Top 3 Things to do in Wears Valley This Winter

With winter just around the corner, it may be time for you and your family to begin planning which cold-weather adventures you want to take this year. Sure, you can always spend the day navigating your way through the hustle and bustle of Pigeon Forge and downtown Gatlinburg, but why not try something different this year?

Often considered one of the quieter sides of the Smoky Mountains, the Wears Valley community is home to a ton of family-friendly things you and your family can enjoy this winter. To see a list of our favorite activities, read below!

(See Related: Your Complete Guide to Christmas Events in Wears Valley)

Great Smoky Mountains Institute
Located in the Tremont area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains Institute is a great place for families with children to go and learn more about our beloved national park. Here, park rangers and institute staff are available to answer any questions you may have about the park and the animals that call it home.

Click here to learn more about the Great Smoky Mountains Institute.

Hiking in Wears Valley
Hiking is one of the most-popular things to do in Wears Valley this winter. Whether you are an experienced hiker or this is your first time hitting the trails, visitors to Wears Valley will be pleased to learn about just how many scenic hiking trails the area has to offer. A few of the hiking trails in Wears Valley that we love include Metcalf Bottoms, Laurel Falls, and the West Prong Trail.
Click here for more information on our favorite hiking trails in Wears Valley.

Fishing in Wears Valley
Did you know that there are over 2,000 miles of rivers and streams in the Smoky Mountains that visitors can use to spend the day fishing? That is a pretty impressive number. What is even more impressive is that Fishing in Wears Valley and the Smoky Mountains is permitted year-round starting 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset each day.

Please keep in mind, a fishing license is required to fish in the Smoky Mountains. For information on where you can get your license, as well as other information on fishing in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to check out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park section of our website.

Also, fishing is not permitted in the following locations:

• Sams Creek at the confluence with Thunderhead Prong
• Indian Flats Prong at the Middle Prong Trail crossing

Places to Eat in Wears Valley

After exploring all the fun and exciting things to do in Wears Valley this winter, you and your family will surely build up an appetite. Why not curb those hunger cravings by checking out one of the many great places to eat in the area?

Two of our favorite Wears Valley Restaurants include:

• Friendly Falls:
  Nestled next to the river, Friendly Falls is a combination restaurant and events space that is well known for it’s delicious food and scenic views. When you are here, you and your family should take a few minutes to explore the gift shop and gem mine that is located next to the restaurant.
  • Location: 2135 Wears Valley Rd.
  • Hours: Sunday-Wednesday Noon-8 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday Noon-9 p.m.
  • Friendly Falls Website
• Elvira’s Cafe:
  Specializing in farm to table menu selections,
  • Location: 4143 Wears Valley Rd.
  • Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Fridays & Saturdays also from 4:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Elvira’s Cafe Website

Do you and your family have your own list of things to do in Wears Valley this winter? Let us know in the comments below!