5 Ways to Enjoy the Beautiful Spring Weather in the Smoky Mountains

While any time of year is great for a trip to the Smoky Mountains, there is something extra special about spring. After a cold and snowy winter, there is nothing like getting back outside to soak in the warm weather of springtime. If you are looking for unique ways to get out and enjoy the scenery of the Smokies, there are plenty of activities your whole family is sure to enjoy. Here are 5 ways to enjoy the beautiful spring weather in the Smoky Mountains:

1. Take a Family Hike

If you want to make the most out of the beautiful weather, you can take your family on a hike inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The good news is that there are trails for all skill levels, making it a great family activity. Whether you want to learn about history, see a waterfall, or just get some exercise, there is a hike for everyone in the Smokies! Hiking in the spring also has the added benefit of seeing the blooming wildflowers. While these treasures can be seen all throughout the park, a couple of the best wildflower hikes include Porters Creek Trail and Little River Trail!

2. Drive through Cades Cove

Not feeling a long hike through the woods, but you still want to take in the gorgeous views and warm weather? You can take a scenic drive through Cades Cove! The 11-mile loop road will provide your family the opportunity to see blooming flowers and maybe even some wildlife. During the spring, it is common to see all types of critters roaming through Cades Cove, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears! Because the weather is nice, you can roll your windows down and feel the warm spring breeze as you make your way around the loop road! When you want to stretch your legs, there are plenty of pull off areas where you can park the car and explore the Smokies.

3. Ride a Mountain Coaster

Do you consider yourself to be an adventurous person? One of the most exciting ways to take in the warm weather of spring in the Smokies is by riding a mountain coaster! Whether you are vacationing in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, there is a coaster nearby that is calling your name. At Rowdy Bear Mountain, you can soar through the hills on their one of a kind Alpine Mountain Coaster. The thing that makes this ride special is that you can control the speed at which your coaster goes. If you like to live life on the edge, you can push the pedal to the metal and reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Want to slow it down? Simply pull back on your handle and take in the gorgeous scenery of the mountains!

4. Go White Water Rafting

White water rafting is one of the best ways to enjoy a spring adventure! Once the weather warms up, you won’t mind getting wet as you make your way down the Pigeon River. Smoky Mountain Outdoors offers various trips for the whole family. If you have young children who have never been rafting before, you can start them out on a peaceful ride on the Lower Pigeon River Rafting Trip. If you are looking for more of a challenge, hit the water on the Upper River Rafting Trip and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Either way, a rafting trip in the Smokies is the perfect way to kick off your spring vacation.

5.Take a Trip to Gatlinburg SkyPark

The Smoky Mountains has a number of amusement parks that sit way up in the mountains, which is the perfect place to take in the gorgeous views and breathe in the fresh spring air. One of those places is the Gatlinburg SkyPark. After you ride the famous SkyLift to the top of the mountain, your family will be met with numerous fun-filled activities. The most popular attraction at the theme park is the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in all of North America. The bridge stretches almost 700 feet across a deep valley. As you walk across the bridge, you can look down and take in the beauty of the spring landscape, filled with greenery and blooming flowers!

Now that you know about some ways to enjoy the beautiful spring weather in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to check out all the other fun things to do while you are in town. We look forward to seeing you this spring!