United States, North America

Great Smoky Mountains in January

The quietest month. Snow sometimes closes Newfound Gap Road; Kuwohi Road is closed for the season.

Quiet valueCold, highs near 50F (10C) in the valleys, much colder up high

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

The straight answer

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Great Smoky Mountains. The quietest month. Snow sometimes closes Newfound Gap Road; Kuwohi Road is closed for the season.

Weather: Cold, highs near 50F (10C) in the valleys, much colder up high
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What January is like in Great Smoky Mountains

January is the quietest month in the Smokies. Valley highs are near 50F (10C), and it is much colder up high, where snow and ice can close Newfound Gap Road for a day or more. Kuwohi Road is closed for the season. Trails are nearly empty, the bare trees open up long ridge views, and gateway-town lodging is about as cheap as it gets.

January suits hikers who like solitude, budget travelers and anyone happy with low-elevation walks and a cozy cabin. It is not ideal if you want Kuwohi, wildflowers or fall color. For blooms, aim for April or May, and for color, late October into early November.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Great Smoky Mountains this month.

Empty trails

Popular hikes like Laurel Falls, which are crowded most of the year, can feel almost private on a January weekday.

Winter views through bare trees

With the leaves down, you can see ridgelines, old stone walls and cabins that hide in summer.

Snow in the high country

A storm can frost the peaks while the valleys stay mild, so you can often see snow from below without driving on it.

What to pack for January

Warm layers and a waterproof jacket for cold rain
Traction devices for icy trails at higher elevations
A parking tag, bought online, for stops longer than 15 minutes
A thermos for hot drinks on chilly walks

Our timing tip

Check the park's road status before heading over Newfound Gap, since snow and ice can close it with little warning.

Book Great Smoky Mountains for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Great Smoky Mountains
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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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Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Great Smoky Mountains for January. 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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Great Smoky Mountains?

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Great Smoky Mountains. The quietest month. Snow sometimes closes Newfound Gap Road; Kuwohi Road is closed for the season.

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

Cold, highs near 50F (10C) in the valleys, much colder up high.

Is Great Smoky Mountains crowded in January?

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