9 Reasons to Visit the Smoky Mountains This Holiday Season

It can be challenging to decide where to go when planning a trip for the holiday season in the US. Wherever you choose to travel mainly depends on your time, financial situation, and convenience.

While there are many gorgeous and heavenly-sighted places in the United States, we’d like to make a case for the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Great Smoky Mountains are infamous for their splendid beauty and grandness on the eastern side of Tennessee. This location receives more visitors than any other, and outdoor enthusiasts continue to flock there year-round.

However, if you’re planning a trip with your family, you might have a few reservations regarding the activities, people, tourist destinations, and overall experience.

The Great Smoky offers many historic buildings to explore, sweeping views, and picnic spots, making it one of the most family-friendly locations in the United States.

So, it is fair to say that you don’t need a reason to visit the Great Smoky Mountains – you just do it.

If you’re still facing trouble making up your mind, here’s why you should cancel all other destinations and stick to the Smoky Mountains this holiday season:

Why Visit The Great Smoky Mountains in Winter?

Here are 9 reasons to visit the Great Smoky Mountains in winter:

1. Plenty of outdoor activities

You can try various daring activities while visiting the Great Smoky Mountains.

If you wish to go hiking, there are countless trails. You can even ride a bike or a horse on some of the pathways.

Do you love water? You can go swimming in the natural water holes, hike to waterfalls, or ask your travel guide to share any available white water rafting slots with you. This activity is surely going to leave you in awe with unforgettable memories.

So, search for “white water rafting smoky mountains” whenever you visit this place – you’ll be in for a treat. 

Moreover, suppose you wish to stay a few nights. In that case, you can choose from several fantastic campgrounds for the best outdoor experience possible.

2. Many amazing historical places 

One of its enticing features is that the Great Smoky Mountains have more than 90 historically significant buildings that have been saved/restored.

Buildings dating back hundreds of years, including churches, barns, homes, grist mills, and schools, can be found here.

Cades Cove, where you may see many abandoned lodges and churches, is one of the most significant locations in the area to see these buildings.

You can also observe countless historic structures along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Cataloochee, Oconaluftee, and other locations.

3. Proximity to many significant cities 

Another prominent factor contributing to the popularity of the Great Smoky Mountains is its proximity to numerous significant cities, including Asheville, Nashville, Knoxville, Charlotte, and Atlanta.

People from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Jacksonville may easily visit the Smoky Mountains when you factor in the towns and cities short distances away for a road trip. 

Despite having lower yearly visitor counts due to their remote settings, parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Park are nonetheless jaw-dropping.

4. You can Road Trip

If you don’t feel like hiking through the Smoky Mountains, drive across them instead. We adore having the choice of going on a hike or taking a picturesque drive.

In the Smokies, several scenic highways let people take in the scenery while driving. 

The Cades Cove Loop Road offers vistas of animals and historic architecture and is the most well-known scenic route. The Newfound Gap, Foothills, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail are additional notable picturesque routes.

5. There’s Fun for everyone

There’s something for every travel enthusiast in the Smoky Mountains, which is why we believe they are so well-liked.

While individuals seeking adventure can engage in enjoyable pursuits like horseback riding, those seeking relaxation can take a picturesque drive or a short hike. 

History buffs will enjoy exploring the park’s historic structures and learning more from park rangers. At the same time, nature lovers will adore the breathtaking mountain views surrounding them everywhere they look.

It’s where people of all ages may congregate and enjoy themselves.

6. There’s an abundance of wildlife 

Are you fond of animals? There’s a high possibility that you will spot some wildlife when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is home to many creatures.

Black bears are the most favored wildlife in the Smokies. Raccoons, white-tailed deer, birds, and many more species are among the others that you might observe. 

Please stay 50 yards away from bears and other animals because we want you and the animals to be safe. Maintain a safe distance and throw your rubbish in a specified area.

7. The value far outweighs the expense

The fact that it is inexpensive and the trip’s value much outweighs the cost of travel is another excellent incentive to visit the Smokies. There’s no need for pricey plane travel because the region is accessible by car. You can pack up and go there with ease. 

Gas rates are cheaper than in most of the country. Housing, utilities, activities, and food are reasonably priced, allowing you to go farther and stay in one place longer than you might at a more expensive location.

8. Families can have an excellent time

The Smoky Mountains are the ideal destination if you want to spend quality time with your family this holiday season. It’s worth appreciating how much the park has to offer families. 

The Smoky Mountains will be a blast for everyone, whether you have small kids or older ones. You may go on a hike, play in the rivers, watch nature with a friend, go fishing, ride a horse, and so much more.

You can even go camping to enjoy quality time with your family while basking in the Smoky Mountain mist. Together, you’ll experience priceless moments that you’ll never forget.

9. The Waterfalls Are Beautiful 

What else do we adore about the Smoky Mountains? It’s the beautiful waterfalls everywhere. Watching the water pour down the falls is an incredibly jaw-dropping experience.

Throughout the area, there are many waterfalls to which you can hike. Some of the unique waterfalls in the park include the 100-foot-tall Ramsey Cascades and the 20-foot-tall Abrams Falls, which both makeup for their absence of height with the sheer amount of water they produce.

Another stunning waterfall is Rainbow Falls. A rainbow is created from the spray of the falls, while a spectacular ice structure forms near the falls on chilly winter days.

So, Why Visit the Great Smoky Mountains?

That concludes our list of reasons you need to visit the Great Smoky Mountains this holiday season.

This place offers endless opportunities to create lasting experiences, whether you choose to climb a breathtaking waterfall or enjoy a picturesque drive through Cades Cove.

So, what are you waiting for then? Create a travel itinerary, pack your bags, and get going!