While most vacationers choose the beach for their spring break destination, more and more of us are heading to the mountains for some time off from school or work.
Gatlinburg is an excellent place to visit in early spring, not only because it's affordable, but also because there's so much to do in the Smokies! To help you plan a fantastic getaway with your family or friends, we've made this guide with the top 6 things to do in Gatlinburg for spring break!
1. Check Out Downtown Gatlinburg, TN
The main drag of Gatlinburg is a beautiful area with lots of shops, restaurants, and attractions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. For families with kids, there are fun activities like mini-golf, laser tag, and gem mining.
There's also delicious food in downtown like the top-notch pancakes at the Pancake Pantry or the flavorful ribs at Bennet's Pit Barbecue. Gatlinburg is also home to several distilleries that are famous for making unique flavors of moonshine and whiskey like the Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler. You can stop by a local distillery to try some samples for only $5, learn about making moonshine, and even take a bottle back as a souvenir.
2. Go On An Outdoor Adventure
For college students visiting the Smokies, there are some incredible experiences to be had in the Smoky Mountains. From hiking the Chimney Tops in the national park to whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River, you're bound to have an action-packed spring break in the Smoky Mountains. Here are a few more thrilling experiences to have in the Smokies:
- Bungee Jumping
- Indoor Skydiving
- Go Kart Racing
- Zip Lining
- Horseback Rides
- ATV Tours
A newer attraction to try in Gatlinburg are mountain coasters. They're a great way to get your adrenaline pumping and see some beautiful scenery at the same time!
3. Ski Ober Mountain
If your spring break is early, the slopes at Ober can be open into March when the weather cooperates. Check out their slope report to see if you can make your spring break into a ski trip! Also, since your vacation would be near the end of the season, you're bound to get a better deal on your lift ticket.
4. Visit Dollywood When It First Opens
If you won't be in Gatlinburg for the end of ski season, you may be just in time to visit Dollywood! After a brief break, Dolly Parton's theme park reopens by the 3rd week in March. In 2018, Dollywood will open its gates on March 16th.
Not only is the famous Smoky Mountain theme park less crowded during the spring season, but it also has a brand new roller coaster. Lighting Rod, the world's fastest wooden coaster, will join a great lineup of rides including Thunderhead, Wild Eagle, and Mystery Mine.
5. Experience The National Park in Spring
Everyone can agree that the Smoky Mountains National Park is an unforgettable place to explore. Better yet, spring is a gorgeous time to visit and there's something for everyone.
Families can go on easy hikes to see spring wildflowers or to see famous sights like Laurel Falls or the Sinks. For challenge-seekers, there are also strenuous hikes to high peaks in the Smokies like Alum Cave Trail and Charlies Bunion. Historic cabins in Cades Cove and Elkmont ensure that this break from school can be both educational and fun! Best of all, all of these gorgeous highlights are only a few minutes drive from Gatlinburg.
6. Relax at Your Cabin
After a fun day of hiking in the national park or exploring attractions in Downtown Gatlinburg, there's no doubt you'll want a nice place to relax at the end of the day.
Reserving a Gatlinburg cabin for spring break is an incredible way to enjoy your stay in the mountains. Not only can you enjoy great amenities like hot tubs, game rooms, and indoor swimming pools, but also you can enjoy gorgeous scenery from your cabin's deck.
Another perk is that cabins can help make your spring break affordable. Most rentals come with full kitchens that allow you to save on the cost of eating meals in town.
With fun additions like pool tables, air hockey games, and dart boards, you won't have to drive into town to have a great time at your log rental in Gatlinburg.
Additionally, reserving a log cabin is more affordable than booking several hotel rooms. This is especially true when you book a large group cabin. Our large lodges can easily sleep 15 – 28 guests, so you can bring the whole family or a large group of friends to the Smokies with ease.
When Is Spring Break in Gatlinburg, TN?
Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for spring break vacations in March and April. Better yet, as the spring brings warmer temperatures, all of the attractions and activities are open for business after the slower winter season.
Though Gatlinburg and the Smokies might be abuzz with vacationers on some weekends, attractions, shops, and roadways are not all that crowded. Compared to the peak vacation season in summer and fall, visitors will find plenty of fun attractions to enjoy without the hassle of dealing with large throngs of people.
Gatlinburg Spring Break Specials
To help our guests enjoy a truly affordable spring trip, Cabins USA Gatlinburg is offering all of our properties with a special 15% discount!
To book your own Gatlinburg cabin for spring break, check our cabin's availability or call our reservations office at (865) 436-5031. See how much you'll save on your nightly rate with our rental discount!
Written by Hayden Brown