Are you searching for a place with more value to spend your vacation? Then do not take your eyes off the Great Smoky Mountains. This is a great opportunity for everyone who is looking for a multi-task place. Read this article and know about the place with a vigilant eye.
The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in the Summer (June, July & August) and Autumn(September & October) seasons. July is the busiest month of the summer season as a great number of visitors arrive at the park.
During this period, visitors tend to watch the wildlife, admire the scenic beauty of the waterfalls, and go along the trails. Autumn is popular for fall foliage, which rates a high crowd of visitors.
I’m sure nobody will regret their decision after they visit here once. Through this article, you will get more information on several topics. Enjoy your reading.
The best season to visit Great Smoky National Park
Each season represents unique specifications throughout the year.
01. Spring
The months of March and April are best in the Spring season.
It is the least crowded time to visit Smoky Mountain. The visitors who favor privacy can explore the park by a simple visit.
Though the weather in Spring is unpredictable, Most of the time it is sunny and warm. By Mid-April, daytime temperatures often reach the 70’s. In April, it rains over 4 inches, usually in the afternoon. May is warmer and reaches the average temperature of the 80’s.
Visitors can enjoy the view of waterfalls with their swift flow and can spot the wildlife with more curiosity.
Spring is an ideal time to reach destinations like Cades Cove, Alum Cave Trail, and Clingmans Dome.
Also, it is ideal to watch the heavy and swift water volume of the waterfalls. The waterfalls like Abrams Falls, Ramsey Cascades, The Place of 1000 Drips, and Rainbow Falls are impressive during this period.
If the visitor intends to have an overjoyed tour, It is a must to hike in the lower elevations of the park-like Greenbrier and Cades Cove.
The biological diversity of the park is represented through the wildflowers. The visitors can enjoy the overwhelming beauty of the wildflowers by walking around the trails like Porter’s Creek, The Little River, and Schoolhouse Gap.
02. Summer
The months of June, July, and August of Summer, are the best months to visit Smoky Mountains National Park.
But, During this time the park is crowded with visitors. The trails are heavily packed and the roads are full of vehicles.
However, In the high summer season, there are several concerts and outdoor festivals celebrated by visitors to experience extreme joy.
Visitors can have their maximum advantage following outdoor activities such as fishing, rafting, horseback riding, and hiking. These activities are quite accessible during the other periods.
Wildlife like deer, bear, and turkey can often be seen. Many people visit the high elevation parts of the Smokies Mountain National Park like Newfound Gap, The Chimney Tops Trails, and Clingmans Dome to spot wildlife.
03. Autumn
October is the best month to visit in the Autumn Season.
Autumn is an ideal time to visit Smoky Mountains National Park. It is famous for colorful fall foliage which is absolutely stunning. Fall colors begin to emerge nearly in Mid-September.
In September, the daytime temperature reaches the 70’s and 80’s.
Hiking is the most famous activity in Summer. Most visitors tend to do hiking using the trails which start from Alum Cave Trail to Mt.LeConte and the Middle Prong Trail.
Also, Fall is the best season for photography because the Smoky National Park looks incredible during this time.
04. Winter
The best time to visit Smoky in Winter is from November to February.
This is a great time to explore the park with a calm and quiet mentality. The crowd is extremely low and visitors can enjoy their journey peacefully.
In Winter, lower elevations like Gatlinburg and Cades Cove usually have mild temperatures due to fewer snowfalls. In the beginning, the temperature remains in a considerable state, the temperature reaches about 50’s and 70’s degrees.
In the months of January and February, visitors will experience the highest snowfall. The higher elevation areas like Mt.LeConte, Newfound Gap, and Clingmans Dome are mostly affected by the heavy snowfalls.
Laurel Falls Trail and Mount Cammerer Fire Tower are famous destinations for hikers.
In Winter, roads like Roaring Fork Motor Trail and Clingmans Dome Road are closed.
The best time for good weather in the Smoky Mountains National Park
The weather is best in the Summer Season. From June to August the Summer in the Smoky is warm and humid.
During the months of June, July, and August hiking in higher elevations seems to be chill.
However, It is better to organize the outdoor activities in the morning. Because in Summer during the afternoon the temperature increases into the ‘80s and ‘90s. The temperature in higher elevations is better than the low elevations.
The weather in Smoky Mountains National Park is fascinating as it changes from time to time. It is pretty cool to experience the changing climate conditions.
