Fun Things to Do in The Smokies this Spring

The spring is the perfect time of year to visit the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Gatlinburg is home to a wide range of different family-friendly activities and attractions that you simply will not want to miss during your next visit. From outdoor adventures to indoor amusements, festivals and events, visitors will find lots to see and enjoy during their spring time visit to the Smokies. Below are just a few of the many fun things that there are to do when planning your visit to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and surrounding areas.

Ripley's Aquarium Of The Smokies

One of the most popular family attractions within the Smokies is none other than Ripley's Aquarium Of The Smokies. Rated America's #1 aquarium, this attraction draws in visitors of all ages from around the world. Dive and feeding shows, the underwater tunnel with sharks surrounding you and a variety of touch tanks are just some of what you may experience during your visit to Ripley's Aquarium. This is a great place to visit during the spring when looking for something indoors to enjoy for the day.

Dollywood

Dollywood is an amusement park located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. This Pigeon Forge, Tennessee attraction offers plenty for the entire family to enjoy during the spring season. Take in the beautiful mountain air as you experience top-notch live entertainment, thrilling rides, special exhibits and more. During those warmer spring days, you may also choose to visit Dollywood's Splash Country for some fun in the sun and amazing water adventures.

SpringFest

SpringFest marks the beginning of the spring season in the Gatlinburg area. This 3 month long celebration provides residents and visitors with lots to enjoy on various days throughout the festival. Some events include the Bloomin BBQ and Bluegrass Festival, Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, Dollywood's Festival of Nations, Arts and Crafts Shows and much more.

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Now you can enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures when you choose to visit the Nantahala Outdoor Center in the Smokies. Raft through both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River with professional guides who will lead you every step of the way. This white water rafting adventure is available for children as young as 3 years old. With two different journeys to choose from, this activity is one that everyone is able to enjoy. Other popular attractions that can be enjoyed during the spring time in the Smokies include Smoky Mountain Angler, Smoky Mountain Outdoors, miniature golf, ziplining, hiking and more.

Outdoor Fun in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park should be on everyone’s short list of beautiful and fun places to visit. With so many outdoor activities set within such a gorgeous setting to choose from, you may have a difficult time choosing which to do first. There is truly something for everyone. Among the seemingly endless options, there are a few fun standouts.

Hiking

There are over 800 miles of hiking trails located within the park that allow you to the choice of a short stroll and picnic with the family to the much more rigorous long-distance backpacking trek. In any case, the park has a myriad of picturesque vistas that include streams, hills, mountains, trees, waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife. The trails are beautiful year-round;however, in the fall when the leaves are changing, don’t miss the opportunity to bring your camera for a hike in the park!

Fishing

There are over 2,000 miles of fishable streams within the park’s boundaries. Even if you aren’t an experienced angler, nothing is more relaxing and fun to experience with friends and family than spending the time unplugged and surrounded by the stunning beauty of the water and countryside of the area. For those more goal-oriented, the park is one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States. Fishing is allowed year-round and offers varied angling experiences from small trout streams to larger bass streams. Don't forget to take care of obtaining any fishing license you may need prior to going.

Let Your Pet Enjoy the Great Outdoors

There's no better fun in the Smokies than fun with the furriest member of your family. So get Fido out and take him for a walk in the Smokies. Or take him to Cades Cove and let him enjoy the expansive fields at which you can play a great game of fetch. There are also plenty of pet friendly cabins in Gatlinburg that will allow you to have great accommodations with your furry friends.

Horseback Riding

This is a really fun and favorite outdoor activity for individuals and families. The park has hundreds of miles of horse trails and four rental stables that provide guides and trail rides. All rides are contained at a walking pace so riders can really enjoy the experience, the sights and being together in the outdoors. For horse-owners, there are five drive-in horse camps located within the park to accommodate touring the trails on your own. In addition, the park offers hayrides and carriage/wagon rides on a few of the park’s trails.


These are just some of the activities that are available at the park. In addition to the vast beauty of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the amount of fun and amazing outdoor activities that are available to experience make the park a must-visit destination for everyone.