"The Great Smoky Mountains themselves are part of the Appalachian Mountains," said U.S. National Park Services Emily Davis. Most trails are well-suited for each season, but in the spring, you most likely want a trail that showcases the beauty of the wildflowers and wildlife. For comparison, the hottest month in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, July, has days with highs of 86F (30C) and lows of 65F (18C). - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers, All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023, California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More, Best Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National park, Best Time to Visit the Great Smoky Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking Permits, Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in Fall, Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in Summer, Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in Winter, What to See in the Smoky Mountains in One Day, Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in the Spring. Spring is one of the best times of the year to visit Great Smoky Mountain National Park! hiking vacations that enrich people's lives." The driest month (with the least rainfall) is October (4.3"). Gordon Kaye (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) Officials say 68-year-old Gordon Kaye was last seen near a backcountry campsite on Sunday, April 23. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK (WLOS) Park rangers were searching Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a missing man Thursday. The weather in early spring is unpredictable. * Data from: Gatlinburg, the United States of America (11 KM, 7 Miles). This trail is moderate to strenuous with an elevation gain of 1140 feet. WebGet the monthly weather forecast for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. Every July you can go to the underwater festival in Florida. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail near Gatlinburg usually opens in early April but remains sparsely traveled during the early part of May. [2384295]. Porters Creek flows heavily after a mid-days rain, and after 2 miles, you will reach Fern Branch Falls. This is an excellent time to enjoy this winding and narrow Updated: 9:50 AM EDT April 28, 2023 Great Smoky Mountains Natl. For a list of best wildflower hikes, click here, or read our trail descriptions below. Kayaking: Whether you wish to paddle on Fontana Lake, or ride the rapids on one of the many rivers, kayaking is a great activity in the spring. Below is a chart of the typical weather patterns for Sugarlands Visitor Center and Clingmans Dome for the months of March, April and May: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a rich, pristine wilderness with abundant wildlife, amazing views and unforgettable opportunities forhiking vacations. Park It's nearly time for the synchronous fireflies to light up the Smokies again! Vermont is one of the nicest states in the US. The weather in the Smoky Mountains is fascinating, but also important to understand if you are planning a trip, especially to hike on the many trails. Kayak rentals are available in Bryson City, NC and Paddle and Hike trips are available for those who want to experience the best of both worlds within the park. Each reservation allows one vehicle with a maximum of seven occupants to park at the Elkmont viewing location. Also, keep your eye out for theSynchronous Firefly; they put on a synchronized light show during their mating season that could take place between the third week in May and the third week in June. How much does it rain in It is a time of rejuvenation and rebirth, and an incredible time to visit the park. Joey Hadden/Insider in 2010, 2011, etc.) If we are on schedule, the temp at the lower elevations should be mid to upper 60's, low of upper 30's to 40 degrees; cooler at higher elevations. WebIn April, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the average high-temperature is 57F (13.9C), and the average low-temperature is 37F (2.8C). It is important to stay up-to-date on the weather while visiting the park. Keep reading to find out more about the Great Smoky Mountains weather throughout the year. In the lower elevations, snowfall that is more than 1 inch happens about 3 to 5 times per year. And it just kind of reinvigorates you and that makes me happy.". Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains range from easy to strenuous, and little elevation gain to the highest peak in Tennessee. The coldest month, January has days with highs of 44F (7C) and lows of 27F (-3C). The Smoky Mountains in autumn. Re: Weather end of March & beginning of April. No matter what time of year you want to visit the Smokies, were sure what will the weather be like? is one of the questions youre asking! The results will be available by Thursday, May 11, regardless of the outcome, according to GSMNP.The park said lottery applicants can enter two dates to take part in the viewing opportunity over the eight-day period. It is important to stay up-to-date on the weather while visiting the park. April weather forecast. Anyone who saw Kaye or has information about his whereabouts is asked to please contact Great Smoky Mountains National Park dispatch at 865-436-1230 or Rainfall during April is high with an average of 140mm (5.5 inchec). This trail is moderate to strenuous with an elevation gain of 1486 feet. It can be warm and sunny one minute, and cold and snowy the next. