See how the Smoky Mountains Transform Throughout the Year

From the breathtaking landscape to wildlife and charming mountain towns, the Smoky Mountains are full of memorable experiences. While some parts of the year are more popular than others, the Smoky Mountains are worth a visit all year long.

Visitors can find waterfalls, scenic drives, plenty of hiking, and a rich local culture that's ingrained in it all. The best things to see in Smoky Mountains are subjective to some degree. Although this is true, there are several must-see attractions that every traveler should aim for if they can.

Spring is known for rushing streams and beautiful wildflowers. Once summer rolls around, it's more common to find more lively outdoor activities and beauty in every direction. For this article, I'm diving into the best things to see in Smoky Mountains and what keeps me coming back.

A Year-Round Journey Through the Smoky Mountains

Regardless of the season, it became clear to me that the Smoky Mountains stay pretty active. Forests are vibrant and bustling in the Spring, and the summer offers longer days to enjoy. The surrounding mountain towns are always pretty active during the summer season. A lot of this has to do with outdoor activities like festivals, markets, and cultural events.

When it comes around to Fall, travelers are in for a beautiful, fiery foliage and much more moderate temperatures. For the winter lovers, this time of year promises peaceful trails, snow-dusted peaks, and cozy retreats.

While I wasn't able to hit all of the Smoky Mountains attractions, I still spent quite a bit of time researching what's out there. Considering there are too many to count, I stuck with some of the best and took my trip from there forward.

9 Best Things to See in Smoky Mountains

For those who love nature, fun times, and good eats, the Smoky Mountains have it all. With a mix of iconic landmarks, local events, and hidden natural wonders, I knew I'd never see it all in one trip.

It was also pretty hard to choose which season I wanted to visit. Each one has something unique to offer in the area. Whether I was looking for mystery trails, rushing waterfalls, or fun, local events, I had to choose wisely. In the table below, you'll find what piqued my interest the most out of my trip, making for a fun itinerary for anyone.

Of course, these weren't my only options by any means, but they did end up being my personal favorites. The Smoky Mountains had a lot more fun to offer than I expected, and it's much more than just scenic spots alone.

Spring

1. Wildflower Season - Spring Into Some Color

Boasting over 1,500 species of flowering plants, the Smoky Mountains look gorgeous all throughout Spring. This is definitely a limited-time event, because they won't be hanging around all year.

I came in early Spring, which means I was able to see species like the Bloodroot, Spring Beauty, and Sharp-Lobed Hepatica, to name a few. However, I feel like I ended up missing out on later Spring species, such as Flame Azalea and Painted Trillium. There's no way I could have seen them all, but the surrounding area was beyond colorful nonetheless.

Important Key Highlights:

• Some flowers, like the Trout Lily and Squawoot, have historical uses by the Cherokee
• The Smoky Mountains hold the highest number of flowering plant species of any U.S. national park
• Wildflowers can be found across low, mid, and high elevations in the mountains
• Researching when certain species bloom can help travelers align their itinerary

2. Fly Fishing - Chasing Trout in Spring Waters

I heard fly fishing in the spring is the best season to find some good trout. They're more active this time of year, and overall easier to catch. Something to note here is that Spring rains can cause rapid shifts in air temperature and water levels.

This isn't a huge concern for visitors, outside of the fact that it can have an effect on trout behavior. I was actually surprised to learn how many stellar fishing spots there were. The truth is that I checked this out in passing. I'm not an expert fisherman by any means, but it made for a really relaxing time.

Important Key Highlights:

• Frequent spring rainfall makes for dynamic water conditions that can help with fishing success
• Spring is known to have the easiest conditions for fly fishing
• The longer spring days allow for all-day fishing, unlike the winter season
• Using tools like streamers and wooly buggers can help with catch rates

3. Backpacking Trips - Experience the Wild Like Never Before

There's no doubt I could find an endless list of backpacking excursions in the Smoky Mountains. Most trips range from three to four days. While that isn't super exhausting, it definitely requires a bit of commitment.

For guided tours, it's common for all of the necessary gear to be provided to you. Popular trip options include classic Smokies hikes, deep creek traverses, and even women-only adventures. At a quick glance, it was easy to see that there's a little bit of something for everyone here.

Important Key Highlights:

• Trek through iconic meadows and high elevation trails for breathtaking views
• Experience the vibrant wildlife in every direction during the spring season
• All-inclusive support with provided gear, prepared meals, and expert guidance
• Explore old-growth forests, cascading waterfalls, and backcountry in the Smokies

Summer

4. Mountaintop Zipline Tour - Where Thrill Meets Breathtaking Views

Offering a thrilling and scenic adventure, this zipline tour has you surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Starting with a 500-foot elevation climb, I started out on a rugged UTV ride.

The place also has side-by-side ziplines, meaning I could do this next to friends or family if I wanted to. I also found suspension skybridges, which provide panoramic views above the forest canopy.

For an unforgettable end, I had to do a controlled rappel, making this much more than just a zipline experience. It's a perfect option for solo travelers and small groups, and there are photo packages available as well.

