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What is the worst time to visit Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg?
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- čas přidán 14. 08. 2024
- The Great Smoky Mountains are beautiful in just about any season. So is there ever a bad time to visit?
We love the Smokies in the spring, when the mountains are fresh and green and blooming. We love the summer when nothing is more refreshing than a cold mountain stream.
We love the Smokies in the fall when the kaleidoscope of colors is bursting all around. In the winter, we love seeing Christmas traditions at Dollywood and the bright, colorful lights and the holiday spirit everywhere.
So while we here at TheSmokies.com don’t think there’s ever a bad time to go to the Smokies, we acknowledge there is a season for everything and every purpose.
Some seasons are worse to go to the Smokies than others. Here are the less-than-ideal times to go to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg...
Read the full story: www.thesmokies...
Disclosure: This blog (and CZcams channel) will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you.
We’ve been several times in November or December and trips were great except for one trip 2 yrs ago the first week of December. I was really surprised and disappointed with the crowds and traffic. Didn’t expect it then. Took us 3 hrs to drive through Cades Cove and did not stop at all because of the crowds. In 2007 we rented a beautiful cabin just outside gatlinburg December 15th through 23rd for our adult children and grandchildren and celebrated Christmas. It was a perfect trip….got there on Saturday and Sunday morning it was snowing, just enough to play but not shut in and of course being from south Louisiana, most grandchildren had never seen snow. Was so thankful for that trip and time together…..3-1/2 years later we lost our oldest son so we have wonderful memories of that trip to treasure.
There is no worse time ?
I'm a firm believer, that
When you're on vacation
First and foremost! Lock your watch in your hotel room. 2- don't never say your lost! Keep a clear and open mind? Let's not forget it's called a vacation time for a reason'.relax enjoy! Appreciate whatever comes your way! Tomorrow another day for great adventures , and excitement it's all about you and having memories with family and friends, leaving the 24/7 routine behind you so sit relax enjoy the journey! forget about the trip? Take as it comes the nature and the joy! Of it .a bonus? Like my old teacher said to me once.why speed read? When you can lay back relax and enjoy yourself and the story its a lot better to have read it then to skip through it.
In other words explaining what you experience is that from which you find by not being in a hurry. This is what a vacation is all about. Doing what comes as you go the unknown is so beautiful and yet so overwhelming.
( My words of wisdom!!)
" Vacation a clock!
with no hands."
🙋♂️from IOWA PS please
Pay to park! & be safe!
Definitely during the Rod Runs. The traffic is indescribable. Cheers!
You're so right
Always a good time to visit the Smokies !
I will go to the smokies any time of the year. Love it there..
Heading there in first week of August.
As someone that grew up in the area, I would definitely have to see both of the rod runs in the spring and autumn.
So that really only leaves Christmas time and spring? I get what you're saying though. I live in Florida and soooo many people come during the summer which the absolute worst time because of the heat and killer 90% humidity! That being said, 85 degrees in the Tennessee mountains sounds like a pleasant day to a Floridian! See ya in June! 😆
Haha! So true, just pointing out the downsides to each season. There's really no "bad" time - mountains are always beautiful!
You are bound to see 95 degrees and 100 percent humidity in the Mountains in the summer too. It can be just as brutal as being in Florida, with no beach.
Been going for the last 23 years EVERY year and several times a year. If you want peace go January or February. December is kicking with holiday traffic so go DURING tbe week. Weekends are a NO, just try to get in Tanger on a Friday-Sunday During December.
We go week of thanksgiving most years. Fall colors have pretty much went away but we go then because of kids being out of school. I personally like for it to be cold when in mountains, and in November that’s a 50/50 chance. Best trip of all was appx 30 years ago in late November and had several inches of snow. I won’t go to mountains in summer because if heat. I hate the humid heat. Have been in January several times, usually just me and wife, no kids or grandkids and yes it is somewhat depressing because Holliday season is over, but it’s a great time not to have to fight crowds and just enjoy gatlinburg and the Smokies.
You can just add 'weekends' because any weekend is horrible now. Best time to go is Jan-Feb if you are trying to avoid crowds so I completely disagree with that assessment. My wife and I would go EVERY January for our anniversary and loved going then.
I’m going this upcoming January what is there to do ?
