Table for Four or More

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Plan a visit to Gatlinburg in the spring and you won’t be disappointed. It’s obvious why everyone plans their trip in the fall, but did you know that it’s also worth the trip to visit Gatlinburg in the spring? Let me explain why.

There are No Crowds

I wouldn’t believe this if I hadn’t experienced it for myself. We were told by a local resident that springtime is their least busiest time of the year. My family didn’t have to wait any time at all to ride the Great Smokey Mountain Wheel, eat at popular restaurants such as Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen or The Old Mill, or play miniature golf.

With no crowds, you can easily fit in a weeks-worth of activities in just a few days if you only have a long weekend to visit. With so many spring breakers flocking to Florida, the mountains are a perfect alternative to the crowded beaches or long lines at Disney. My family typically visits Gatlinburg in the fall with a few trips made during the summer and winter. Never have we seen so few people! Getting around the area was a breeze since we didn’t have to wait in bumper to bumper traffic. Less traffic meant less time waiting in the car and more time enjoying vacation.

The Temperature is Just Right

Last year, the average high during spring was 71 and the average low was 62. This weather is perfect for outdoor adventures such as zip lining, hiking, fishing and whitewater rafting.

Not so adventurous? These temperatures are also ideal for browsing in the unique shops in and around Gatlinburg. There is so much to do that you can find plenty of indoor and outdoor activities should it rain or become cooler than expected. My family enjoyed a game of indoor miniature golf when we found ourselves in the middle of a brief rain shower. Once our game was over, so was the rain! Other fun indoor activities in Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge include Ripley’s Acquarium of the Smokies, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, The Christmas Place,Space Needle & Arcade and The Shops at The Village. Not to worry if you have to stand in line at the Pancake Pantry (as we always do because it is worth the wait). With temperatures like these you won’t freeze or get sun burned. It’s the perfect combination of sunshine and cool mountain air. Start your day with a light jacket and you’ll be comfortable and ready for anything.

Everything is in Bloom

There are more than 1500 flowering plants in the Smokies. With these ideal temperatures, it’s a great opportunity to go for a hike on one of the 150 trails covering a total of 800 miles. You’re sure to see (and smell!) plenty of beautiful plants in bloom. If you are from an area of the country where spring has not yet arrived, you will find your trip to Gatlinburg a refreshing change. Seeing leaves on the trees and flowers in bloom is good for the soul after a harsh and bitter cold winter.

Accommodations are Less Expensive (and easier to find!)

Since springtime is not one of the peak seasons in Gatlinburg, accommodations are less expensive. You will find a variety of cabins, chalets, houses, condos, or hotels all at reasonable prices. Start your search here with VRBO and find exactly what you’re looking for. Even if you’ve waited to plan your trip, chances are you will have plenty to choose from since spring is considered the “slow season.” Not sure how to use VRBO? Click here to find out how easy it is to find your perfect vacation rental. We always rent a pet-friendly cabin and have enjoyed staying in different locations in and around Gatlinburg. Our favorite area is around the Little Pigeon River because it’s easy to navigate and the stream running through the back of the cabin is mesmerizing. We’ve booked everything from a smaller 3-bedroom cabin to a large 5-bedroom with a game room and loft.

We enjoy the privacy that a cabin offers and the laid-back feeling of being “away from it all.” We plan our day based on where we want to eat (no kidding!) and determine how long we want to be gone. In the evenings, we mingle around a campfire or lounge on the large deck looking out at the view. Before we had our family, my husband and I stayed in hotels along the main strip in Gatlinburg and enjoyed those as well. The benefit of a hotel is most of them provide a free breakfast and they are accessible to the many attractions, shops, and restaurants in the area. We would walk everywhere and never have to worry about parking.

Getting There

If you’re driving to Gatlinburg, you may want to read my post on What to Pack on you next Road Trip. If you’re interested in flying instead, click here  to discover the best rates on flights. Look for flights into  McGhee Tyson Airport, located 12 miles south of Knoxville. The drive into Gatlinburg will take just over an hour from the airport.

Gatlinburg Events in the Spring

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Easter Show

Located at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, this event takes place April 5^th through the 8^th. This free event includes unique handcrafted gifts and products produced by members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community and guest craftspeople from around the United States. Demonstrations are part of the show.

Bunny Hopper Express

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City, NC

April 15 – 16, 2023 • 10:30 am – 2:30 pm

Traveling with kids? You can’t miss this four-and-half-hour round trip  on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad as it travels along the Nantahala Gorge River to a picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt. Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover.

Easter Sunrise at Ober

Celebrate Easter April 9^th on top of Mt. Harrison at theOber Gatlinburg Ski Area. The service which begins at 6:30 A.M. is led by local pastors of the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association and lasts 30-40 minutes. Free tram rides to the mountain top begin at 5:00 A.M. and a breakfast buffet will be available at Gatlinburg’s Seasons of Ober Restaurant from 7:15 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. Click here to see the menu.

Anytime is a Good Time

In reality, anytime is a great time to visit Gatlinburg with your family. Each season is beautiful and perfect in its own way. If you can’t make it in the spring, consider the fall when the leaves are at their peak. Plan now, as those rentals fill-up fast! Click over to my Gatlinburg Getaway post to find out more about planning your fall trip If staying in a rental property, read my Vacation Rental Packing List post to ensure you have everything you need for an amazing trip. Thanks for stopping by and happy travels!