6 Tennessee Day Trips That Are Even Cooler During The Winter

This winter, we encourage you to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! We are blessed with incredible weather year-round in Tennessee, so it’s always a great time to explore. We have compiled a list of winter day trips in Tennessee that you simply must do when it’s cold. 

Tommy White/ Flickr

Roan Mountain is simply turns magical in the winter months. You can drive all the way up to Carvers Gap and then start your hike. Walk along the beautiful rolling hills and through a forest before emerging to an incredible view. A short hike will take you to unobstructed views of mountains as far as the eye can see, and it looks extra enchanting with a covering of fresh snow.

Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA

Ober Mountain/ Facebook

You simply cannot have a list of the best places to adventure in the winter and not have Ober Mountain on it. This is Tennessee’s one and only ski resort and is located in Gatlinburg. After a scenic gondola ride, visitors can take to the slopes with skis or snowboards. Fly down the mountain on the tubing lanes, or build up speed on the mountain coaster. Grab a partner and skate around a massive ice rink, or crash into each other with the ice bumper cars. There is a plethora of activities to do at Ober Mountain and it really is the go-to location for winter fun.

Ober Gatlinburg, 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Tim Lumley/ Flickr

When the stars align, Fall Creek Falls transforms into a veritable winter wonderland. Seeing the frozen waterfalls are absolutely incredible, and because of the viewing platforms, you can see most of the waterfalls in the park with little-to-no hiking.

Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA

Becca Holman/ Alltrails

Hiking the Alum Cave Trail is perfect during the colder months. You may have noticed in some of the rocky sections of the trail there is a cable posted into the mountain; during the winter those rocks can become very icy, so that cable will become your best friend. The rock faces drip with icicles and glisten with a clear icy sheen. When you start to get a view. it may just take your breath away. The mountains covered in snow is a sight to behold!

Alum Cave Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA

Laura Matthews/ Alltrails

Deeper into the Smokies you will find a lovely trail leading right to Spruce Flats Falls. During the summer months, this nearly two-mile trail can seem like a simple trip, but some steep parts make it a little slippery when there is ice. Take your time and enjoy the scrambling because when you get to the end you will be rewarded with a beautiful waterfall. When the snow has freshly fallen and the whole area looks like something out of Narnia, you will know that it was all worth it.

Spruce Flats Falls, Spruce Flats Branch, Tennessee, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

Management/ Tripadvisor

For those who simply don't like the cold, The Lost Sea Adventure is a cool 58 degrees all year round, so even if it’s below freezing outside you won't feel it! Not only is it warmer in the caves but you will also be treated to an amazing tour of the largest underground lake in the country.

The Lost Sea Adventure, 140 Lost Sea Rd, Sweetwater, TN 37874, USA

What do you think of some of these winter adventures in Tennessee? Have you done any of them or have others that you would add to your bucket list? Don’t be shy, get out there and make the most of life and explore our wonderful state. Bundle up and make the most of every season.