of the original luxury liner RMS Titanic, the museum’s collection contains over 400 personal artifacts from passengers and crew and is valued at more than $4.5 million. A unique self-guided tour tells the stories of people who were part of Titanic’s fate. Visitors can walk an exact replica of the $1 million Grand Staircase, put their hands in icy waters of 28 degrees, and learn the history of world as it was in 1912. Prepare to spend a few hours here if you want to take it all in and read everything. For more information and ticket prices, visit Titanic Museum Pigeon Forge.

#15 Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend
Learn all about east Tennessee’s Native American and Euro-American history at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, TN. With both indoor and outdoor exhibits on the center’s six-acre property, this is a great place to take a historic journey back in time from the early 1800’s to the establishment of the national park in 1934. For more info and tickets, visit Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center or call 865-448-0044.

#16 Horseback Riding in the Smokies
For those of you who just don’t like the heat of summer, perhaps a horseback ride in the brisk, winter air will suit you. With no flies out this time of year, it’s a great opportunity for a bug-free ride! Waldens Creek Stables in Pigeon Forge will be open beginning February 14, 2017. Davy Crockett Riding Stables in Townsend is open by appointment during the winter season. Five Oaks Riding Stables in Sevierville is open on weekends during winter.

#17  Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Fishing is permitted year-round and in all streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, however, you must have a valid North Carolina or Tennessee fishing license. Fishing licenses can be obtained at area fly shops and even at Walmart. The streams within the national park boundary protects one of the last wild trout populations in the eastern U.S. For more info, check out our Reel Fly Fishing Experience.

Winterfest 2016 in the Great Smoky Mountains! Celebrate the Season November 7 to February 28!

Winterfest 2016 in the Great Smoky Mountains! Come celebrate the season at Smoky Mountain Winterfest beginning November 7, 2016 all the way through to February 28, 2017! Smoky Mountain Winterfest features over 14 million twinkling lights in enchanting displays throughout Sevier County, Tennessee! Check out all the great Special Events that make Winterfest 2016 in the Smoky Mountains a true celebration of lights!

November 4, 2016 – January 8, 2017
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium
Dusk to 10:00 pm or later on weekends
The ever popular Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland is an exciting and fun drive-thru musical light show featuring hundreds of LED lights. New this year is the Santa Safari display! Don’t forget to get out of your car and enjoy the activities (like pony rides!) and refreshments at Santa’s Village where the big guy in red will be making special guest appearances! For more information and ticket prices visit shadrackchristmas.com.

November 5, 2016 – January 3, 2017
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
No one gets quite as excited about Christmas as Dolly Parton and to celebrate this year she’s added a Parade of Many Colors to the holiday traditions at her theme park! Beginning on November 16 at 8:00 p.m. guests will enjoy a parade to celebrate her new NBC holiday movie, “Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.” Also new this season, is the production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” showing at the Showstreet Theater. For more information and ticket prices, visit dollywood.com.

November 8, 2016 – February 28, 2017
Winterfest Lights Self-Guided Driving Tour
6:00 pm nightly
Pick up a tour guide there and see the city’s millions of twinkling lights from the comfort of your own car. Tour guides available at the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center at traffic light #0. For more info, call the City of Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism at 800-588-1817.

November 9 – January 31, 2016
Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights and Winterfest Lights Self-Guided Driving Tour
6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:30 pm
Specially designated trolleys tour guests through downtown Gatlinburg’s one-of-a-kind LED light displays. It’s a magical journey through a winter forest of evergreens with foxes, rabbits, squirrels, and even dancing snowmen! Tickets are $5 (children 3 and under are free). Self-guided tour maps are also available at Gatlinburg Welcome Centers. For more information, call Gatlinburg Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800-588-1817.

November 27 – December 17, 2016
Winter Magic Tunes & Tales in Downtown Gatlinburg
Begins at 5:00 pm nightly on weekends
In downtown Gatlinburg on weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas enjoy the sights and sounds of costumed a capella carolers and other musical performers as they stroll along The Parkway entertaining visitors and getting everyone into the holiday spirit. For more information on Gatlinburg’s Tunes & Tales street performance festival, visit them on Facebook!

Friday, December 2, 2016
41st Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in Downtown Gatlinburg
7:30 pm
This award-winning parade featuring floats full of twinkling lights, marching bands, and balloons attracts hundreds that line the streets of The Parkway each year to enjoy all the holiday fun. Grand marshal of the parade is, of course, ol’ St. Nick himself! Bring your lawn chair or this year the City of Gatlinburg is offering special bleacher seating for $20. For more info and to purchase tickets online, visit Gatlinburg Christmas Parade Bleacher Seating or call the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800-588-1817.

Saturday, December 3, 2016
54th Annual Christmas Parade in Sevierville
11:00 am
On this Saturday morning the City of Sevierville celebrates with a more traditional, hometown parade featuring local pageant winners, baton twirlers, dance teams, marching bands, and floats. Santa didn’t stay up too late in Gatlinburg the night before, so he’ll be ready to greet everyone along Forks of the River Parkway and Court Avenue in downtown Sevierville. For more info, please call 865-453-6411.

Saturday, December 31, 2016
New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Island in Pigeon Forge
6:00 pm
The Island in Pigeon Forge welcomes Jackie Lee to the stage as part of the celebration for the whole family! Have all kinds of fun until the big countdown at midnight complete with fireworks! For more info on the free event, visit islandinpigeonforge.com.

