United States, North America

Great Smoky Mountains in March

Early wildflowers at low elevations late in the month. Spring break crowds begin in the gateway towns.

Quiet valueMild in the valleys, highs near 62F (17C), variable

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

The straight answer

March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Great Smoky Mountains. Early wildflowers at low elevations late in the month. Spring break crowds begin in the gateway towns.

Weather: Mild in the valleys, highs near 62F (17C), variable
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What March is like in Great Smoky Mountains

March is a month of change. Valley highs reach about 62F (17C), but the weather swings from warm sun to cold rain, and the high country can still see snow. Kuwohi Road usually stays closed through the month. Late in March, the first wildflowers appear at low elevations, and spring break brings more people to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

March suits flexible travelers who want mild hiking and a first look at spring without April's crowds. Spring breakers should expect busy gateway towns, so base in Townsend or Cherokee. If peak wildflowers are the goal, April and May are better bets.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Great Smoky Mountains this month.

The first wildflowers

Late in the month, early bloomers start to show along low-elevation trails. It is a quiet preview of April's big show.

Strong waterfalls

Late winter rain keeps falls like Laurel Falls running well, with fewer people than later in spring.

Quieter entrances

While Gatlinburg fills with spring breakers, the Townsend and Cherokee sides stay much calmer.

What to pack for March

A rain jacket for frequent showers
Layers for mornings in the 40s F and warm afternoons
Waterproof boots for muddy trails
A small wildflower field guide for the kids

Our timing tip

If your spring break is flexible, choose the last week of March for early blooms and plan hikes on weekdays.

Book Great Smoky Mountains for March.

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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 March. 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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Great Smoky Mountains?

March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Great Smoky Mountains. Early wildflowers at low elevations late in the month. Spring break crowds begin in the gateway towns.

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

Mild in the valleys, highs near 62F (17C), variable.

Is Great Smoky Mountains crowded in March?

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