Nestled between the border of Tennessee and North Carolina sits one of the most gorgeous landscapes in America. The Great Smoky Mountains, often called "The Smokies" by locals, is an ecologically diverse subrange of the larger Appalachian Mountains. Famous for its large old growth forest, the Smoky Mountains are home to hundreds of unique species and painterly landscapes.
In winter, the Smokies take on a serene and peaceful appearance. The branches of ancient spruce-fir trees sag under the weight of fresh snow, and the fog for which the mountains were named grows denser, casting a soft glow on the mountains. Because of the area's natural beauty in cold weather, winter is the perfect time to enjoy a tour through the picturesque mountain range. It also doesn't hurt that the dense population of black bears in the Smokies hibernate through the winter, making it a safer time to explore the area.
Sights to See in the Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains don't just offer pretty trees and sleepy bears. There's an unseen world just waiting to be explored. Because the mountains share land with the Tuckasegee and Tennessee rivers, the range is home to dozens of calming creeks and rushing streams. These water features meander across the hills and mountains, creating stunning waterfalls and trickling brooks throughout the forest. The region also features dozens of beautiful mountain passes and hiking trails. These eye-popping sites are all accessible via our Smoky Mountain tours.
Roaring Fork Tour
Our two-and-a-half hour Roaring Fork Tour is for those looking to get a bit more adventure in their lives. Mostly taking place along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, this exciting tour follows the Roaring Fork stream though the Smokies. This volatile stream changes appearance throughout the year, so no two tours are the same. Those who take the winter tour may even get to see Roaring Fork in a rare state of partial freeze from the safety of our open air Pink Jeep. Every Roaring Fork tour ends with an exciting 4x4 off-road adventure to get your blood pumping!
Newfound Gap Tour
This relaxing three hour tour is perfect for soaking up the scenery of the Smokies. Departing from Pigeon Forge, this tour takes you to the viewpoint of the Newfound Gap mountain pass. Along the way, our Pink Jeep stops at several scenic observation points. There's not a better way to get great photos of family, friends and scenery in the Smoky Mountains.
Smoky Mountains Christmas Light Tours & Holiday Attractions
During winter months, the Smoky Mountains take on a rare beauty. The peaks of the Smokies become dusted with snow and the leaves begin to drop their gorgeous fall colors. Down at the base of the mountain range, historic villages like Pigeon Forge host holiday extravaganzas. Decked out in brilliant Christmas Lights, these small towns look like something right out of a fantasy novel. Be sure to check out these Christmas-time attractions after taking one of our Smoky Mountain winter tours!
Christmas Place (Pigeon Forge)
Pigeon Forge is famous for its beautiful scenery. But during the holiday season, nothing in town is a bigger deal than Christmas Place. This massive holiday store attracts visitors from all over the U.S. who come to browse through their expansive holiday inventory. It even has an inn that perfectly captures the quaint charm of a Southern Christmas.
Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights
The Pigeon Forge Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights is the perfect activity for Christmas lovers. This electric extravaganza features some of the most amazing custom light displays anywhere in the world. Take your own car on a drive through a winter wonderland where you can see lit up versions of your favorite fairytale characters, scenes from American history and more.
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland features a Christmas light show unlike any you've ever seen. This attraction boasts a 300 foot drive-through light tunnel and a 70 foot tall tree made of RGB LED lights. All these displays and more can only be seen at the foot of the Smoky Mountains in Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland.
Mountain Cabin for Your Smoky Mountains Holiday Getaway
Those looking to stay in the Smoky Mountains over the holidays can head to the beautiful cabins in the area. To help you find great lodging, Pink Adventure Tours has identified two cabin rental agencies for your Smoky Mountain winter getaway.
Summit Cabin Rentals
Summit Cabin Rentals offers cabins for rent in nearby Pigeon Forge. Since our Great Smoky Mountain tours depart from Pigeon Forge, this is the perfect place to stay if you're planning on taking more than one tour. They boast a 4.6 out of 5 review average with over 500 reviews on Google, so you can be sure they'll take care of you whether you're there for a winter vacation or any time of the year.
Dollywood Cabins
An elevated getaway in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood Cabins feature incredible amenities and luxurious accommodations. View a wide selection of cabins located near the Dollywood Parks and the Smoky Mountains. Enjoy your winter season with family and friends surrounded by festive holiday cheer.