Saturday, December 31, 2016
New Year’s Eve Concert Ball Drop in Gatlinburg
10:00 pm
All the fun begins this year at 10:00 p.m. with a free concert by popular country music star Beau Braswell and rising country star Cassidy Diana. The concert takes place in the area adjacent to the Gatlinburg Convention Center near traffic light #8. Then seconds before the stroke of midnight, the lighted ball will drop from roof of the 400-ft. tall Space Needle to specially choreographed music. The Space Needle is located near the intersection of The Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at traffic light #8. For more information, call the Gatlinburg CVB at 800-588-1817.

Take a Ride on America’s $100 Million Highway! The Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway in TN/NC

The Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway is the Hope Diamond of the east Tennessee/western North Carolina area for bikers, hikers and automobile tourists alike. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s known as America’s $100 Million Highway.  If, like me, you ride a motorcycle, it’s a 43-mile slice of heaven-on-earth, especially in the fall!

Since I live in Knoxville, my husband and I hop on the Skyway not far from Tellico Plains, Tennessee and ride it all the way to its termination near Robbinsville, North Carolina. The Tellico River winds along beside us at the beginning of the trek as the cool mountain breeze cuts through my hair. More than once I’ve had the “good-to-be-alive” feeling as the tree canopy overhead sent an occasional lazy leaf to the ground ahead of our bike. Motorcycle organizations routinely recognize the Cherohala Skyway as one of the “Best Bike Routes” in the United States, but you will enjoy it immensely regardless of your mode of transportation.

Taking over 38 years to construct with a cost of over one hundred million dollars, the Cherohala Skyway provides a truly unique, paved path for nature lovers from all over the world. As a result, the visitor gets the distinct feeling that they’ve entered an alternate universe, infinitely peaceful and completely disconnected from the strife of the rest of the world. At least that’s the feeling I get as I inhale that glorious mountain air. It’s easy to forget the morning’s international news headlines, or the work project that you just can’t get your head around. It’s also easy to imagine that there was once a simpler world, one in which people took their living from the land, and enjoyed a full day in the open expanse of nature.

The Cherohala Skyway, which gets its name from the two national forests it winds through, the Cherokee National Forest and the Nantahala National Forest, gradually climbs to an elevation of 5,400 feet above sea level. Along the way to this summit near the Tennessee/North Carolina line, the visitor is treated to sweeping mountain vistas. Numerous overlooks provide photo opportunities par excellence. INSIDER TIP: We go there often during peak tourist season in the Smokies, when the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg to Cades Cove and from Gatlinburg to Clingman’s Dome and points beyond is so glutted with traffic that the going is very slow. There is never a crowd on the Skyway, and the views are just as majestic.  The peace and quiet of the Skyway is exceptionally calming and the fall color at certain elevations in October can be vividly stunning! Also, for dining we often enjoy a Beach Burger from the Tellico Plains Drive-In or anything from the Tellico Grains Bakery!

Hikers can enjoy a wonderful dual experience on the Cherohala Skyway. In addition to drinking in the magnificent views from the roadway, they can access trails directly from the numerous overlooks. In the lower elevations of the Skyway, you’ll find a beautiful opportunity for a family-oriented hike and/or picnic at Indian Boundary. From Tellico Plains, turn off the Skyway at Forestry Road 345. Follow the signs into the Indian Boundary Recreation Area and walk the 3.2 mile trail around the lake. It’s easy and fun!

Another enduring favorite in the lower elevations is the Bald River Trail. Simply take a right on River Road (Forestry Road 210) off the Skyway (if approaching from Tellico Plains).  Several miles in you’ll see the magnificent waterfall at the trailhead. Bald River Falls are roaring nearly year-round (except in the heart of winter, when they will offer a stunning ice display). A bit more than eight miles round-trip, this trail follows the Bald River, is quite scenic, but not for beginners. I’ve done the first bit of this trail with a light snow falling, the trees around me laced with snow. It was magical.

If you’d like another waterfall experience, but with a shorter trail, approximately eighteen miles from the Skyway’s inception near Tellico Plains, look for the Rattlesnake Rock West pull-off. Here you’ll find the Falls Branch Trail (#87). This 2.6 -mile round-trip adventure includes a 70-foot waterfall and beautiful forest environs. Though it’s not an overly long walk, it does get somewhat steep near the falls. The trail moves along what was once a roadbed, but does have limited signage.

Among the many other hiking opportunities accessible from the Cherohala Skyway you’ll find a section of the very famous Benton MacKaye Trail. Take the Mud Gap trailhead from the Cherohala Skyway (near mile post 3 in North Carolina) to Whigg Meadow, a 1.7 mile walk (one way). You’ll be able to say you took a portion of the famous Benton MacKaye trek, which is a nearly 300-mile trail through three states and over a long section of tough Appalachian mountain terrain. The views from Whigg Meadow of the surrounding mountains are truly spectacular.

Weather on the Cherohala Skyway can turn nippy year-round, especially in the higher elevations. Layers are recommended for bikers and hikers. We’ve started out in short sleeves in Tellico Plains and ended up in jackets and gloves at the top many times! For even the shortest and easiest of hikes, take plenty of water and snacks. Don’t forget your camera!

For more information, visit the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center or call 423-253-8010. The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center is located in Tellico Plains, Tennessee and is open Monday – Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Laurie Crater Battles Writer BloggerLaurie Crater Battles – journalist, writer, hiker, biker, mom, wife, animal and coffee lover who makes her home in west Knoxville.