The Smokies are a wonderful winter destination, but like many mountainous destinations, the region is prone to winter weather. Visiting during the cold season can take a bit of extra planning. This blog post will give you some tips on what to expect in the Smokies during winter!
How much does it snow in the Smokies?
The average snowfall in the lower elevations within Great Smoky Mountains National Park is around 7-8 inches a year. Higher elevations, like around Newfound Gap and Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), get much more snow. At Newfound Gap, the average snowfall is 69 inches per year. At Kuwohi, it is over 100 inches per year!
How will snow affect trips to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
The good news is that most of the snow stays in the mountains and doesn't affect the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge too much. And January and February are the slowest months of the year for tourism in these towns, so you can find good deals on hotels and attractions!
However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're planning a trip to the Smokies during winter. One thing you'll want to keep an eye on is any possible road closures. Some roads within the national park may close due to snow and ice. To monitor closures, you can...
- Follow road status updates on Twitter at https://twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps
- Check the park website at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
- Call (865) 436-1200 for road closure and weather information (dial extension 631 for updates on temporary road closures and extension 630 for a weather forecast)
If you're visiting the Smokies this winter, be sure to check the weather before you visit, pack appropriate clothing, and allow extra travel time. Otherwise, have a good time!
With a little planning, you can have a great winter vacation in the Smoky Mountains!
