Tennessee is gorgeous any time of the year, but we have some of the prettiest winters in the United States. Really. With the Great Smoky Mountains to the east, there’s really no better state to spend the chilly months of your winters with. Whether you’re looking for some fun ways to get active in the dropping temperatures or in search of a quirky way to spend the weekend, we’ve got it. Drive safe and bring your coats!
- Drive through the winter wonderland of Cherohala Skyway.
Ernest Duffoo - Flickr The Cherohala Skyway is shared by both East Tennessee and North Carolina and begins in Tellico Plains. It is one of the most popular National Scenic Byways in the United States, and for good reason — can you imagine taking in that view IN PERSON?! It’s insane and runs 43-miles from state to state.
- Take a trip down the Roaring Fork Motor Trail.
dustin j williams - Flickr Surrounded by forest and historic buildings, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail comes in at five and a half miles, a loop road that’s a favorite of both locals and tourists alike. Drive through the frosty weather to experience mountain streams and an old-growth forest, expansive and stunning and wildly rare.
- Newfound Gap Road may be one of the prettiest drives in the mountains.
Doug Bradley - Flickr Another great drive in the mountains is Newfound Gap Road, a true mountain pass that runs between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Mountains.
- Experience the snowy beauty of Cades Cove.
Sarath Kuchi - Flickr Cades Cove — what a gem. You can drive the loop or walk along trails that surround the valley. Kid and family friendly, this may be your best bet if you’re looking to experience stunning views in a quiet, succinct manner.
- Adventure on at Ober Gatlinburg.
gsh . Flickr The aerial tramway located in Ober Gatlinburg is one of the most famous tourist spots in the country. The famed locale operates as a mall as well, with snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, and a whole ream of restaurants on site to feed your fancy.
- Take in the view from the top of Clingman’s Dome.
Doug Kerr - Flickr The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits at more than 6,600 feet high, making for some of the most stunning views in the state. The hike up to it is short and paved, at less than half a mile, but keep in mind that the incline is pretty sharp! It’s a good thing that view is worth it…
- Rent a cabin for yourself and relax by the fire.
Brent Moore - Flickr There’s nothing better than sitting by the fire and enjoying the beauty of the Smokies with a glass of wine (or hot cocoa!) in hand, watching the snow fall. Book a cabin as soon as you can, because this is one beautiful tradition that is reserved waaaay ahead of time.
Another great way to spend your winter? Laughing. And these Tennessee memes are SURE to make you giggle…
Ernest Duffoo - Flickr
The Cherohala Skyway is shared by both East Tennessee and North Carolina and begins in Tellico Plains. It is one of the most popular National Scenic Byways in the United States, and for good reason — can you imagine taking in that view IN PERSON?! It’s insane and runs 43-miles from state to state.
dustin j williams - Flickr
Surrounded by forest and historic buildings, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail comes in at five and a half miles, a loop road that’s a favorite of both locals and tourists alike. Drive through the frosty weather to experience mountain streams and an old-growth forest, expansive and stunning and wildly rare.
Doug Bradley - Flickr
Another great drive in the mountains is Newfound Gap Road, a true mountain pass that runs between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Mountains.
Sarath Kuchi - Flickr
Cades Cove — what a gem. You can drive the loop or walk along trails that surround the valley. Kid and family friendly, this may be your best bet if you’re looking to experience stunning views in a quiet, succinct manner.
gsh . Flickr
The aerial tramway located in Ober Gatlinburg is one of the most famous tourist spots in the country. The famed locale operates as a mall as well, with snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, and a whole ream of restaurants on site to feed your fancy.
Doug Kerr - Flickr
The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits at more than 6,600 feet high, making for some of the most stunning views in the state. The hike up to it is short and paved, at less than half a mile, but keep in mind that the incline is pretty sharp! It’s a good thing that view is worth it…
Brent Moore - Flickr
There’s nothing better than sitting by the fire and enjoying the beauty of the Smokies with a glass of wine (or hot cocoa!) in hand, watching the snow fall. Book a cabin as soon as you can, because this is one beautiful tradition that is reserved waaaay ahead of time.
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