Winter Hiking Adventures Near Autumn Ridge Vacation Rentals

Top Winter Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains Near Autumn Ridge

You didn’t come to the Smokies to sit and watch the snow gently fall, though that is certainly an added bonus! You have unpacked your bags at Autumn Ridge, been fueled by a pot of coffee, and you’re more than ready for adventure. Just because it’s cold (and potentially snowing), there isn’t any real reason for you to stay stuck indoors. There’s just too much to do up here! If you brought hiking boots and lots of layers with the expectation of exploration, have we got some ideas for you!

Winter hiking is huge in the mountains, but not so big that you will encounter the hiking hordes of summer. If peace and quiet sound amazing, read on. If you expected to hike, but are not used to snow and ice, you need to make a quick trip into an outdoorsy store like the Nantahala Outdoor Center or The Day Hiker in Gatlinburg for a few essentials. Do not forget traction devices for your hiking boots!  (Here’s a great list of suggested ‘what to bring’ items.)  You will probably need them in the winter up here. You’ll also need a parking pass for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

If your previous hiking experience only involved flat surfaces, you may want to take it slow and easy in the Smokies. There are several beautiful hikes to be completed in a few hours. One of the most popular is the hike up to the Spruce Flats Falls in the Tremont area (make sure Tremont Road is open before you go).  You will first take Laurel Creek Road towards Cades Cove, then take a left onto the road for the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Approximately two miles down this road, you will see a parking lot near the Institute. Walk up the gravel service road and follow the signs for the falls. The hike is 1.4 miles roundtrip. There are some very steep areas on this hike, so be sure to have your traction devices firmly in place on your boots and take it slow! You will be rewarded with beautiful views and, when you get to the falls, a special photo opportunity of a partially or completely frozen waterfall! How fun is that? Though short, this hike is regarded as challenging in places, so would be best for those with pretty strong cardiovascular health. Bear sightings are fairly common in this area.

Another fun waterfall hike of moderate length is the Porter’s Creek Trail. If you turn around and head back at Fern Branch Falls, you’ll enjoy a nice four-mile trek. Again, you will need the traction on your boots, as the last mile down to the falls is steep. Just take it slow and you’ll be fine.  Along the way, you’ll see some fun historic sites, including an old cemetery and a barn that was part of an historic farmstead! This is a beautiful Smokies hike with a side order of history. What could be better?

More experienced hikers who are up for a longer adventure may want to tackle the Charles Bunion Trail from Newfound Gap. This is an eight-mile trek that is part of the famed Appalachian Trail. Experience sweeping views from a famous rock outcropping, and dense, lovely forests. You will need hiking poles and traction in the winter, so come amply prepared. It’s very cold up there! Layers are absolutely essential. Remember that fog is a constant possibility in the Smokies in winter, so views may be obscured from the heights.

Back down in Gatlinburg after your chilly hiking adventure, you’ll want to head into one of the many coffee shops and restaurants to enjoy a hot drink or meal and reflect on all you have seen. Winter up here is truly magical, and offers its own unique joys. The lush green of spring and summer and the golden majesty of fall are replaced by a sweeping, icy and snowy silence that touches the soul.