The Great Smoky Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular tourist destination in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year. Located in Tennessee and North Carolina, the Smoky Mountains offer breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and a wide range of outdoor activities. The region is particularly famous for its fall foliage, but many visitors wonder if December is a good time to visit the Smoky Mountains. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of visiting the Smoky Mountains in December and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip.
Weather in December
The Smoky Mountains experience a humid subtropical climate, with cold winters and mild summers. December is one of the coldest months in the region, with average temperatures ranging from 34°F (1°C) to 51°F (11°C). The region can expect around 3-4 inches (76-102 mm) of snowfall in December, making it a great time for winter sports and activities.
However, the cold weather can also make it challenging to explore the outdoors, and some attractions and trails may be closed due to snow and ice. It’s essential to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.
Winter Activities in December
Despite the cold weather, December is a great time to enjoy winter activities in the Smoky Mountains. Some popular activities include:
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Snow Tubing Park offer skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing facilities.
- Ice Skating: The Ice Rink at Ober Gatlinburg is a popular spot for ice skating.
- Winter Hiking: The Smoky Mountains offer several winter hiking trails, including the Alum Cave Trail and the Chimney Tops Trail.
- Snowshoeing: Rent snowshoes and explore the winter wonderland on foot.
- Winter Festivals: The Smoky Mountains host several winter festivals, including the Winterfest in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountain Winterfest in Pigeon Forge.
Holiday Events and Activities
The Smoky Mountains are a popular destination during the holiday season, with numerous events and activities to enjoy. Some popular holiday events include:
Christmas in the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains offer a range of Christmas-themed events and activities, including: (See Also: What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Vancouver – Discover Now)
- Light Displays: Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer stunning light displays, including the Gatlinburg Winterfest and the Pigeon Forge Winterfest.
- Christmas Parades: The Smoky Mountains host several Christmas parades, including the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade and the Pigeon Forge Christmas Parade.
- Christmas Shopping: The Smoky Mountains offer a range of Christmas-themed shopping options, including the Gatlinburg Strip and the Pigeon Forge Parkway.
- Christmas Shows: The Smoky Mountains host several Christmas-themed shows, including the Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas and the Pirates Voyage Christmas Show.
Accommodations and Dining
The Smoky Mountains offer a wide range of accommodations and dining options, from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts and fine dining restaurants. Some popular options include:
Accommodations
The Smoky Mountains offer a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences, including:
- Hotels: The Smoky Mountains offer a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options like the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg and the Comfort Inn Pigeon Forge to luxury resorts like the The Lodge at Buckberry Creek and the Blackberry Farm.
- Resorts: The Smoky Mountains offer several resorts, including the Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and the LeConte Lodge.
- Cabins: The Smoky Mountains offer a range of cabins, from budget-friendly options like the Gatlinburg Cabins and the Pigeon Forge Cabins to luxury options like the Smoky Mountain Cabins and the Sevierville Cabins.
- Camping: The Smoky Mountains offer several campgrounds, including the Cades Cove Campground and the Smokemont Campground.
Dining Options
The Smoky Mountains offer a wide range of dining options, from fine dining restaurants to casual eateries and family-friendly restaurants. Some popular options include:
- Smoky Mountain Trout House: A fine dining restaurant serving trout and other seafood dishes.
- The Alamo Steakhouse & Saloon: A steakhouse serving high-quality steaks and other American classics.
- The Cherokee Grill: A casual restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
- The Donut Friar: A popular bakery serving donuts, pastries, and other sweet treats.
Things to Do
The Smoky Mountains offer a wide range of activities and attractions, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and family-friendly fun. Some popular options include:
Outdoor Activities
The Smoky Mountains offer a range of outdoor activities, including:
- Hiking: The Smoky Mountains offer over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail.
- Camping: The Smoky Mountains offer several campgrounds, including the Cades Cove Campground and the Smokemont Campground.
- Fishing: The Smoky Mountains offer several fishing spots, including the Little River and the Tennessee River.
- Whitewater Rafting: The Smoky Mountains offer several whitewater rafting options, including the Nantahala River and the Pigeon River.
Cultural Experiences
The Smoky Mountains offer a range of cultural experiences, including: (See Also: Best Time To Visit Coron Island – Island Paradise)
- Museums: The Smoky Mountains offer several museums, including the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
- Theater: The Smoky Mountains offer several theaters, including the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre and the Smoky Mountain Opry.
- Music: The Smoky Mountains offer several music venues, including the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales.
Conclusion
In conclusion, December is a great time to visit the Smoky Mountains, with a range of winter activities, holiday events, and cultural experiences to enjoy. While the cold weather can make it challenging to explore the outdoors, the region offers a range of accommodations and dining options to suit all budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing winter getaway or an action-packed adventure, the Smoky Mountains have something for everyone.
Recap
Here’s a recap of the key points discussed in this blog post:
- December is a great time to visit the Smoky Mountains, with a range of winter activities and holiday events to enjoy.
- The Smoky Mountains offer a range of accommodations and dining options to suit all budgets and preferences.
- The region is home to several winter festivals and events, including the Winterfest in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountain Winterfest in Pigeon Forge.
- The Smoky Mountains offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and whitewater rafting.
- The region is home to several cultural experiences, including museums, theaters, and music venues.
FAQs
Is December a good time to visit the Smoky Mountains?
Yes, December is a great time to visit the Smoky Mountains, with a range of winter activities and holiday events to enjoy. However, the cold weather can make it challenging to explore the outdoors, and some attractions and trails may be closed due to snow and ice.
What are some popular winter activities in the Smoky Mountains?
Some popular winter activities in the Smoky Mountains include skiing and snowboarding, ice skating, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and winter festivals.
What are some popular holiday events in the Smoky Mountains?
Some popular holiday events in the Smoky Mountains include the Winterfest in Gatlinburg, the Smoky Mountain Winterfest in Pigeon Forge, and the Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg. (See Also: Best Time of Year to Visit British Virgin Islands? Peak Season Secrets)
What are some popular accommodations in the Smoky Mountains?
Some popular accommodations in the Smoky Mountains include the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg, the Comfort Inn Pigeon Forge, the The Lodge at Buckberry Creek, and the Blackberry Farm.
What are some popular dining options in the Smoky Mountains?
Some popular dining options in the Smoky Mountains include the Smoky Mountain Trout House, The Alamo Steakhouse & Saloon, The Cherokee Grill, and The Donut Friar.