Gatlinburg Tennessee is a beautiful town, nestled in the Smoky Mountains. But this means the weather can change quickly. My husband says, “If you don’t like the weather here, just wait a minute!”.
But seriously…after winter storm Elliott, where freezing temperatures plummeted into the single digits, less than a week later, it warmed up to a balmy 70 degrees!
In Gatlinburg, especially at higher elevations (2,500 plus feet), we get a handful of snows every year. Snow season can be from the beginning of November lasting even through the end of April!
We have been snowed in on multiple occasions & have even lost power and water (if you have a well). But there is no need to worry, whether you choose to prepare or not, the snow melts relatively quickly in Gatlinburg. And the city is amazing at getting roads clear, handling fallen trees & having the electricity restored as quickly as possible!
Below are our tips to help your vacation be a little bit safer & cozier! There are also 5 questions you may find helpful when booking your vacation rental!
Driving Conditions
With a snowfall, the roads can become covered very quickly, making driving unsafe. If you must drive, try to either:
- Get to your location before the roads start freezing or snow starts sticking to them.
- Or wait until the roads are clear from being plowed & salted.
Check Google Maps for Road Closures
If a road is closed here, it is not a suggestion. Please trust they closed it on purpose; find another route. Newfound Gap Road or 441 ( the road connecting Gatlinburg to Cherokee NC through the national park), can close often during the winter.
Here is a link for the Great Smoky Mountain National Parks list of road closures.
TIP! You can use a broom to remove snow from your vehicle. To remove ice from windows: mix 2/3 of isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) & 1/3 water. Place into a container, shake & pour the solution on your windshield & watch the ice & frost disappear.
Accommodation Questions:
Every Cabin, Condo & Hotel are different & all have their own selling features. Here are some questions to ask that may help you find the best rental for your winter vacation.
There are a lot of steep & winding roads & driveways in the Gatlinburg area. You will want to find out the likelihood of being snowed in. Some rentals have cleared streets but do NOT plow or salt their driveways.
1.Where is your vacation rental (or hotel) located?
a. Is the road & driveway to the rental steep? Curvy? In a Higher elevation? (you can also check Google maps road view to get an idea)
b. Is the road up to the property & the driveway plowed and salted shortly after a snow?
TIP! If you have a vehicle with 4 wheel drive, choose to bring it.
2. Does the vacation rental have a working fireplace? Gas or wood?
a. If gas, can you still light/use it if the electricity is out? (some gas fireplaces have switches that use electricity to start them)
b. If wood, do they supply firewood? How much? (you will want to research how much seasoned firewood you may need.)
3. Does the vacation rental have well water or city water? (Well pumps quit working when the power goes out leaving you with no water, which means you may need to bring a bucket & fill the bathtub with water for flushing toilets)
4. Does the vacation rental have a gas or electric stove? (If it is gas, you should still be able to cook & heat food & water with a power outage)
5. Do you have cellphone service at your vacation rental? (Some areas do not have cell service & rely on the internet for WiFi calling which does go out when the power does.)
Items to bring
Here are a list of items to keep with you while in your car (in case you get stuck in a ditch or traffic) & to have in your vacation rental in case of power loss.
- A couple of cozy blankets
- Plenty of winter clothes (Dressing in layers is best. Wool blends are a great option, especially for socks, gloves, scarves & hats)
- Flashlights w/ extra batteries (candles, lanterns & any other light source)
- Water & snacks (Non-perishable foods & snacks are always great to have! But keep them well sealed or better yet keep them out of the car when you are out of the car… because bears love food, know some cars have food & can break into a car with the best of them! )
- Hand warmers (These are a great way to fight off the chills. They even make some for shoes to keep your toes cozy!)
- First Aid Kit
Stay Entertained!
- A tablet, computer or other device that stays charged & has downloaded movies, music & games
- Have story time with a good book or “the Good Book”
- A s’mores kit or jiffy pop!!
- Cards, bored games & minute to win it games are so fun if you have a group
- Snuggle up telling stories or reminiscing on past memories while watching the snow
No matter what the forecast has in store, any time of year is a great time to take a vacation to the gorgeous Gatlinburg Tennessee!
If you are in the market to extend your vacation & curious about purchasing your own mountain paradise in the Gatlinburg Tennessee area, please call or message us!
