6 Must-See Gatlinburg Attractions During Your March Visit

Are you visiting Gatlinburg in March? Don’t miss these spring attractions and events. With fewer visitors and less crowded streets, March is an ideal time to vacation in this friendly mountain town.

1. Anakeesta: Nature's Theme Park

This wooded Gatlinburg theme park reopens on weekdays starting Mar. 3. You get five more days each week to zoom along dueling zip lines. Stroll through the forest canopy on the Treetop Skywalk. Get swept up in Astra Lumina, a magical nighttime walk through the stars featuring unique projection and light technology. By day, kids will love mining for natural gems, exploring the challenge course, and riding the gravity coaster. 

2. Dollywood: New Festival, New Coaster

Dollywood opens for the season in March. The beloved park starts spring with its new I Will Always Love You Celebration of songs and songwriting. The park unveils its latest and longest coaster, Big Bear Mountain. Dollywood’s 50 thrilling rides, delicious food, incredible shopping, and country hospitality will keep you coming back. 

3. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: March Sleepovers

Gatlinburg’s aquarium, with more than 10,000 sea creatures, is always a must-see. Check out the March slumber parties: Sleep with the Sharks is an all-ages party with activities, snacks, and sleeping under the sharks’ watchful eyes. Sips and Sharks is for ocean lovers age 21+ who enjoy food, a full bar, unique tours, and a night in the glow of the shark tank. Book tickets early because these overnights sell out quickly! 

4. Gatlinburg St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

Gatlinburg goes green in March! Look for St. Patrick’s Day specials in restaurants and businesses. Irish flags snap in the breeze, and shamrocks beautify the town. Listen to Irish musicians all over Gatlinburg. Ride the scenic chairlift up the mountain to SkyLift Park, where green lights turn the suspended bridge and mountainside walkways into an Irish wonderland at night. 

5. The National Park: Wondrous Wildflowers

Gatlinburg’s nickname is “Gateway to the Smoky Mountains.” Warmer March weather ignites delicate wildflowers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The earliest blossoms carpet the forests, waiting for you as you hike or take scenic drives. 

6. Your Gatlinburg Cabin

Throw open the windows and drink in the spring air at your vacation cabin. Spend time on the deck watching for deer, birds, and black bears–hibernation time’s over! Reserve a luxurious Gatlinburg cabin now for a March getaway.