March is a month of spring and all its wonders, but also of winter weather conditions. March is a month of cold nights and warm days in the mountains.
Is that right to go smoky mountains weather in march? Looking for a little sunshine in March? Look no further than the Smoky Mountains! Although the mountains can be cold during the winter, temperatures peak in March and the weather becomes quite temperate.
In fact, the average temperature in March is about 53 degrees, which is about 10 degrees warmer than the average temperature for the rest of the year.
So whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, the Smoky Mountains are definitely worth a visit this month! Of course, we can’t get away from the chilly nights that encompass this month, but throw a blanket over you and stay warm!
The temperature at night is also quite temperate in March too. In fact, temperatures fall just below freezing only three times during February and April—January 23rd through 25th of 1975; January 15th to 17th of 1986; and March 18-20st 2003 (which was the coldest week on record).
Weather conditions in this month are different than those in other months of the year, so please don’t let them affect your plan to visit the Smoky Mountains, National Park.
Best Smoky Mountains Weather In March
Our weather in March is best from late winter through spring, when there aren’t any snowfall or freezing temperatures forecasted for the area. The majority of visitors come to our mountains during this time and we recommend everyone consider it as an option for their visit to our National Park.
Attractions In The Smoky Mountains
Music is an important part of the Smoky Mountains and we have it in every square mile. Walking, biking or driving among these melodies can produce a surreal experience for all those who want to entertain themselves with this ‘musical enchantment’.
The five favorite places for music lovers are Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cades Cove (Tallulah Gorge), Cherokee Park (Inner Space) and Obergrimman State park (Old Mill and Smoky Mountain River Railway).
For car fans, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a must see. It’s just thirtyish miles from our gates. If you know how to bring your [bird] pathos outdoors, this place can be an unexpected experience for someone who doesn’t visit “smokies”.
The best times to get warm in these mountain valleys are late fall through early spring when falling temperatures aren’t accompanied by snowfall.
Weather In March
The months of March-April are the coolest ones in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. In these two towns, weather often can vary widely from cool to cold with no severe snowfall and for us as a brand new tourist it is like getting into uncharted territory when we find -30 degree temperatures recorded outdoors. (Photo: 3rd day of our trip).
In Smoky Mountain National Park however the hottest days combined with windy conditions make the weather unpredictable. Looking into national park’s statistical data we can find that each year average temperature fluctuates between 37°Felsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) and 50°F/10 °C in May with a minimum of 13-26 Fahrenheit (-5 to -7 Celsius).
So no matter what outdoor activity you’re going to do, remember you’ll still feel cooler than most people who visit other parts of USA because they keep their house permanently on more comfortable temperature level.
Springtime Activities In The Smoky Mountains
Spring is truly special in Smoky Mountain National Park. Great flood of colors, flowering and especially sunlight creates the most unique atmosphere that pushes you to try almost all outdoor activities like hiking geocaches aroung; exploring amazing nature trails hidden among Walnut trees or Chinquapines on top o’Deafy’s Ridge (gift from God).
April Days are first dog days for our beloved Gatlinburg so be ready for super hot, dry and windy days but also enjoy spring weather and soon after May Days you can see flower explosions on trees. Only a weeks before June you will find all the bushes – except Chinquapine’s – in full bloom with creamy white tulips that color entire woodlands with colorful blossoms.
How Do I Get To The Smoky Mountains National Park?
The park is located in the northeast part of Tennessee (intersection point with Kentucky) and can be found not far from pretty towns like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. To get to Smoky Mountains you can find a few roads that lead there, but the most recommended section starts around 38 miles away from Tellico Plains through Sevierville about 25 minutes road drive.
Highway 321 continues up north until it ends at King’ sport; then you can enjoy another 3 mile navigable road to reach back into Smoky Mountains at Big Ridge Trailhead in West Virginia.