@@coreyschiano9688 Lots to do. Look up some shows. Go up to Anakeesta. Ripleys aquarium. Lots more
what have you done there in january, is the ski good there ? thank you
@@leosukar I don't ski but they have skiing. Many things to do in Pigeon Forge like attractions, shows, the island. Gatlinburg has some things as well. They are only about 20 minutes apart.
Hike, beautiful drives, shopping. The average high in January is 50 degrees, that is what Southern Michigan sees in early April. We had Cades cove to ourselves.
I would move to Tennessee in a second!
Rod Run is AWFUL - like you said, the cars are cool but traffic and crowds everywhere... we'll never make that mistake again!
We booked that week and then I saw this video..... We altered it to go the week before Rod Run! No thanks lol.
We love February in the Smokies. The average highs are in the 50s, it is like spring to us from Michigan. We visited Cades Cove in a middle February day 2023, blue skies and the temperature was in the low 70s. The daffodils were up and bright yellow. I told the wife, look behind us… not a single vehicle behind us or in front of us in early afternoon in the Cades Cove loop road lol. Believe me, February is THE BEST time to visit the GSMNP. So peaceful, warm for those coming down from the Midwest and most everything is open and more enjoyable.
My husband and I went for the first time around Aug 23....we didn't know that they was doing that jeep festival.
Traffic was horrible but it was interesting seeing the different themes that ppl did on their jeeps...that's also when I first heard of the whole rubber duck thing.
yes!! I we were there too and I was like.. wtf is with so many jeeps? will be going in the spring this year.
My wife and I took our week vacation the second week of November last year and we stayed in Pigeon Forge. Weather was cool but not frigid cold. We checked in on Sunday night and checked out Thursday morning. Hotel rates were cheap those nights. There were very small crowds in pockets of town but the visit was very pleasant and many attractions were still open.
We always go on Sunday’s and come back on tuesdays or wednesdays. We go pretty often and it’s not usually crowded on weekdays. Early May is also a good time to go.
I will never, ever come during Rod Run again. Two years ago during Fall Road Run, it took me 7 HOURS to go from Sevierville to Huck Finn's. I always check online to see when that "car show" is. At one time, they were supposed to move it all to LeConte Center, but that didn't work. So unless you want to get into town before the show starts and you don't want to drive anywhere or eat out, you should avoid during that week/weekend.
The traffic is the worst!
No question, the Labor day weekend Rod Run. Parkway is a parking lot and the restaurants are packed. We'll never do that again.
Yeah 2 to 3 hrs to get to a restaurant to wait another 2 for a table. It always baffles me that people are willing to go through that. I live here
@@1stoferwhich means this was the last year you have to deal with it correct? Thank goodness!
@@duncil85 what part of I live here do you not understand?
@@1stofer I’d never live there. Hell that’s worse than visiting lol
We just got back from there week before Christmas. NOTHING is worse than week before Christmas at Disney! Pigeon forge/Gatlinburg was very doable.
Sometimes it's all about perspective!
I went to Disney December 19-26. Wasn’t very many people. This was in 2019 when shit was normal though.
Even if it was January through February I'd still love to be out there.
But honestly, DO NOT go during car shows. The traffic is horrific and there's always lots of people at the attractions/restaurants or whatever. Trust me, my family's been going for over like 20 years (I think, maybe more) and you don't want to get stuck behind the car show line. (Going during at the end of months and when kids are in school is really better because there won't be so many people because when you go, it's mostly families.)
I would like to go when attractions are open but it’s not slammed full of people. I expect it to be a little busy, and just recently we did end up going during Rod week and wow.. just wow. It was painful trying to get down the strip. If you had to pick a week where the weather is comfortable and the people would maybe not be as heavy and everything was still open what week would it be? Trying to plan the next getaway and I figured if I started to talk to some people that are very familiar with the area then maybe I could have better odds getting my family there during a decent time.
A week that worked well for my family on our last trip was the week towards the end of October, but September could work too. Going during fall months and maybe even the first week of December really helps because most people go during the summer and/or spring, or that's at least when my family goes. We just make sure to pack and dress according to the weather, because it's a lot easier than having to into shops and buy a new coat every time. I hope that helps! :)
Is there a calendar somewhere when these car shows happen? Is it a once a year thing? or do they happen often? Planning going around mid-August
@@gr0nky everytime we have went it
has just been once a year, so if you're going in august ill think youll be good!
Agree!!
I would love to do in January and February 😅
Memorial Day Labor Day 4th of July traffic sucks. Usually go about three weeks after labor day.
