A local’s advice on the top 7 things to do on spring break
What does spring break mean to you? If, like me, you’re of a certain generation, it’s living vicariously through MTV’s sun-drenched beach houses while sitting on your couch, waiting for the Midwestern winter to break.
Of course, places like Daytona, Cabo and Panama City conjure up ideas of the wild debaucheries of youth, for some. But generally, it’s just a time to get away, relax, and celebrate the arrival of somewhat warmer weather and the promise of significantly warmer weather.
But in the Smokies? In Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, specifically, what does spring break truly mean? The mountains are mostly a family destination despite all the distilleries. They are a place where the weather will – probably? – be warmer and the lower elevations will start to bud and bloom.
What is there to do in the Smokies for spring break? The options are myriad and depend mightily on your place in life. We’ve put together a list that tries to offer a little something for everyone.
1. Rent a cabin
In general terms, I’m not a fan of a big cabin rental on vacation unless we have a large group, and it makes financial sense. Gullion family vacations tend to be on-the-go affairs. Sure, we set out with the idea of working in some relaxation time. But the notion that we could be doing something, ANYTHING, other than relaxing takes hold. The result is, more often than not, when we’ve shelled out for a larger, more expensive home base, we haven’t made effective use of it.
However, spring break offers an exception to this rule. After a winter of being cramped inside a mountain cabin – hopefully with a grill, a jacuzzi and a great view – is an event in itself. Getting out and away from the world is the whole point. Also, if you’re younger and have a bunch of friends, a mountain cabin is not a bad place for a nice get-together. That said, remember the people renting the cabin are doing so to make a little money. Please obey all house rules – it’s good to know what they are before you book – and keep the spring break celebration to something that would not make it onto the MTV of the ’90s. Daisy Fuentes is not walking through that door.
2. Take a real hike
Early spring is a great time to hit the trails and go a little deeper into the forest than usual. Again, you’ve been cooped up all winter and the great outdoors are calling. Make sure you’re properly equipped with plenty of water, good shoes and a paper (or downloaded) trail map. Give yourself plenty of time to get back out of the forest. Even after daylight savings time, it gets dark early in the mountains.
This time of year, the trails tend to be less crowded, the temperatures more moderate and the hiking is excellent. Get out there and stretch your legs. It’s also important to remember that some of the mountain roads will not be open yet, so trailheads in places like the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail might not be accessible while you’re on spring break.
3. Drive 441 from Gatlinburg to Cherokee
One of the most scenic drives in the Eastern U.S., highway 441 – aka Newfound Gap Road – offers spectacular views. But it is also an opportunity to learn the park’s history and an excellent opportunity for elk viewing. Several scenic overlooks along the route offer spectacular views. And the Rockefeller Monument – from which FDR dedicated the park – is just off the road on the Tennessee-Carolina State line.
Once you reach the other side, the area near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is excellent for elk viewing. If you leave early enough, you’ll even have time to do a little gambling in Cherokee or check out the model train museum in Bryson City. Do be aware that even in the spring, Highway 441 can be closed quickly due to high wind, snow or ice in the higher elevations or heavy storms. Be weather aware. If they shut down the road while you’re on the North Carolina side of the mountain, you won’t be trapped but with I-40 still only one lane in places, it will make for a long drive home.
4. Go to Dollywood
Early Spring is a great time to visit Dollywood as long as it’s open. It opens for the season on March 15. Often, the early spring crowds aren’t as ride-focused as they might be later in the year. This means spring break at Dollywood can be a good time to get on a lot of rides, providing the weather cooperates and it’s not the week when all the local school systems are on break. March will generally have decent daytime temperatures. But I’d wait until almost the last minute to buy tickets when you can have confidence in the weather report.
5. Go to The Island
I’m not the biggest fan of the Island in Pigeon Forge. But I have to admit it has a nice spring break vibe enhanced by its Jimmy Buffet adjacent offerings. The rides and attractions scream spring break-style fun for all ages and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel – or a giant Ferris wheel like it – is virtually a fixture at every spring break destination in the world at this point. The truth is that now that I think of it, The Island is probably the most spring breaky place in the mountains.
6. Do a distillery crawl
What’s spring break without a little drinking? My preferred distillery crawl starts and ends on the strip in Gatlinburg – which allows you to complete the crawl without having to drive. In fact, if you’re serious about the crawl, it might be a good idea to get your hotel right there on the strip as well. Hit the highlights, get a tasting flight at each and drink a toast to the ghosts of spring breaks past.
7. Complete the mini-golf majors
I assume we’re all familiar with the golf world majors? The Master, the US Open, the British Open and the PGA? Well, in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you and your friends and family can compete for the Spring Break Grand Slam.
How do you play? Pick four different courses on which to compete – I recommend Sky Pirates in Pigeon Forge, Ripley’s in Sevierville, Davy Crockett in Gatlinburg and the Lost Mine in Pigeon Forge. Professor Hacker’s should probably be on the list, but it needs some renovation and TLC before it’s a major quality course.
You play one course a day, 18 holes each with some prize for the person who ends the gauntlet with the best cumulative score. I suggest a custom air-brushed mountain T-shirt in Masters’ green, but you can do your own thing. You can also offer prizes and punishments for the most holes-in-one, the worst hole and the worst overall score.
This activity is best for competitive groups whose members are not so competitive that fights will break out or anything. After all, golf decorum must be upheld.
Read Also: These Are the Best Attractions in Pigeon Forge in 2025, Says Smoky Mountain Local
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