Another way of getting there is driving (or flying with your private car) from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport or New York’s JFK airport. Next day you should visit historic downtown Pigeon Forge located just 12 miles away, then take the $50 round trip bus ride through beautiful mountains and even more scenic Great Smokies back to the park entrance.
The dirt road that leads into Big Ridge Trailhead first took me home on a chilly Spring morning only to return several days later in amazing June sunshine with green leaves and cracking deep-blue sky brushing right above my head, which is always an unforgettable memory I will carry along forever! Farewell!
What Should I Pack For A Trip To The Smoky Mountains?
Here you find a list of the equipment that I had with me while on my trip:
- Waterproof work pants, preferably nylon
- Waist belt. Avoid wearing anything tight, especially in the waist; one of my winter coats fit that purpose nicely because it has many pockets with all kinds of useful stuff, like gloves and a flashlight -Gilet with double zipper or zip front (beware though, I ended up breaking mine) to keep wind out on colder days.
- So get this . It is relatively inexpensive , lightweight and you can also use it as a nice warm blanket during night to keep from freezing (but only if the temperature is not -10°F or lower. Nice powder blue option in my opinion).
- Beanie for chilly early morning cold weather mornings (6㎜, plushy style so it isn’t visible on camera) -Jackets: deep blizzard coat Layer 1 heavy duty Zipper Parka1/ 4inch layer Sunglasses , a bright pair of driving glasses (large sized so it doesn’t hide your eyes) 。
- Important note: I had to search for at least an hour because my camera size is about the same as my husband’s and he could not fit his sunglasses in there either.
- Of course, picking up different types of lenses can avoid this problem. However, if you are already that picky person who buys top brand names on a regular basis, you probably don’t need this advice anyway You can also put a glass of water/soda or a bottle next to your bed as an alarm clock. And lastly, bring along when necessary
- Towel and swim suit (for cooking on the fire ring at night) The rest is usually negotiable depending on how much you want to spend while going off the beaten path!
Reasons to Visit Gatlinburg in March and Early Spring
There are quite a few reasons to visit Gatlinburg in March and early spring, but here are a few of the most popular ones:
- The temperatures are mild and comfortable – March and early spring are the months when temperatures are usually milder than other times of year. This means that you can enjoy the outdoors without having to deal with too much heat or cold.
- The scenery is beautiful – Gatlinburg is known for its beautiful scenery, and this is especially true in March and early spring. The trees are starting to grow and the flowers are in bloom, making for a picturesque scene.
- There’s often lots of activity happening – Gatlinburg is a popular destination, so there’s always something happening somewhere in the town. This includes things like festivals, concerts, and other events that appeal to both locals and tourists.
- The prices are usually lower – March and early spring are usually slower times for tourism, which means that prices for lodging, food, and other things tend to be lower than usual. This can be a great opportunity for budget-minded travelers to explore Gatlinburg without breaking the bank.
The Best Things to do in Gatlinburg in March
March is one of the busiest months to visit Gatlinburg, TN. Here are some of the best things to do in March:
- Head to the Smoky Mountains National Park – The Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the United States. This park is perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking, among other activities.
- Catch a show at Dollywood – Dollywood is Tennessee’s most famous amusement park and it’s definitely worth a visit in March. The park features themed nights throughout the month, including country music festivals and Elvis Presley weekends.
- View the sunrise at Pigeon Forge – Sunrise at Pigeon Forge is one of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg and it’s definitely worth catching a glimpse of. The view is simply breathtaking, and it’s always crowded so plan ahead!
- Tour some of Gatlinburg’s famous tourist spots – There are dozens of attractions in Gatlinburg that visitors love to explore, from shopping districts to amusement parks. Do some research online or ask your friends for recommendations before you head out there so that you don’t miss any key attractions.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular national parks in the United States.
It was designated a national park in 1940 and covers an area of more than 3,000 square miles. The park is located in the Eastern United States in North Carolina and Tennessee. The park features some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth, including peaks over 10,000 feet, thick forests, and rushing streams.