Be aware of the weather conditions of the Smoky Mountains before planning to visit.
The best time to avoid crowds
The best time to avoid crowds in Smoky National Park is in September.
Though the Winter is highly cold, visitors who are fond of winter hiking usually visit at this time. But In September as the new school year begins, most of the families pay attention to the education criteria.
So, visitors who are interested in solitary except for hiking and camping activities can visit during this time.
The best activities to do at the best time
The best time for camping
The best time for camping is from September to early November.
During this time the hot summer season begins to decay slightly. So, The cool weather at night and milder weather in the daytime; make the visitor more enthusiastic. Most of the visitors depict their tendency for camping at this time.
A considerable number of visitors join this activity to have more fun during their vacation. Most of the campgrounds are available due to the thin crowd.
The best time for hiking
The best time for hiking is from June to August.
The Smoky Mountains National Park consists of higher summits. During this period, Though the temperature is high, in upper elevations the temperature is still lower.
There are over 850 miles of hiking trails in the park. The trails from Alum Cave Trail to Mt.LeConte, Middle Prong Trail, Laurel Falls Trail, and Mount Cammerer Fire Tower are the most famous trails among the hikers.
The best time for auto touring
The best time for auto touring is in October.
This is the peak month of Autumn, where the fall foliage begins. During this time, the park is extremely delicate for its falling colors.
So, when visitors travel through the vehicles; They will be entertained by the beauty of the absolutely picturesque colors.
The best time for biking
The best time for biking is from September to October.
When the heat of the summer begins to decay, The bikers will get an awesome opportunity to reveal their performances by biking through the trails of Smoky Mountains National Park.
Biking through the lower elevation areas like Cades Cove Loop and Cataloochee Valley is more interesting.
So, If the visitor is determined to have a great tour, Biking is an exciting activity to enjoy. Visit now and enjoy the day. Bikes are available for rental in the Cades Cove Campground.
The best time to spot wildlife
The best time to spot wildlife is from July and August.
During the warmer months, The wildlife is more active than ever. Because mammals tend to search for food.
Animals like bears, deer, and lizards are often seen in the park at this time. The highest population of lizards is in the park. So, the Smoky National Park is known as Salamander Capital.
The best time to see waterfalls
The best time to see waterfalls is in July.
In mid-summer months, the falls are at their highest levels. The park receives 85 inches of rain along with the month of July.
With the swift flow of heavy water, waterfalls seem to be very delicate. Waterfalls like Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, and Rainbow are most fascinating in the rainy season.
The best time for horseback riding
The best time for horseback riding is from May to June.
The season of Spring is mostly famous for horseback riding. The park is fully covered with wildflowers and sprouting trees. So, riding through these sceneries pleases the visitor more than ever.
The lack of crowds during this season is more beneficial for horseback riders to enjoy their tour.
The stables are located in Cades Cove, Smokemont, Smoky Mountain, and Sugarlands.
The best time to see wildflowers
The best time to see wildflowers is from February to April.
At this time, the flowers begin to bloom with more delicate flowers. For viewing flower species like ephemerals, trillium, columbine, bleeding heart, and violets, This is the best time.
Also, during this season the park hosts a week-long festival called the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. So, considering these situations, The park is also called Wildflower National Park.
Are you interested in the important destinations of Smoky Mountains National Park? Read below to know the value of the park
01. Clingmans Dome
This is the highest point of the Smoky National Park. During Summer, this place seems to be the most famous spot among the visitors.
This is a popular hiking trail and a starting pot to reach places like Andrew Bald. It is also one of the 6 fire towers of the park. Half part of the trail belongs to Tennessee while the other belongs to North Carolina.
Visitors can view more than 100 miles into the distance when they reach the summit.
02. Cades Cove
With ideal wildlife, Cades Cove is the most visited place in the park. Cades Cove Loop Road is the most famous trail for biking.
03. Newfound Gap
There is a memorial at Newfound Gap named Rockefeller Memorial. This location has its unique beauty which is marvelous in view.
04. Look Rock
Look Rock is one of the observation ledges for one of the six fire towers. There is about ½ mile hike to reach the place. From here visitors can observe a 360-degree panoramic view.
Visiting Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the awesome decisions you ever make. I’m sure that no one regretted their decision as this place is a collection of wonderful things and places. Plan your trip and pack your things and visit. Do not miss the chance.