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Disappointing Rain Photos Home Travel Disappointing photos show what it's like to visit the Great Smoky Mountains in constant pouring rain Joey Hadden Apr 28, 2023, 2:31 AM PDT Insider's reporter when to the Great Smoky Mountains for the first time in the rain. While wildflowers are abundant year-round, they are absolutely captivating in the spring. Whether you want to strap on your boots and hit the trail, meander through a meadow covered with wildflowers, saddle up on the back of a horse, or paddle on clear blue water under the shadows of the Smokies; you will have an incredible and epic experience in the Great Smoky Mountains! The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 10). It is just a special place to so many people. Hiking is ideal in springthe mountains are busting with wildflowers, and everything is lush with life. There is a limit of one lottery application per household per season, according to GSMNP.During the viewing period, access to Elkmont is restricted after 4 p.m. to passenger vehicles with a reservation, registered campers staying at the Elkmont Campground or backcountry campers with a valid permit, according to the park. But as you head up to Clemens Dome, the tallest peak in the park at more than 6,000 feet, that temperature can drop 20 degrees or more. Successful applicants will automatically be given reservations and a $24 reservation fee will be charged to the same credit or debit card used for the application fee to cover the cost of awarding the reservation, as well as on-site portable restrooms, supplies and nightly personnel costs for managing the viewing opportunity, according to the park.Reservations are non-refundable, non-transferable, and good only for the date issued. Weather and Climate provides you with all the information you need about the climate in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park hosts more than 100 backcountry campsites, giving you plenty of opportunity to string some together for a multi-night adventure. Elkgive birth in the spring inCataloochee, and white-tailed deer, black bears and otherwildlifecan be spotted in Cades Cove. Whoops sorry! Things can sometimes get a little bit dangerous when the weather can change on you in just minutes. The months with the least rainy days are September, October and November (8 days). May is warmer yet, with showers still frequent; this is when spring truly takes over at the highest elevations. Its even the salamander capital of the world. Are you going to the United States of America? During my first trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, it rained almost every day of my five-day trip. Web1. "This has got a little bit of everything," Versteraete added. You can check the weather at Sugarlands Visitor Center(1,462 feet elevation), as well asClingmans Dome(6,644 feet elevation). In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in April, there's a 43% chance of rain on an average day. Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. In April in Great Smoky Mountains, the average air temperature ranges from 19 C (66 F) during the day to 5 C (41 F) at night. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to Middle Prong Trail: Start at the Middle Prong trailhead in Tremont. In April, things are starting to warm up, with temperatures usually in the 70s. Spring is one of the best times of year to fish because the scenery surrounding the stream is vibrant with new life. A Kings Lodge has several options to choose from and why not stay on a private horse farm cabin rental next to the Smoky Mountains. Gordon Kaye (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) Officials say 68-year-old Gordon Kaye was last seen near a backcountry campsite on Sunday, April 23. Backpacking in the spring is especially beautiful, as many trails and backcountry campsites are in the midst of a wildflower extravaganza. Because of their range in distance and difficulty, they also range in popularity; even though Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited park in the country, there are many trails that are less travelled, and give you a sense of solitude and freedom. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and Strapping on your hiking boots is the best way to see the park. The average maximum daytime temperature in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in April lies at 18.9C (66.02F). WebGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, TN Weather Forecast, with current conditions, wind, air quality, and what to expect for the next 3 days. Bikes are available for rental at the Cades Cove Campground. The months with the highest average low temperature are July and August (55F). It is common for there to be snow in the higher elevations and for the weather to be significantly warmer in the lower elevations. Summer in the Smokies brings heat and humidity. Even if you dont hike high in elevation, the views of the Smokies in the spring are unbeatable. (Weather station: McGhee Tyson Airport, USA). Yosemite is a true masterpiece. This trail is strenuous with an elevation gain of 1487 feet. Spring is an ideal time to backpack in the park because the summer crowds have yet to arrive, and the wildflowers are blooming in abundance along the trails. For all data based on historical data, we've averaged the data from the past 11 years (2010-2020). Park It's nearly time for the synchronous fireflies to light up the Smokies again! See more current weather Clingmans Dome Extended Forecast with high and low temperatures Apr 23 Apr 29 0.07 Lo:55 Fri, 28 Hi:72 12 0.02 Lo:54 Sat, 29 Hi:74 6 Apr The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. The lottery system uses a randomized computer drawing to select applications. Bicycling:Not all roads are created for bicycling in the park, however, Cades Cove is perfect. In April, things are starting to warm up, with temperatures usually Need to knowabout road conditions in the Smoky Mountains? "We want people to understand that what theyll experience on their mountain adventure at the bottom is not the same as what theyll experience at the top of the mountains," Davis said. The Smokies are home to more than 100 species of native trees and more than 1,000 types of wildflowers. Below, we will go into detail about what to expect in the spring, and how to best plan for your trip. