Are bears out in December in Gatlinburg?

One of the animals in the Smoky Mountains that many folks hope to see is the black bear. However, most bears are in their winter dens from mid-December to mid-March so they can be difficult to spot during the winter season. Therefore, you still might see a bear as they stir from their dens and wander around.

What is there to do in the Smoky Mountains in the winter?

10 Great Winter Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

Winter hiking in the Park.
Cades Cove in the Winter.
Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights.
National Park Waterfalls.
The Incredible Christmas Place.
Smoky Mountain Opry.
A gourmet meal with snowfall viewing.
Ober Gatlinburg.

Is Gatlinburg nice in the winter?

Gatlinburg offers plenty to keep visitors entertained on a year-round basis, and yet, vacationers and locals alike often find themselves spending the majority of the winter months indoors. That’s a shame, as many of the area’s finest attractions involve snow and ice.

Can you hike in Smoky Mountains in December?

Hiking in the winter is absolutely magical in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Most of the time you are walking in a winter wonderland. The trail is often dusted with snow, and many trails take you to impressive vantage points of the snow-covered mountains, while others take you to beautifully frozen waterfalls.

Can you hike in Gatlinburg in December?

Another way to enjoy a successful hike is to pick a trail that is less challenging and even more spectacular during the winter season. This trail is close to Gatlinburg and is a 5.4 mile round trip hike. Past the falls, hikers can continue to the peak of Mt. LeConte, but this would be a 13 mile hike round trip.

Do Smoky Mountain bears hibernate?

Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends.

Is Gatlinburg Nice in January?

Gatlinburg can be quite cold during the month of January, but here are the average seasonal temperatures: Average High is 45°F. Average Low is 34°F.

Is Gatlinburg busy in December?

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are busy during the holidays, leaving the Parkway congested. If traffic is slow in town, enjoy the LED light displays that will surely brighten the trip! Roads can also become icy at times, so make sure you are well prepared for local weather conditions.

What is the coldest month in Gatlinburg?

January
The coldest month of the year in Gatlinburg is January, with an average low of 29°F and high of 47°F.

How much snow will Gatlinburg get this winter?

Gatlinburg, TN sits at an elevation of 1,280 feet and gets around 9 inches of snow annually.

What to do in Gatlinburg in the winter?

No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without a day exploring the overlooks and trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While most of the Park’s diverse wildlife lies dormant during the winter, other ecosystems still teem with life and majestic winter beauty.

When is the best time of year to visit Ober Gatlinburg?

Winter is the perfect time to visit Tennessee’s only ski mountain. Though Ober Gatlinburg has plenty of year-round attractions, it’s well worth visiting the ski lodge while the slopes are covered in snow. If you plan on visiting Ober Gatlinburg during Gatlinburg’s snowy season, you can enjoy: