As the new year arrives and the holiday crowd fades, one of the best times to visit Gatlinburg and the Smokies begins. January is a wonderful time to enjoy the area’s attractions, dining opportunities, shops and the beauty of winter in the mountains with a little extra peacefulness mixed in! You’ll also find that lodging rates are more affordable, and you can enjoy your time by avoiding having to wait at the some activities that you choose around town!
Here are 5 of the best things to do when visiting Gatlinburg in January!
1. Ober Mountain
Tennessee’s only ski resort sits just above downtown Gatlinburg and can be accessed by riding on the Aerial Tramway or by driving to the top. Ober Mountain offers fun year around, but the best time of the year is most certainly in the winter months when the snow is on the ground and the slopes are open! All members of your party will find fun that fits their preference. Guests can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tubing and even snow play for the little ones!
2. Take A Hike
During the month of January, you’ll find fewer people on the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, yet there’s still plenty of beauty to discover. Many of us also often forget how amazing it can be feel to take in some fresh air and connect with nature when the cooler temps move in. If you’re an experienced hiker, gear up and take a snow day hike up to the summit of Mount LeConte. Guests with less experience will enjoy a stroll around the Gatlinburg Trail or Sugarlands Nature Trail as well as a visit to Laurel Falls on Little River Road.
3. Gatlinburg SkyPark
If you’re seeking quiet time and hoping to avoid the long summertime lines, then you’ll want to add the Gatlinburg SkyPark and SkyBridge to your January itinerary! Will it be cold on the mountain? Possibly, but that just means you’ll have the perfect excuse to sit by the fire pit with your sweetheart while you take in the stunning view of the Smoky Mountains! If you’re lucky, you may even get to experience a winter wonderland moment on a snowy day!
4. Explore the Museums
When visiting Gatlinburg this winter, be sure to take a day to explore a couple of the area’s museums! The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum is a gem that’s often overlooked. It’s an eccentric spot that is definitely worth the $3 admission! Movie fanatics will enjoy a trip to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum and everyone will have fun at Ripley’s Guinness World Record Museum! 80’s kids can get their pinball fix by stopping in at the Gatlinburg Pinball Museum & Arcade where guests can enjoy playing both modern and vintage pinball games. You’ll find other museum options in both Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas, including the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge.
Will you still be in town in February? Check out these fun things to do in Gatlinburg during February too!
5.Stay at The Appy Lodge
Exploring Gatlinburg and the Smokies should begin with the perfect place to stay! Our Gatlinburg hotel puts you close to all of these incredible things to do in Gatlinburg in January. Plus, we have cozy guests rooms with gas fireplaces and fire pits outside of our hotel. You’ll love spending the day at all the popular attractions or hiking in the Smokies before returning to the warmth and comfort of The Appy Lodge. We also offer a daily complimentary breakfast, free parking, a free downtown parking pass upon request, an indoor pool and hot tub, and more.
Are you ready to start planning the perfect vacation to enjoy all of these things to do in Gatlinburg in January? Browse our hotel rooms and choose where you’d like to stay!
