Gatlinburg Questions

[Longsx3]

We are going to go the week of 1/3/10 because DD doesn't go back to school until the 11th. However I have never been in the winter, in fact the last time we were there was March 94 for our Honeymoon and roads were closed due to the Noreaster, so what should I expect in regards to weather in Jan? Will 441 be open and drivable? I do have a Volvo that is AWD and I want to be able to go to Maggie Valley possibly.

 

[laurie31]

We go around that time every year, and have for 18 years. Weather...you never know. Usually it is at least cold, but one year I packed all heavy winter clothes and it was in the 60's all week. We had to go out and buy t-shirts - lol.

We always bring tire chains, but I think we've used them...um....never. It has snowed twice that I can remember off hand, but it didn't affect the roads. It snows more oftenup in the higher elevations in the park, but the roads have not been impassable. Of course, the road to Clingmans Dome is closed that time of year, and so is the Roaring Forks Motor Trail, but the main highways shouldn't be a problem. We are planning to go over to Cherokee this year, and some years we go to Ashville. We've never had a problem crossing the mountain. Hopefully, you won't either.

The week between Christmas and New Years is crazy busy and crowded, but after Jan 2nd, the crowds usually die out, and it's very nice. Be sure and eat at the Pancake Pantry, and at Applewoods. OberGatlinburg is a lot of fun, and the Aquarium is excellent. If you like shopping, there are TONS of sales right after New Years in the outlets in Pigeon Forge. Plenty to do in the winter! Have a great trip!

 

[gymboqueenkaylee]

I agree with the PP, It's one of those things where you just never know. My family goes a ton since we have a place down there now and the weather in the winter is unpredictable. Last year we were down there a lot in the winter and it snowed almost every time but roads were passable. I do not know about the places up the mountain but where our place is in town, it's easy to move around, especially if you have AWD or 4WD.

 

[Longsx3]

Thanks for the info exactly what I needed to know! Hopefully snow chains won't be necessary because I don't have any, I will join AAA before I go and the Volvo handles well in snow...we lived in Germany.

Funny you mention Pancake Pantry, I use to eat there with my Aunt, growing up she would take me to the Mountains for the summer...when DH and I went in 94 he loved it too

 

[laurie31]

Okay, now I'm hungry!

Wildberry Crepes: A combination of 5 berries in a delicious compote covering three crepes filled with a mixture of ricotta and cream cheese, sprinkled with powdered sugar and topped with real whipped cream - sheer heaven!

M&M pancakes with peanut butter syrup (although...those do look more like Reece's Pieces than M&M's...but the girls love them!)

 

[laurie31]

To give you an idea, these are from our 07-08 trip (2 years ago). There was never any snow in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area, but we hiked to Rainbow Falls, and the further up we got, the more snow there was.


The Apple Barn

The Village (beside the Pancake Pantry)

Trail to Rainbow Falls

 

[paintnolish]

We have been in the winter many times and never experienced any unpassable roads. The weather is iffy...wintery but we've had a nicer day or two in there also. Last year it was in the 50-60s!
Also, Pancake Pantry I try to eat there as many times as possible every trip!

 

[Longsx3]

Ya know we have been really sick this week with a stomach bug but really I should know what year my honey moon was...93 not 94!

Thanks for the pictures...that really helps!

We are going to go the week of 1/3/10 because DD doesn't go back to school until the 11th. However I have never been in the winter, in fact the last time we were there was March 94 for our Honeymoon and roads were closed due to the Noreaster, so what should I expect in regards to weather in Jan? Will 441 be open and drivable? I do have a Volvo that is AWD and I want to be able to go to Maggie Valley possibly.