winter in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

January 21, 2016

4 Things Everyone Should Know About Gatlinburg Winter Weather

Winter is one of the very best times to visit Gatlinburg, Tennessee! Enjoying the stunning snow capped scenery from a cabin in the mountains is about as idyllic as it gets. Gatlinburg typically doesn’t get severe weather in the winter, but there are a few things that everyone should know if they will be vacationing in the Smokies this season. To help you prepare for your trip, Hearthside Cabin Rentals has put together a convenient guide to Gatlinburg winter weather.

1. The Average Monthly Temperatures and Snowfall

As you plan your winter escape, it is helpful to have an idea of what you can expect weatherwise for each month. Here is a quick look at what the average temperatures and snow accumulation is like for the winter months:

November – High of 61°F, Low of 33°F, Monthly Snowfall of 0.7″

December – High of 52°F, Low of 28°F, Monthly Snowfall of 1.0″

January – High of 51°F, Low of 28°F, Monthly Snowfall of 2.3″

February – High of 54°F, Low of 29°F, Monthly Snowfall of 2.9″

2. Road Closures in the National Park

Due to the risk of ice and snow, there are a number of roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are closed for the winter. Here is a schedule detailing when some of the park’s popular roads are open:

Cades Cove Loop Road: Closed on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10 a.m. from May 6 – September 23.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Open from May 1 – November 30.
Clingmans Dome Road: Open from March 27 – November 30.
Parson Branch Road: Open from April 10 – November 15.
Forge Creek Road: Open from March 6 – December 31.
Little Greenbrier Road: Open from April 10 – November 30.
Balsam Mountain Road: Open from May 22 – November 1.
Rich Mountain Road: Open from April 10 – November 15.
Roundbottom/Straight Fork: Open from April 3 – November 1.
Heintooga Ridge Road: Open from May 22 – November 1.

3. What to Pack

Packing for Gatlinburg winter weather isn’t hard! The key to staying comfortable throughout the day is to dress in layers. As the temperature gets warmer and colder, you can easily add or take off jackets and sweaters to adjust to the changes. Some key items to bring include a heavy winter coat, solid shoes or boots, warm socks, and a variety of sweaters and sweatshirts. In addition to clothing, don’t forget to bring hand lotion and chapstick, because the winter wind can leave your skin feeling dry.

Photo of the living room in the Can't Bear to Leave cabin.

4. Where to Stay

Our cabins in Gatlinburg have everything you need for the perfect winter vacation! With toasty fireplaces, outdoor hot tubs, and indoor Jacuzzis, guests will enjoy a variety of excellent ways to stay nice and warm. Large open decks with breathtaking views of the mountains let you enjoy the Gatlinburg winter weather while still being steps away from your living room.

To start planning your winter getaway, check out our complete selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals!