Why March Is the Ideal Time for a Smoky Mountain Vacation
Published Feb 27, 2025
March in the Smoky Mountains is pure delight. Relish fresh, spring weather, watch active and abundant wildlife, and enjoy a huge variety of events. Keep reading to find out why March is your best bet for a relaxing escape to the Smokies!
The Smokies are less crowded than in summer or fall.
Most tourists visit here in summer and fall. March falls in the tourism off-season, when fewer folks visit. Walk into attractions and restaurants without waiting in long lines. Enjoy the tranquility of hiking on uncrowded trails. Easily book tickets to popular stage shows.
The weather is just right for active days and cozy nights.
High temperatures hover in the 60s, warm enough to spend days outdoors, but without summer’s steamy heat. Nights can dip into the 30s–perfect for curling up in front of a crackling fire inside your private cabin. Add a glass of local moonshine and you’re sure to stay toasty inside and out.
Wildflowers burst into colorful blooms.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to 1,500 species of wildflowers, more than any other U.S. national park. For the best wildflower walks, explore the Porters Creek, Little River, and Schoolhouse Gap hiking trails.
Wildlife is active and easy to see.
Meet the adorable next generation! Black bear cubs, born in winter, emerge from dens for the first time. Great horned owls are hatching eggs and teaching older owlets to fly. Majestic elk graze, getting ready for calving in late spring. To see wildlife, visit Cades Cove in the national park–or just look out your cabin windows!
Waterfalls are at their peak.
In early spring, winter snows melt, feeding the Smokies’ famous waterfalls with fast-flowing water. This makes March an excellent time to view breathtaking cascades. Hike to Grotto Falls, the only waterfall here where you can walk behind the curtain of water. Visit Rainbow Falls, named for the colors sparkling in its sunlit mists.
Events keep you busy.
Shake off the winter blues with festivals and events for every interest and all ages! East Tennessee hosts dozens of events in March, including a wine festival, three car shows, a week of St. Patrick’s Day events, Dollywood’s new music festival, and a major arts and crafts show and sale.
Reserve a Smoky Mountain cabin for this March, and discover why spring is the Smokies’ most glorious season.