Important Key Highlights:

• Starts off with a scenic UTV ascent
• Skybridges for excellent views above the canopy
• Dual side-by-side ziplines for friends and family
• Cointrolled rappel finale that's heart-pounding in its own right

5. White Water Rafting - Ride the Rapids, Embrace the Smokies

Although I've had plenty of experience with rafting, I wanted to note that there are family-friendly options for all ages. Technically, white water rafting is available through multiple seasons, but Summer tends to be the peak for a lot of people.

The cool waters feel great against the warmer weather. My favorite was the 6.5-mile thrill ride through Class 3 and 4 level rapids. For those hoping for a gentle experience, the Lower Pigeon River rafting would be the best choice here. Overall, it's thrilling regardless of experience level or level of rapids.

Important Key Highlights:

• Trips are available for every skill level
• Seasonal variety ranging from Spring, Summer, and Fall
• Extreme rapids experience is found on smaller boats in the Upper River
• Combo packages available, including rafting and ziplining

6. Paddle and Hike Adventure - Kayak, Hike, and Camp in the Smokies

A three-day adventure including kayaking, hiking, and backcountry camping, this part of the trip took place in and around Fontana Lake. I got to paddle to little islands, and even swim and picnic along the lake as well.

Backcountry camping took place at Eagle Creek, and the hiking trails had some of the best panoramic views. What's even better is that all of the gear was provided, making the whole excursion stress-free.

Important Key Highlights:

• Multi-sport adventure with kayaking, camping, hiking, and more
• Sleep under the stars at Eagle Creek with top-of-the-line gear
• Hike to Shuckstack Fire Tower for some amazing views
• Expert guides promise safety, education, and a lot of fun

Fall & Winter

7. Ober Mountain - Winter Adventures Await

Ober Mountain is popular for its mountaintop adventures like skiing, snowboarding, and gorgeous scenery. I was down for some family-friendly tubing, which I honestly couldn't get enough of.

There is also an ice skating rink at the mountaintop, and an aerial tram makes travel and scenic spots very accessible. I even found shopping and dining options, which offered a nice break from all of the activity. Ober Mountain is more of a thrill ride than it seems from afar, and it definitely wore me out after a day of fun.

Important Key Highlights:

• Perched high above Gatlinburg for some of the best mountaintop views around
• All-season adventure park with tons of options for fall and winter
• Safer activities like family-friendly tubing are available
• Plenty of on-site ski and snowboard amenities

8. Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas - A Winter Wondeland in the Mountains

I've spent a little time in the Smoky Mountains around Christmas, and it's honestly such a treat. This is for several reasons, but Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas was one of the highlights of the trip.

Featuring over six million twinkling lights and towering Christmas trees, they really put a lot of effort into immersion. Clearly, a fun place to be for families, there are also several Christmas shows. A few of my favorites include their Christmas in the Smokies and Appalachian Christmas. Visiting this place really put me in the spirit of the holidays, and it's great for an all-day affair.

Important Key Highlights:

• Millions of gorgeous Christmas lights surround visitors at every turn
• Wildwood Grove winter experience for a magical, interactive holiday display
• Seasonal dining and on-site resorts are available for longer stays
• Immersive holiday shows from indoor to outdoor performances

9. Fall Festival Fun - Celebrating Autumn in the Smokies

Travelers have several options when it comes to fall festival fun in and around the Smoky Mountains. For starters, a popular choice would be to check out the Harvest Festival. It spans from early September to early November, featuring autumn decorations, live music, and family-friendly activities.

For the adults, the Ober Gatlinburg Oktoberfest is always an option. This promises a multi-day German celebration with beer, traditional food, music, and games. Next, I'd advise anyone to check out the Gatlinburg Craftsman Fair. Tons of fun, and showcases handmade arts and crafts, live demonstrations, and direct interaction with the artists.

Important Key Highlights:

• Early holiday light displays and artistic decorations
• Authentic German music, food, and games, offering a very unique cultural experience
• Hands-on opportunities with local artisans at the Gatlinburg Craftsman Fair
• Plenty of autumn-themed events all throughout fall, on top of gorgeous color-changing foliage

Let's Wrap Up

There's no doubt that the Smoky Mountains are full of vibrant experiences, all year long. Due to this, I realized there's no way I could fit it all in one trip. This just goes to show that the Smoky Mountains are worth visiting all year-round.

However, travelers are going to need the right accommodations depending on the time of year. To handle this stress-free, I decided to work with Stony Brook Cabins for a cozy and accessible stay in the area. My trip wouldn't have felt as streamlined without their help, as they put me right where I needed to be.

FAQ

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Smoky Mountains?

Every season offers something unique. Spring is for wildflowers, summer for outdoor adventures, fall for foliage and festivals, and winter for snow-dusted fun.

Are There Family-Friendly Activities in the Smoky Mountains?

Most definitely, and travelers can find these activities at any time of the year.

How Can I Make the Most of My Trip to the Smoky Mountains

To explore the best things to see in Smoky Mountains area, plan around the seasonal highlights. Align the trip with event schedules and stay in accommodations that make everything else easily accessible.