It is home to more than 800 plant and animal species, including bears, elk, moose, mountain lions, raccoons, and wolves. The park is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.
Besides hiking, there are many outdoor activities such as biking and horseback riding that you can take at the park. There is also an annual festival in late October when visitors can enjoy fun events like cooking demonstrations and arts & crafts exhibits.
Visit Cades Cove – If you’re looking for a quieter hike, look no further than to Craggy Gardens outside of Pigeon Forge! The trailhead provides consistent elevation climbing;
however it does reach elevations over 5,000 feet near the end of your journey to 7 miles one way (11-14 miles round trip). Be prepared for a few long, strenuous hours if you choose this hike!
Cherokee Caverns – Just outside of Gatlinburg is an attraction that should not be missed – the Cherokee Caverns. It’s well-known among locals and tourists alike as one of the most amazing underground facilities in the country, with more than 200 miles of passages interconnected.
Spanning over two acres, it features more than 100 rooms large and small including several natural bridges and difficult caves to explore (and some with heights up to 50 feet).
While there are guided tours available year-round, they get very crowded during peak times. If you’re looking for a less strenuous, more relaxed hike with lots of opportunities to take photos and video, the Cherokee Caverns is definitely worth considering!
Local Weather Forecast For Gatlinburg
Below is a general overview of the weather conditions in Gatlinburg, TN during the month of October. Please note that this information is subject to change at any time and should not be used as a guarantee of specific weather conditions.
As of October 1st, the temperature in Gatlinburg is currently hovering around the low 50s with mostly cloudy skies. A light breeze is blowing from the northeast, which will likely increase in intensity during the afternoon.
There is a slight chance of thunderstorms throughout the afternoon and evening hours, but they are not expected to be too severe. The lows will stay below 55 degrees for much of the remainder of October.
Conclusion
We have collected some useful information on smoky mountains weather in march. Hope you like it. Do share your feedback with us. In the mountains, weather can be unpredictable. While one day may be sunny and warm, the next day may be cloudy and chilly. So, if you’re planning on visiting the Smoky Mountains in March, be prepared for all kinds of weather!
In this article, we’ll outline the typical weather conditions that you can expect in March in the Smoky Mountains. We have also provided tips on how to dress for the weather, so that you can stay warm and comfortable all day long.
Finally, we have also discussed some of the best activities to do in Gatlinburg during early spring. So whether you’re interested in skiing and snowboarding, rafting or hiking at Codfish Gap Nature Center , and more, this month is full of great leisurely winter fun!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
Is There Any Way That I Can Avoid Having A Long Flight During My Trip To The Smoky Mountains In March?
No, there is no way to avoid the long flight. The best thing that you can do is make sure that you get enough sleep on the plane and drink plenty of water. There are many ways to alleviate the pain during a long flight such as using earplugs, wearing eye masks, etc.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit The Smoky Mountains In March?
The cost of visiting the smoky mountains in March is about $480 for a two-day trip. However, if you are looking to visit this beautiful place for less than a day, then the total cost would be around $100 and it can be done by taking a bus or train from nearby cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville.
Which Hotels And Resorts Are Best For A Trip To The Smoky Mountains In March?
The best hotels and resorts for a trip to the smoky mountains in March are:
The Park Vista Hotel
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Knoxville/Smoky Mountains
The Waskom Mountain Resort Park
The Best Western Plus Creekside Inn in Sevierville
What Is The Best Time To Visit The Smoky Mountains In March?
The best time to visit the smoky mountains in march is from the end of march until early April. March has plenty of green for visitors, which is a sign that spring is on its way. The weather in March can be anywhere from freezing cold to slightly milder than average, but it’s not usually as wet as other months and this means you’re more likely to have good hiking conditions.
Where Should I Stay When Visiting The Smoky Mountains In March?
This is a very difficult question because the answer will vary depending on what you are looking for. However, there are some places that would be suitable for your trip:
Gatlinburg
Cherokee
Paradise Park
Other resorts located near to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg