You could spend a lifetime exploring the Smoky Mountains, but you’ll have to start somewhere. The most popular months to visit are July and October, but the best time for you will depend on the experience that you are looking for and your tolerance for heat and humidity.
, the Smoky Mountains are a playground for nature lovers. With an average of 11 million visitors per year, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited national park in America—and with endless hikes, beautiful wildflowers, tons of museums, and decent weather year-round, it is easy to understand why.
There is a lot to see in the area, and sorting out when to visit can be tough. That’s why
The best time of year to visit the Smoky Mountains
The main attraction in the Smoky Mountains is of course the national park. As a result, the best time to visit will depend on what you are looking for and your tolerance for heat and rain. While winter is undoubtedly the low season, all attractions will open from May to October, and spring offers some unique experiences itself. Even in winter, though, your visit can be worthwhile,
Peak season: July to October
The good: All activities and attractions are available and all accommodations are open
The bad: Large crowds lead to higher rates and competition for parking
The weather: Mid-50s to high 80s (low 40s to mid-70s in October)
The busiest months are July and October, creating two somewhat distinct peak seasons. This would, therefore, make September a great time to visit if you don’t mind missing the fall colors and want to bypass some of the crowds.
People flock to the Smoky Mountains in the summer mainly for the warm weather, making it comfortable to hike at high elevations and play in all of the rivers, lakes, and swimming holes.
The fall, of course, brings beautiful changing leaves, which is a major attraction, but it is also the peak season for experiencing wildlife. Trout fishing is at its best in the fall, and elk and bear sightings are most frequent along trails and scenic drives. If you come in the fall, don’t miss the
, which runs from mid-September through late November.
Pro-tip Parking lots and campsites fill fast during the peak months. Head to trailheads around dawn, and try to book your accommodations ahead of time.
Off-season: November to February
The good: More solitude and longer views
The bad: Many attractions, accommodation options, and secondary roads are closed
The weather: Mid-20s to high 50s
The colder weather and icy conditions mean a lot of things close in the winter. Seven of ten campgrounds in the park, most secondary roads, rest stops, and picnic areas all close from November through May. There is still a good reason to visit though. The fallen leaves make for vast views, especially if you can get up high.
You can drive up to viewpoints like Newfound Gap, or hike up major summits like Clingmans Dome or Mount LeConte to take full advantage. As well, the lack of visitors means you will often feel like the only one in the park, and you get to feel the full solitude of nature.
Winter also offers a great opportunity to visit some of the less natural attractions around the national park.
From spring and early summer, there is an eruption of botanical beauty throughout the park. Hundreds of wildflowers come into bloom, painting the landscape with vibrant colors. To optimize your experience, the
Pro-tip While bugs aren’t usually a huge issue in the Smokies, ticks tend to be at their worst in late spring and early summer. Carry bug spray and don’t forget to do your tick checks.
The cheapest time to travel to the Smoky Mountains
Visiting the Smoky Mountains can be a cheap affair year-round.
Entrance to the park is free, most of the natural spaces are free to access, and backcountry and organized campgrounds make for cheap accommodations. There are plenty of free attractions around as well like the
can help with that. Jerry is an insurance comparison super-app that focuses on helping you save money.
Just answer a few questions and Jerry will show you the best prices available from top insurance companies. Even if you are already satisfied with your insurance,