United States, North America

Great Smoky Mountains in February

Winter views through bare trees and empty trails. Gateway-town lodging at its cheapest.

Quiet valueChilly, highs near 54F (12C) in the valleys

A misty meadow in the Great Smoky Mountains — Great Smoky MountainsPhoto: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Great Smoky Mountains. Winter views through bare trees and empty trails. Gateway-town lodging at its cheapest.

Weather: Chilly, highs near 54F (12C) in the valleys
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What February is like in Great Smoky Mountains

February is chilly and calm, with valley highs near 54F (12C) and colder, sometimes snowy days up high. Kuwohi Road is still closed, and snow can shut Newfound Gap Road now and then. The trails are empty, the views through bare trees are wide, and cabins and hotels in the gateway towns are at their cheapest of the year.

February suits quiet-seekers, couples on a budget and hikers who do not mind cold mornings. Families wanting wildflowers, open high roads and warm weather should wait for April or May. If fall color is the dream, plan for mid October to early November instead.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Great Smoky Mountains this month.

Cheapest cabins of the year

Gateway-town lodging hits its lowest prices, so a cabin with a view costs far less than in October.

Cades Cove without the traffic

The loop can take hours in summer. In February you can drive it at an easy pace and stop for deer and turkeys.

Frozen waterfalls

After a cold snap, icicles can form around falls at higher elevations, a pretty sight from a safe distance.

What to pack for February

An insulated jacket, hat and gloves
Waterproof hiking boots for wet, muddy trails
Traction devices in case of ice
Binoculars for wildlife in Cades Cove

Our timing tip

Drive the Cades Cove loop in the first hour after it opens for the best wildlife sightings and the softest light.

Book Great Smoky Mountains for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Great Smoky Mountains
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Hotels for February
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Vacation rentals in Great Smoky Mountains
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets in Great Smoky Mountains
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Great Smoky Mountains for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains

Full guide

Cades Cove

An 11-mile one-way loop through a valley of historic buildings and wildlife. Closed to vehicles on Wednesdays, typically May through September, which makes it a cyclist's day.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome)

The highest point in the park at 6,643 feet, with an observation tower. The road closes for winter, typically December through March.

Tickets and tours →

Newfound Gap Road

The main road over the mountains between Gatlinburg and Cherokee. Open year-round but closed temporarily by snow and ice.

Tickets and tours →

Alum Cave Trail

A classic hike to Alum Cave Bluffs and on to Mount LeConte. Parking fills early in fall.

Tickets and tours →

Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls

Popular waterfall hikes. Grotto Falls lets you walk behind the water on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which is seasonal.

Tickets and tours →

Cataloochee Valley

Elk herds, historic buildings, and a remote feel on the North Carolina side. The road in is narrow and partly gravel.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Enter through Townsend or the North Carolina side at Cherokee instead of Gatlinburg, the most congested entrance.
Visit Cades Cove at opening or in the last hours before sunset; midday loop traffic can take hours.
In fall, go midweek and target early November for low-elevation color with far lighter crowds.
Hike trails away from the main corridors, such as the Cataloochee area or Big Creek, for solitude even in October.

Know before you go

The park is open all year, but several roads are seasonal: Kuwohi Road typically closes from December through March, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and some other roads close for winter.
Newfound Gap Road stays open year-round but closes temporarily during snow and ice, sometimes for days.
There is no entrance fee, but a parking tag is required to park anywhere in the park for more than 15 minutes. Daily, weekly, and annual tags are sold online and at visitor centers.
Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays, typically May through September.

Great Smoky Mountains in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Great Smoky Mountains?

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Great Smoky Mountains. Winter views through bare trees and empty trails. Gateway-town lodging at its cheapest.

What is the weather like in Great Smoky Mountains in February?

Chilly, highs near 54F (12C) in the valleys.

Is Great Smoky Mountains crowded in February?

February is one of the quieter months in Great Smoky Mountains; most sights can be done without long waits.