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Disappointing Rain Photos Home Travel Disappointing photos show what it's like to visit the Great Smoky Mountains in constant pouring rain Joey Hadden Apr 28, 2023, 2:31 AM PDT Insider's reporter when to the Great Smoky Mountains for the first time in the rain. WebAprils average rainfall is 4 inches, and there are typically 10 days of precipitation each month of the season. So, we kind of know.". For visitors who want to remain on the interstate system, simply take I-40 West to I-240 West to I-26 West to I-81 South and then connect back with I-40 West bound. March has the most significant changes because it could snow at any point during the month, especially in higher elevations. The Hamblen County Sheriff's Office has advised the public to be on the lookout for a missing man who may be in or around Great Smoky Mountains National The Law Did Not Treat Them Kindly. 7 WEATHER EXTREMES EXPERIENCED AT NATIONAL PARKS, "Its vital to have prescribed fires in the park to help maintain a healthy landscape," Davis said. In the middle of the Black Rock Desert every year a surreal city arises, the third largest city in Nevada complete with 50,000 inhabitants. Below is the average monthly temperatures and precipitation amounts for Gatlinburg, which sits an elevation of 1,289 feet: For more information about fishing in the Smokies in spring,click here. WebThe average temperature in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 74F (23C) to a low of 54F (12C). As the weather changes, storms, part of the draw and what keeps the Smokies beautiful, can make the park dangerous. The details of the cause of the injury are currently unknown. There are 11 days of Guided Smoky Mountain treksare all-inclusive meaning the following is included: local round trip transportation from Asheville; wonderful meals; top-of-the-line equipment; risk management systems; professional hiking/wilderness guides and more. If you want a pest-free patio this spring, the most important thing you can do is take away those elements that bugs find desirable. The average day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during April has 13.1 hours of daylight, with sunrise at 7:02 AM and sunset at 8:06 PM. WebThe average maximum daytime temperature in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in April lies at 18.9C (66.02F). Some would describe it as mildly cool, humid but cool. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - FORECAST, Great Smoky Mountains National Park - CLIMATE. This graph shows the average amount of daylight in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in April based on historical data. A total of 960 vehicle reservations, 120 per night, will be issued through the lottery process, according to the release. Knowing to pack layers, rain gear and understanding the right time of day or year to make that trek is essential. All About the Great Smoky Mountains Weather Throughout the Year, 6 Places To Buy a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Parking Pass, Ultimate Smoky Mountain Bucket List: 20 Smoky Mountain Activities to Experience Before You Die, Exactly What You Need to Know About the Gatlinburg Trolley Service, Safety Guide for What to do When Theres Winter Weather in the Smoky Mountains, 5 of the Top Places to Grab Breakfast in Sevierville, How To Park For Free at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 5 Tips for Finding the Perfect Smoky Mountain Cabin Rental. Read about how toobtain backcountry permits, and have a back up plan, in case the sites you want are unavailable. Paso Robles is a charming spanish-named town in a lovely wine region. Hiking in the Smokies is one thing that you dont want to miss out on! Knoxville's Forgotten Champion: Big John Tate, Hometown Hidden Gems: Bootleggers Distillery, Meet Drago, the Texas bull who captured the hearts of many as he escaped large hail, annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity, Researchers believe firefly technology can be harnessed, Predicting synchronous fireflies' peak in the Great Smoky Mountains a gamble. I cant imagine anyone not loving this app! "You just go out and just enjoy the peace and quiet of all the wonderful things God made. The park comes to life as the deciduous trees grow back their leaves, as the wildflowers begin their beautiful bloom, and as the wildlife gives birth to their young. Backpacking: One of the most unforgettable experiences in the Smokies is a backpacking trip. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Become a pirate at this years festival in East TN, Where you can use expired Bed Bath & Beyond coupons, Blount Co. VFW Post gets new roof after 2022 storm, Hiker injured along Middle Prong Trail in the Smokies, Arab American footprint in Knoxville on every corner, Spell out the night with light up letters at your, Cruze Farms introduces Taylor Swift themed flavors, Hilarious female comic to headline this weekend, Enjoy 100 tequilas, tacos, and music at this festival, The journey back to the Olympics continues for Wes, Several VFLs sign to NFL teams as undrafted free, Vols Young goes from Dollar General worker to NFL, Tillman becomes 2nd Vols WR selected in NFL Draft, Jalin Hyatt selected by New York Giants in NFL Draft, Cities with the worst commute in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has recommended two alternate routes that are both scenic and convenient. The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (7 