The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, with 14.1 million visitors in 2021. While that's a lot of people, it's not hard to avoid them. Here are four tips for avoiding crowds:
1) Choose Your Season
January and February are the months with the fewest visitors to the area logging only ~500,000 visitors per month. With luck, you'll experience snowfall during these months. At a minimum, you can enjoy the machine-generated snow at Ober Gatlinburg. You will be able to find the best deals on rental cabins during the winter due to lower demand. Other low occupancy months include May and September.
2) Travel Mid-Week
Most travelers to the Smokies have families and schedule their visits on weekends or school holidays. By choosing a mid-week stay at any time of the year, you will experience less traffic and fewer crowds at the attractions.
3) Schedule Your Activities
The saying 'The early bird gets the worm,' holds true in the Smokies. If you can encourage your group to get an early start, you'll get to your destination more quickly and experience shorter lines. The same holds true for running errands in the area. Get an early start and then return to your cabin to relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the space while everyone else is caught in traffic.
4) Use Delivery Services
Instacart is the answer! Avoid running out for forgotten items so you don't get snarled in traffic or in long checkout lines during peak times. DoorDash is another great delivery option if you don't feel like cooking. Order dinner and enjoy a far better view from your rental cabin than you'll find at most restaurants in the area!
With a little thoughtful planning, you are guaranteed a great time in the Smokies during any season!
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