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The Appalachian Lodge
Street view of the Ole Red restaurant in Gatlinburg TN

The hustle and bustle of the holidays have moved out and the spring frenzy that brings thousands of people to the Smokies has yet to begin when March rolls in. Since there aren’t as many people in the area in March, this is one of the best times to visit Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains! You may be wondering what you can do while you’re in town, so here’s a list of 6 of the best things to do in Gatlinburg in March:

1. See Wildlife and Wildflowers

spring wildflowers in the smoky mountainsAs March kicks off in the Smokies, you can find the best of both worlds when it comes to winter and spring. Depending on the weather in the higher elevations, you might be able to experience some snow, but in the lower elevations, you’ll find plenty of early spring wildflowers beginning to bloom! Trails like Porters Creek, Chestnut Top, and Little River Trail are perfect for taking a hike and enjoying the beauty of life returning to the hills. Wildlife begins to also emerge on warmer days, so it’s possible for you to see all kinds of creatures, from black bears to white tailed deer! Exploring the Smokies is a great way to spend your March vacation!

2. Get Lucky at the SkyBridge

During the entire month of March, you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Gatlinburg SkyPark! All 680 feet of the SkyBridge will be decked out with green lights to get you in the spirit of the holiday. But the green lights aren’t the only thing you can enjoy while you’re visiting! Getting to the SkyBridge is fun since you take a ride on the famous SkyLift up the side of Crockett Mountain, and once you’re at the top, you’ll be able to take in sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains. Plus, you’ll want to walk around the SkyTrail and enjoy even more views from Tulip Tower. You won’t want to miss out on this fun thing to do in Gatlinburg in March!

3. Visit Dollywood

entrance sign to dollywoodOne of the most popular activities in the Smoky Mountains is visiting Dollywood. This theme park is located just 15 minutes away from our Gatlinburg hotel. Every season, Dollywood closes during the winter and reopens in the spring, making it a great reason to visit the Smokies during the month of March! You can be one of the first to visit this park during its new season. When you visit in March, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, which features so many incredible live performances, tasty dining options, and photo ops. From heart-pounding thrill rides to incredible shows, Dollywood offers plenty of fun for the entire family!

4. Chase Waterfalls

After the winter snow has melted and the rains have moved through, you’ll find that the waterfalls in the Smokies are beautiful! Guests visiting during the summer months often miss out on seeing many of the roadside waterfalls and cascades that flow beautifully on wet weather days! The biodiversity and beauty that is found in the southern Appalachians exists because of the rainfall that we receive throughout the year, but the spring months bring a little extra magic to the mountains! Popular waterfall hikes for March are Laurel Falls, Abrams Falls, and Cataract Falls.

5. Explore Anakeesta

anakeesta in gatlinburgWith flowers starting to bloom and the weather warming up, you’ll want to spend some extra time outside. One of the most popular places to spend time outside and enjoy the beauty of the area is Anakeesta. You can listen to live music, grab a bite to eat, walk through gardens, or just sit and relax while you take in views of the mountains! Popular activities at this mountaintop adventure park include two mountain coasters, play areas for kids, ziplining, shopping, and dining. Mach is also a great time to take a stroll through Vista Gardens!

6. Listen to Live Music at Ole Red

Another one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg in March is enjoy live music, and one of the top places to listen to live music is Ole Red. This restaurant is perfect for anyone who loves listening to live music and discovering new artists all while enjoying food and drinks. Almost every day of the week has new talent to listen to, so you won’t want to miss out on hearing some incredible artists perform. While you enjoy the show, you can chow down on southern cuisine and craft cocktails! Other places to hear live music in Gatlinburg are Anakeesta, Gatlinburg Brewing Company, and Three Jimmy’s Good Time Eatery.

More Things to Do in Gatlinburg in March

These are just some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg in March! If you want to stay up-to-date with all the exciting things happening in the area, take a look at our Gatlinburg events calendar!