days). Curious what the average weather is like in a specific month? Subscribe to our newsletter. Weather Forecasts by Visit My Smokies. It is the largest National Park in America, the oldest national park in the world and one of the most beautiful natural areas worldwide. Exactly what I needed to plan a trip. This trail is most noted for its access to three amazing waterfalls. March Average High: G 61 CD 39 Get notified about our newest bucket list destinations and more! This alternate route will take about 30 minutes longer than the typical trip in on I-40 and please be advised it is curvy and not necessarily ideal for larger RVs or semi trucks. The only drawback of visiting the Smokies in the spring is the unpredictable weather. and took the arithmetic mean. The average temperature in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in April for a typical day ranges from a high of 67F (19C) to a low of 45F (7C). While anytime of the year is a good time to visit and photograph in the Smokies, I especially love visiting the park in the spring and The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days). Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains range from easy to strenuous, and little elevation gain to the highest peak in Tennessee. The trail climbs upward, and at 4 miles, you will reach Flats Falls. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, Tenn. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans more than 500,000 acres along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, and the signs of spring are starting to bloom as visitors flock to the park. This is the crme de la crme of planning apps! Map not visible? This is most well-known festival in the world; Burning Man. Bicycling: Not all roads are created for bicycling in the park, however, Cades Cove is perfect. The number of daily reservations is based on parking capacity and the ability to safely accommodate a large number of viewers on site while minimizing resource impacts. And on the average day it rains or snows, we get 0.51 in (12.9 mm) of precipitation. The trail will reward you with epic views of the North Carolina Smokies, as well as beautiful wildflower displays in spring. Along the way, you will pass an abundance of wildflowers that line the trail, as well as historical artifacts including a rusted Cadillac, a chimney and a railroad beam. Fontana Lake offers clear blue water and is surrounded by the mountains, giving you a perfect oasis for paddling; and the rivers that run through the park offer sections of peaceful floating mixed with heart-racing rapids. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Weather in the Great Smoky Mountains. Occasional cold fronts may cause chilly weather or sharp temperature differences. "Most of the trails follow some kind of river or stream, and its just so rejuvenating," said park visitor Melissa Hofmann. EXPERT-LED APPALACHIAN Hiking Adventures Explore The Great Smoky Mountains National Park said it will host the annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont from Sunday, June 4 through Sunday, From here, you have fantastic views of Mount Kephart, the Jump Off and Mount Guyot. Backpacking in the spring is especially beautiful, as many trails and backcountry campsites are in the midst of a wildflower extravaganza. A private cabin experience near the heart of the Smokies. By getting off the popular trails and exploring the heart of this world-renowned wilderness, you are giving yourself a chance for solitude and tranquility, as well as views unlike any other. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! "Forest bathing, thats what I feel like Im doing out here is taking a break from work and forest bathing. The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min). Fontana Lake offers clear blue water and is surrounded by the mountains, giving you a perfect oasis for paddling; and the rivers that run through the park offer sections of peaceful floating mixed with heart-racing rapids. This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! Find out where to go with our weather planner. It is famous for its beautiful landscape, unspoiled wilderness, breathtaking fall colors, idyllic villages with white houses and churches. Bikes are available forrentalat the Cades Cove Campground. The Great Smoky Mountains offer up an endless variety of subject matter for photographers from rushing streams to Appalachian mountain vistas and over 522,419 acres of protected forests, meadows and coves. Jeans should be fine, a pair or two of shorts since you may get some very fine weather in the middle of the day. Go Back Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN Read about how to obtain backcountry permits, and have a back up plan, in case the sites you want are unavailable. Charlies Bunion: Start at the Charlies Bunion trailhead, at Newfound Gap. Previously, the Hamblen County Sheriffs Office advised the public to be on the lookout for a missing man who may have been in or around Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With the blue sky above you and the blooming flowers below you, horseback riding is an epic way to explore the mountains in the style of park pioneers. Find out everything you need to know about Pigeon Forge weather throughout the year before you come! It can be warm and sunny one minute, and cold and snowy the next. "There could be wind. Spring can be an unpredictable season when it comes to Great Smoky Mountains weather. Strapping on your hiking boots is the best way to see the park. From black bears to salamanders, old-growth forests to spring wildflowers, log cabins to gristmills the park offers myriad opportunities for exploring and discovering both the natural and cultural history of these ancient mountains.