Smoky Mountains in February: Events in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge (2024)

With so much to see and do in The Smokies – we thought it would be helpful to create this little February round-up of upcoming local events.

February is a peaceful time to visit the Smoky Mountains. Romance is in the air. Holiday crowds are long gone. And spring break crowds have yet to arrive.

It can also be a great time for a romantic getaway with your sweetheart.

Whether you’re renting a cabin for the weekend or planning a special evening with a dinner and show, you can’t go wrong.

Just be sure to bundle up if you’re planning any outdoor adventures – February can also be one of the coldest months of the year (more on that later).

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Things to do in the Smoky Mountains in February

Our personal recommendation, if you’re visiting with your Valentine, would be to rent a cabin for the weekend and plan a special dinner at one of Gatlinburg’s most romantic restaurants.

A few of our favorite romantic spots include The Peddler Steakhouse, The Greenbrier Restaurant and Chesapeake’s.

Read Also: Romantic restaurants in Gatlinburg: 6 upscale dining options ranked

Feeling extra romantic? Consider a vow renewal at one of the many local chapels.

Read Also: A look at the 6 best wedding chapels in Gatlinburg, ranked

If you’re looking for something a bit more family-friendly consider skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing on the slopes at Ober Mountain (formerly Ober Gatlinburg). Indoor ice skating is also available).

You may also enjoy a walk on the world-famous SkyBridge at SkyLift Park, a ride in a heated Pink Jeep or some live bluegrass and country music at Ole Red, Puckett’s or Hard Rock Cafe.

The Titanic Museum (including the not-to-be-missed grand staircase replica) and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies are also nice, warm indoor activities.

Read Also: Puckett’s review: Why they are the best BBQ spot in Pigeon Forge

Outdoor activities in the Smokies in February

If you’re not bothered by the winter weather, you might also opt for a winter hike.

Both Laurel Falls and Alum Cave Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are open year-round for hiking barring extreme weather conditions and maintenance.

You might even spot a waterfall or two if temperatures remain above freezing.

Read Also: How long does it take to hike to Laurel Falls? Do you have to pay?

If you’d rather tour nature from the comfort of your heated vehicle, try driving the Cades Cove Loop Road – also open year-round to hikers, bikers and cars.

The drivable Newfound Gap Road is also open in the wintertime – again, barring extreme weather conditions.

Without further ado, below you will find a list of events happening throughout the area. Cities mentioned include Pigeon Forge, Kodak, Sevierville and Townsend.

Be sure to click on the “details” button for additional information about each event.

Weather in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg in February

January and February are typically the coldest months of the year in the Smokies.

Temperatures usually range from the low-50s to the high-20s. Ice and snowfall are probable, especially in higher elevations.

Mount LeConte – the highest point in the Smoky Mountains – normally receives anywhere between 50-120 inches of snow each year in the wintertime.

But think inches of snow rather than feet of snow in the lower elevations.

Gatlinburg, for instance, typically only sees an average of two inches of snow each February.

If you’re renting a cabin in the area or plan on tackling some of our winding mountain roads, you may want to consider bringing a front- or all-wheel drive vehicle to get around.

For overnight stays, you may also want to pack a few extra non-perishable snacks and bottles of water just in case you get snowed in. It’s always best to be prepared!

What should you wear in the Smoky Mountains in February?

You will want to pack mostly warm weather clothing including sweaters, heavy jackets, gloves and hats for your trip to the Smoky Mountains in February.

And considering the fact that temperatures can vary drastically from sunrise to sunset, layers are never a bad idea.

You may also want to throw in some rain gear while you’re at it. Precipitation is common in the Smokies year-round. And there’s nothing worse than near-freezing rain.

The average rainfall in February is usually right around 3-4 inches.

How busy is Gatlinburg in February? Crowd sizes in the Smokies

Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas are busy year-round.

However, February is one of the less crowded months due to several popular attractions either being closed for the season (like Dollywood) or on a limited operating schedule (like Anakeesta).

Traffic on the Pigeon Forge Parkway will be tolerable.

Weekends tend to be busy, especially Valentine’s Day weekend. Weekdays are less so.

Valentine’s Day in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains

Valentine’s Day weekend is usually the busiest weekend in the Smokies, which can make wait times at popular restaurants a bit longer, and cabins hard to come by.

If you plan on booking a cabin or activities on Valentine’s Day weekend, be sure to plan ahead as much as possible.

Are you planning an upcoming trip to the Smokies in February? If so, let us know in the comments below.

If you’re a local attraction that would like to add an event to our calendar, please contact our editorial team.