Was once outstanding, but now it's A Catastrophy waiting to Happen.. to many people in that valley with only one way in/out that's the problem really except the primitive backroads that can't handle traffic... Jmo. It's Gridlock have fun..
July is a great time
I'm going in 1 week what's the weather like humid? I'm from Virginia
It seems Dollywood is open in January. We have tickets.
Only the very beginning of January so make sure to use them before the 7th ;)
Thanksgiving is the WORST for Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge traffic. Made the mistake twice and learned my lesson.
Do not go during the 1st two weeks in October for Fall Break for the kids. Its was so crowded in Dollywood! I got a souvenir just when I arrived to avoid the crowd. The rides were a 60-75 minute wait time. The food lines were long except for Red's. At 12 pm I was the second person in line! I couldn't believe it. That burger was delish! A little on the pink side for me but I was hungry! Lol.
Gatlinburg too was crowded. Lines to get doughnuts, which we stayed to get from The Donut Friar. Not bad. Forget about going into a restaurant or ordering take out. So we ate at Mountain Grill Cafe inside Glenstone Lodge where we stayed. Not bad but their pizza was tasty. We still got to enjoy ourselves. My first time there but second time for my parents. I'll be going back again this year after fall break! Lol.
Yeah, DO NOT go during FALL BREAK!!
When is this Rod Run?
What can I expect thru the week first week of April 2023
It will be picking up some from the slow season (which is Jan-March) - but shouldn't be as bad as it would be in May - Hope you enjoy the trip!
The most crowded times are rod runs and Holiday weekends. Not sure if this happens anymore, but sales tax-free weekend used to be very crowded as well. Fall break brings a lot because of the trees and Spring break is usually crowded but not terrible. I agree with winter not having a lot to do because of shutdowns but I enjoy less crowds, plus all the indoor stuff like restaurants, shopping etc. are usually open.
Please!! I live on the Gulf Coast where the humidity factor starting at the end of May is easily 110% and it only gets worse thru the end of the summer ( aka October). I don't believe for a second the humidity in the mountains is anywhere close to sea level. Y'all need to get a grip and come visit us in August, THEN you will know what humidity is!!!
I'm planning a trip to Gatlinburg early November. I don't like crowds much but hopefully it won't be too bad. Thanks for the video.
Early November before the kids are out of school. Ps. Hate strollers.
So, how was it? I have a trip planned for November 9-13 and am afraid its going to be cold and the trees wont be red and orange anymore. Were the leaves still on the trees? Was it cold? :)
@@carieevans3787 It was cool but not too cold. If you wear a coat you should be ok. The crowds weren't too bad. I drove to Pigeon Forge on Monday and Tuesday because that's usually the least busy days of the week and the traffic wasn't bad. By November 11 they were putting up Christmas lights.
I live in Pigeon Forge. The worst time to visit is any day of the month between March-December. I’ve never in my entire life seen Pigeon Forge as busy as it is. Unless you can deal with traffic, January and February is the only time to come.
Sounds like you should move since it’s so bad
We are going November 3-12 hope it will be a good week
Absolutely Rod runs and fall. We just got back today 3/12/23 and it was great. Crowds low and weather great.
We’re most of the attractions on the strip open during this time?
Trying to plan the best week for my family of 3 to go! We recently went but with Rod week(s) the wait were brutal down the street.
There are bypasses that the locals use to get away from the downtown traffic
Thanksgiving week by far
It's all relative Gatlinburg is 5 degrees cooler than Houston Texas in June and same humidity.
I would also add spring break
Im visiting in April, is this a good time?
How is it in April and May? Considering making a trip up thee. I don't want to deal with the summer traffic and I don't need all the leaves to be out but would like to see a fair amount of greenery. When do the leaves really start to come out in the spring time?
Going in April and I’m coming from florida so humidity isnt an issue for me LOL and Tennessee is my home state so…
They’re all great but the only time that I dread it is that Rod run the traffic is so terrible traffic was pretty terrible during October people out looking at the leaves last year Traffic was pretty bad then to
Rod run traffic should be called parking because it doesn't move . Why people want to sit in that is beyond me . Even the back roads are bumper ro bumper.
July 4th week is busy but it never deterred me...
Best, middle of November. Why? weather is good, crowds not so bad, Christmas season starting!!
I asked some locals around and they said that the area is quite pleasant around September?? Not sure what is all open as far as attractions go though..
