We see all kinds of folks walk through the doors of CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains. There are the Spring Break families with their kids ziplining for the first time, the nature lovers who come to experience the brilliant fall colors, and then there are the especially wild ones (you know who you are) that want to zip over the snow capped mountains even if it means they come back with icicles on their eyebrows.
That’s why when people ask us “what should we do in the Smokies?” Our response is “well when are you coming?” One of the things we love about the Smoky Mountains is that we truly experience all four seasons. It also means that the mountains show off in different ways in each season. So think of us as your friend you text for suggestions when visiting their hometown and let us share some of our must-do’s, hidden gems and local faves to experience in each season.
Summer in the Smokies
Let’s go Chasing Waterfalls
Summer is all about staying cool and splashing around when possible. The Smoky Mountains boasts several beautiful waterfall hikes, but summer might be the only time you would want to actually get in that icy cold water.
Grotto Falls – a fairly easy 2.6 roundtrip hike, it features a 25-foot waterfall and is the only waterfall you can actually walk behind.
Abrams Falls – a more difficult trek at 5.2 miles roundtrip, the hike takes you along a creek which offers several spots to cool off in the cold creek water. Be careful though, the base of the waterfall looks serene but there can be strong currents underneath so best to only dip your feet in.
Hit the Rapids
Since you’re clearly not afraid of a good adrenaline rush, white water rafting is the best combination of thrill ride meets scenic views meets staying cool. At Smoky Mountain Outdoor Rafting you can choose your level of thrill. There’s the Lower River Ride that is a bit calmer and great for families with younger kids, the more daring Upper River Ride with some great rapids, and there’s the Extreme Upper River ride that is, well, more extreme!
Let Freedom Ring
Gatlinburg boasts the very first Independence Day Celebration in the nation. How is that? Well the parade kicks off at 12:01…AM. That’s right, for nearly 50 years the Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade kicks off a full day of celebrations, complete with music, July 4th festivities and, of course, epic fireworks!
Summer at CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains
Zipline above the lush, green mountain forest or try ziplining at night for a completely different experience! Night zipping offers a chance to see a Smoky Mountain sunset and zip through the starry skies.
Fall in the Smokies
Ok ok, we know we shouldn’t have favorites, but if we had to pick, we might have to put fall up at the top (definitely in the top 4 anyway). There’s a reason people come from all over to experience the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains. The abundance of autumn colors and the cooler temps will have you wishing it could be October all year long.
Relish In The Views
You’re here for those epic views so whether you’d like to see them on foot or take a leisurely drive through the park, we’ve got you covered.
Little Greenbrier Trail– a relatively short trail that offers numerous lookouts, vibrant fall colors and a visit to the Walker Sisters Cabin for a quick history lesson of the area.
Clingman’s Dome– If you are looking for a vista-filled drive we suggest heading to Climgman’s Dome. The drive there is spectacular and from the parking lot it is a half-mile walk to the Clingman’s Dome Observation Tower. While it’s a short walk, it’s pretty steep so be prepared. The panoramic views from there are some of the best around!
Dollywood
Dolly is an icon and a legend and can do no wrong so of course Dollywood is on our must-visit list! Fall is an especially great time to visit because Dollywood’s Harvest Festival features the sights, sounds and smells (think warm apple treats) of fall at the beloved park. Stay after dark to enjoy the Great Pumpkin LumiNights which deserves another walk through the park for the decorations alone!
Get Spooked
Gatlinburg after dark comes alive with ghosts…well ghost tours anyway. Whether or not there are any real ghosts haunting the Parkway is for you to decide, but we’re not embarrassed to say we’ve been spooked by a good ghost tour or two. You also learn some really interesting history of the area along the way. Our favorites are Gatlinburg Haunts and Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg.
Fall at CLIMB Works
All this talk about fall colors, you know we clearly think that the best way to take it all in is from above, seeing miles around you in each direction, with a wise and witty tour guide. Guess what checks all those boxes? You got it, CLIMB Works!
Pro tip: Fall gets really busy so be sure to book as far out as you can to secure the day and time you want.
Winter in the Smokies
Santa himself would probably say that Gatlinburg is the closest thing to the real North Pole that there is! The snow-capped mountains are the perfect backdrop to our mountain winter wonderland.
A True Christmas Village
Events like Fantasy of Lights Parade and Winterfest offer seasonal shows, parades, light tours and oh-so-many Christmas lights to fill the winter calendar!
Grab Your Skis!
Ober Mountain, Tennessee’s #1 skiing destination offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating and other ways to play in the snow in their Family Snow Zone. There are also plenty of places to warm up inside or grab a delicious hot chocolate!
Nature doesn’t hibernate
Of course hiking is a year-round activity and trails like Rainbow Falls glisten with ice features forming along the falls adding to its beauty.
A drive through Cades Cove is especially beautiful in the winter and there’s still plenty of wildlife to spot. There are also historic buildings and churches along the way that you can pop into and explore.
Winter at CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains
Zipping in the winter adds an extra thrill (and chill!) but we take care of that at the end of the tour with hot chocolate and a cozy campfire set up just for the winter months.
Spring in the Smoky Mountains
Hit the Trails
The Smoky Mountains are in full bloom in the spring. As resident lovers of the great outdoors it’s no surprise that the first thing we’d tell you to do is hit the trails! So dust off those hiking boots that have sat untouched all winter and let’s go!
Schoolhouse Gap Trail– this 3.8 mile round trip hike is great for the more leisurely nature lovers. Spring flowers are in full bloom and it’s a relatively flat walk. There are often bear sightings along the trail so keep your eyes peeled and never approach one. (Did I really have to say that last part?)
Little River Trail- following the path of the Little River and old railroad bed, this 5 mile hike is full of wildflowers in the Spring making it one of the most picturesque walks through the woods. Looking for more spring hikes? Go here for more of our favorites!
Make the Pilgrimage
The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage that is. Nature lovers from all over the country travel to the Smokies for a weekend of professionally-guided walks, exhibits, exploration and learning opportunities of our area’s natural resources. This year’s pilgrimage will take place April 23-26th.
Explore Anakeesta
Anakeesta bursts with color in the spring with thousands of flowers throughout the park and especially throughout the colorful Vista Gardens. Located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, Anakeesta combines the beauty and tranquility of nature with the thrills of an adventure park.
Pro Tip: Avoid the crowds and enjoy the cooler evening temps by going later in the day.
Another pro tip: If you’d like to have dinner up there (which we suggest) go ahead and put your name in for a table when you get there. If there’s a wait, you can walk around and enjoy the mountain until your table is ready.
Spring at CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains
Your zipline adventure begins before you’re even hooked into your first zipline. The UTV ride to the top of the mountain is an added thrill ride that starts your tour off right. Oftentimes in the Spring we are greeted by various wildlife along the trail and get an up close view of the wildflowers and greenery.
