5 Best Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains in Spring

Are you planning to visit the Smoky Mountains in the springtime? This is a gorgeous time to be in the area; the weather is starting to warm up, flowers are blooming, wildlife is coming out, and the trees are starting to bud! You’re probably itching to get outside in the great outdoors, and we don’t blame you! So if you want to spend most of your trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but you aren’t sure what you should do, we are here to help! Check out some of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in spring:

1. Go on a Picnic

A popular spring activity for couples, families, and friends is to go on a picnic. The national park has several designated picnic areas you can visit, and some of the most popular include Metcalf Bottoms and Cades Cove. There are picnic tables with charcoal grills at these sites, and some of them are in the woods or next to streams. Your crew can pack a lunch or dinner, whether it’s sandwiches or a delicious meal from one of the area restaurants, and enjoy it while being outside in the mountains!

2. Hike a Trail

Of course, the next most popular thing to do in the Smoky Mountains in spring is to get out on the trails! With over 850 miles of trails, you’ll have plenty to choose from! If you’re mostly beginners, you’ll enjoy the easy trails like Elkmont Nature Trail or Laurel Falls. You may even want to challenge yourself with a moderate hike like Grotto Falls or Alum Cave. Any avid hikers will want to try Ramsey Cascades or even the summit of Mount LeConte. No matter your skill level, there’s a beautiful trail waiting to be explored!

3. Enjoy the Views

Anyone who visits the Smokies in the spring will want to take in the views. There are several ways to do that. You can hike a trail with a gorgeous view along the way or at the end. You can hop in your vehicle and drive through the mountains while looking out the window at mountains in the distance. There are pull offs and overlooks along major roads where you can stop and take photos of the views, as well! You have plenty of options when it comes to taking in the mountain views!

4. Explore the Streams

Another favorite thing to do in the Smoky Mountains is to explore the streams! Along some of the major roads and trails, you’ll find bodies of water, whether it’s a creek, stream, or river. Kids love to splash in the shallow water, while fishermen can wade into deeper water to find fish to catch. There are even a few areas where it’s deep enough to swim (although you should proceed with caution!). Even if you don’t get in the water, walking down to the banks to see if you can find salamanders, turtles, frogs, and fish is fun!

5. Take a Drive

We can’t talk about popular activities in the national park without mentioning scenic drives! For people whose mobility isn’t great for hiking trails, scenic drives are a great way to still enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are plenty of popular and undiscovered roads to explore, like Cades Cove, Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Wears Valley Road, and Upper Tremont. You’ll get mountain views, wooded views, and you may even spot a bear or two as you drive along!

Although these aren’t all the activities you can do this spring, these are some of the most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains! We know you’ll have a great time no matter what you decide to do. Are you ready to start planning your trip? Take a look at our Gatlinburg hotel rooms, and book one for your spring getaway today!