Enjoy a Winter Hike in the Lower Elevations of the Smokies

Brace yourself for breathtakingly beautiful winter views of snow-capped peaks, forests that sparkle, the magnitude of frozen waterfalls, and more! These are only a few areas to hike during your stay at a Gatlinburg cabin. Continue reading to learn about some of the best winter hiking trails in the lower elevations of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Laurel Falls Trail

Laurel Falls Trail is admired by most hikers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This trail provides a paved hiking trail for 1.3 miles and is home to several grand oak and hemlock trees with perfect branches to gather snow on. Along this trail, you will be greeted with views of Blanket Mountain and Meigs Falls. Once you reach the end of the paved trail you are welcomed by an 85-foot tall cascading waterfall. This hike is probably the closest in distance to our cabins in Gatlinburg.

Alum Cave Bluff Trail

The Alum Cave Bluff Trail is a five-mile hiking trail that winds its way up to Mt LeConte. Alum Cave Bluff Trail can be quite challenging during the winter due to the elevation and unpredictability of the weather along the trail. During the winter, Alum Cave Bluff has been known to harbor iconic icicles that dangle around the bluff. The bluff of Alum Cave rests at a whopping 4,950 feet high in elevation. From the bluff, you can see out upon Inspiration Point, The Eye, and Arch Rock. If you continue your hike past Alum Cave Bluff, you will end up at the Leconte Lodge and will witness some of the best views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a 5.5-mile round trip hike to one of the most impressive waterfalls you will ever come across. During the months of winter in the Smokies, this waterfall’s cascade forms into a spectacular icy spray formation. If abrasive and cold temperatures are continuously present, a column of ice has the potential to form along the falls.

Hey, wait a second before you go! Be sure to check our Current Cabin Specials, Deals, and Discounts to see if your stay qualifies for a special discount! Book your cabin in Gatlinburg with Heartland Rentals for a memorable moment in the mountains.