“Winter Wonderland Woes: How the Snowstorm is Shaping Travel to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Smoky Mountains”

A winter retreat to the Smoky Mountains seems like the ideal way to kick off the new year. However, could a winter storm disrupt those plans for travelers heading to the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg regions?

The entirety of East Tennessee is currently under a winter storm alert from 10 a.m. on January 10 until 7 a.m. on January 11. Accumulations of snow between 2 to 6 inches and ice up to one tenth of an inch are anticipated across the area, as stated by the National Weather Service, with potentially higher totals. The southernmost sections of Sevier County may exceed 8 inches.

“While people enjoy seeing the snow, they tend to be a bit wary when visiting the area,” Angela Carathers, a spokesperson for the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, informed Knox News.

However, individuals planning to visit the Smokies this weekend, or throughout the winter season, need not be too hasty in cancelling their arrangements.

How will the snowstorm influence trips to Gatlinburg?

Although the highest elevations in the Smokies may receive nearly 1 foot of snow, the forecast indicates that the city of Gatlinburg will get approximately 3 inches this weekend, according to an updated NWS forecast on January 9.

“I believe the city excels at ensuring the roads remain clear. I’ve witnessed them salting the roads over the past few days,” Carathers remarked the day prior to the storm.

Travelers are encouraged to check Gatlinburg.com for the latest weather and road updates prior to embarking on their journey. The city’s social media accounts and mobile app also offer valuable weather-related information.

Once you arrive safely in Gatlinburg, Carathers mentioned there may not be much necessity for extensive road travel.

“We’re a walkable town. So, driving is not heavily required once you reach,” she indicated. “You can stroll to the restaurants, you can walk to the attractions, and most venues remain open throughout the winter season.”

Some attractions, like Ober Mountain, benefit from snow events. Skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing are offered at the adventure park and ski area. Even those who are less adventurous can appreciate the snow.

“Winter is about enjoying the ambiance and the lights. You can rent a cabin, relax by the fireplace, and enjoy a glass of wine. It’s truly a time to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty and landscape,” Carathers concluded.

How will the snowstorm impact trips to Pigeon Forge?

Leon Downey, the tourism director for Pigeon Forge, did not foresee that Friday’s snowstorm would significantly affect local businesses.

“Fortunately, most of the snow remains in the mountains,” he remarked. “I prefer it when it stays up there and leaves us well enough alone down here.”

Similarly to Gatlinburg, the months of January and February are the least busy for tourism in Pigeon Forge. The area’s main attraction, Dollywood, is closed for the season. Other attractions and businesses also close temporarily for maintenance, painting, and other routine jobs, Downey noted.

Individuals planning a trip to Pigeon Forge this weekend should consult MyPigeonForge.com. The site will have updates on any road closures, travel warnings, weather notices, and additional relevant details. You can also dial 1-800-251-9100 for weather information.

Which roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are closed?

Numerous major roads within Great Smoky Mountains National Park are closed to vehicles due to snow and ice earlier this week. More closures are anticipated as Friday’s winter storm deposits additional inches of snow. All visitor centers in the park closed at 8 a.m. on January 10.

On January 11, the park announced that the Sugarlands and Oconaluftee visitor centers would reopen by 11 a.m., but the Cable Mill Visitor Center in Cades Cove would remain closed throughout the day. Park officials warned that even some roads that are still open could be icy.

Roads within

The national park has been shut down due to snowfall as of January 9, and the closures include:

• Cade Cove Loop Road (closed at sunset January 9)
• Cherokee Orchard Road (closed at sunset January 9)
• Foothills Parkway East (rest to be closed by 8 a.m. January 10)
• Lakeview Drive
• Laurel Creek Road (starting 8 a.m. January 10)
• Little River Road (starting 8 a.m. January 10)
• US 441/Newfound Gap Road

The NWS cautions that roads, particularly bridges and overpasses, may become icy and perilous during the snowstorm.

For the most recent road closures and additional updates in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, please visit the park’s website or check the SmokiesRoadsNPS social media account on X.

What to anticipate in the Smokies during winter

The typical snowfall in the lower elevations of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is approximately 7-8 inches each year, as indicated on the park’s website.

In higher elevations, such as around Kuwohi (previously known as Clingmans Dome), snowfall amounts are substantially more. This average snowfall exceeds 100 inches each year!

“While this may seem like a considerable amount, it essentially means visitors can appreciate the stunning view of snow-blanketed mountains in the distance during their stay, without significantly disrupting travel plans,” states the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website.

From 2006-2020, Gatlinburg experienced an average winter snowfall of 7.3 inches, while Sevierville saw an average of 2.6 inches, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. During the same period, Knoxville’s snowfall averaged at 4.3 inches.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. You can email him at devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.

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