Top 5 Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains in the Spring

When spring rolls around, you want to spend as much time outside as possible. With warm weather on it’s way, you’ll want to be outside in the Smokies, too! There are so many great outdoor activities you can enjoy when you stay with us. Check out these top 5 things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the spring:

1. Go For a Hike

The Smoky Mountains are known for their hiking trails, and the spring is a great time to get out and experience them! There are over 850 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Trails range from easy to moderate to difficult, which is perfect for people who have never hiked before to people who love to hike as their hobby. You can also choose trails based on what you would like to see, whether it’s a waterfall or mountain views.

2. Take a Drive

A popular thing to do in the Smoky Mountains in the spring is to take a scenic drive. There are plenty of roads to choose from. Cades Cove is the most popular by far. You’ll drive on an 11-mile paved road through a valley surrounded by mountains that is full of historic buildings and plenty of places to stop and explore. Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a one-way road that is very rustic with old homesteads you can walk around. Newfound Gap is a road that runs from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina where you can enjoy seeing wildflowers and beautiful views of the mountains.

3. Go Horseback Riding

In the spring, horse stables are opening back up in the Smoky Mountains. If you love animals and want to explore the Smokies, going horseback riding is a great activity. You’ll ride on trails through the woods, really seeing what the pioneers’ lives were like back in the day. There are all kinds of stables, from some in Sevierville to stables in the national park. Usually, a guide on a horse takes you along the trails, and you’ll have a blast following along!

4. Try Ziplining

Ziplining is a popular activity in the spring, especially for people who love thrills! You’ll find all kinds of ziplines, from ones with mountain views to those with obstacle courses in the trees. You can race friends and family to the bottom on duel ziplines or enjoy riding together from platform to platform. Popular places to zipline include Climb Works and Smoky Mountain Ziplines.

5. Go on a Picnic

One popular thing to do in the Smoky Mountains in the spring is to go on a picnic! There are so many picnic areas in the national park to choose from. Just pack a cooler full of stuff to make sandwiches or grab a family feed pack from a local restaurant to enjoy. In some picnic areas, there are charcoal grills you can use to make hot dogs and hamburgers! Everyone will love having a picnic in the mountains!

There are so many great things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the spring. Wondering what else you can do when you stay with us? Check out these Gatlinburg attractions for more ideas!