@@CalebNorris16 rod run is in September, crowds galore
Going fathers day weekend. Doing zorbing, alpine coaster, magiquest and the island. Since they are al close will it take longer than 15-20 mins to get from attraction to attraction? Thanks!
Should be able to do that, but it can always depend on traffic. Remember that the zorbing place usually has limited hours. Enjoy your trip!
Perfect time. Kids in school. Worse end of may to mid September.
we are going Oct 18th-22nd. Will it be horrible? Dollywood on Thursday and Anakeesta on Friday
Shouldn't be too bad!
Not sure what the allure is of places like Gatlinburg, TN or Helen, GA. There are so many other great little mountain towns. But nevermind... no.... y'all keep on piling on top of each other in those fake-theme-park-like-towns and leave the better places to the rest of us. :)
Can you name a few to check out? I'm planning a trip soon to the area but know nothing about it yet
We're going to Gatlinburg with friends Nov 10th through Nov 17th. I looked up things to do and you're right About this not being a unique little mountain town. I'm kinda disappointed. We may cut the trip short and catch Boone or Blowing Rock on the way home. Maybe those are nicer?
The worst times to visit are between 2am and 5am every monday morning. You cannot do a whole lot then.
Considering a visit from NY during the Christmas week. Specifically staying at the Dollywood Dreammore, so as to go to the Dollywood Park as well. Is that a bad time? Never been there.
It's not a bad time, but it can be crowded during the holidays
Trying to decide on my first trip. Mid September or early December.
Might depend on how much you would like to see Christmas decor! Both can be nice for different reasons
Hmmm what about those of us who want colder weather? I'm wanting to Ski and I'd assume January is the best time to schedule for that with temps falling and being more solid for freezing?
Yes, that would be a good time. Ober Gatlinburg has the only ski slopes in Gatlinburg, they usually open mid-December.
They post a slope report here - obergatlinburg.com/ski/slope-report/
Hope that helps!
The worst times, if you hate traffic and crowds, are during school breaks.
If I were going to take my family and I wanted to avoid the super large crowds but wanted to also be able to enjoy most of the things what would be a good time range to considere??
@Bill Cunningham
I would like to go when attractions are open but it’s not slammed full of people. I expect it to be a little busy, and just recently we did end up going during Rod week and wow.. just wow. It was painful trying to get down the strip. If you had to pick a week where the weather is comfortable and the people would maybe not be as heavy and everything was still open what week would it be? Trying to plan the next getaway and I figured if I started to talk to some people that are very familiar with the area then maybe I could have better odds getting my family there during a decent time.
Rod week happens twice a year right?
@@CalebNorris16yes
Been there 3 times going back again soon with grand daughter s don’t care about the crowd
I’m going next month April 16-21st so I’m barely missing the rod run which is April13-15
We are leaving tomorrow. Have been here a week. Rod week traffic was brutal.. someone said it goes on for 2 weeks now? We came in the second week I hear??
Have you been during this time before?
There are no bad times !!!!!
Any time is not good to visit
And people will still go
What's wrong with 26 December? That's one of the absolute best days of the year; it means that I'm 365 days away from the most annoying day of the year.
😢
It’s always crowed - and this area is going to loss it’s small Mt. Town feel and and will loss it’s natural beauty - to many people and to much traffic - it’s terrible all the time - it used to be a down time’s with crowed and traffic - but not no more - there is not down time of year anymore
Is October busy all the time or is it more the weekends? Planning Oct 9th to 13th (Sun to Thurs)
October can be busy, but it's not nearly as bad as November and December. Hope that helps, enjoy your trip! :)
Weekends are always busy during the leaf peepers season, but from my experience during the week is very manageable. Learning the alternate routes around the main streets really helps also.
@@350bigdave Thank you!
So how is gatlinburg during the first half of December?
It can be crowded but not quite as bad as it is closer to the holidays.
@@TheSmokiesCom ok thank you. Ig now it might be busy because im going dec 16th-22nd
but rod runs is too cool😢😢😢
Is september good time to visit?
It can be, but keep an eye out for the Rod Runs car show and try to avoid those days (unless you're in town for the show of course!) This year it's Sep 14-16, 2023
I hope so! We’ll be there the 24th to the 28th!
Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and prime leaf season in fall are the most overcrowded times to be there…
Yep never a good time to go now always packed always traffic no peace and tranquility
Saturdays- just don't.
Dollywood is overpriced.