Winter Adventures: Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cozy Cabins in Tennessee
Nestled in the northeastern corner of Tennessee, the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort offers a genuine mountain snow experience just a few minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, about 45 minutes from Knoxville. This family-friendly resort boasts a mix of ski trails suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers alike, with gentle slopes like the Bunny Run perfect for those just starting out. The aerial tramway from the town to the resort itself is a highlight, providing panoramic views over the Smokies dusted with snow. Ober Gatlinburg stands out because it combines winter sports with an amusement park atmosphere, featuring an ice skating rink and wildlife encounter center, making it more than just a ski destination. The best visits here are in the heart of winter when the mountain is blanketed in powder, typically from December through February.
For a slightly more challenging terrain, the Canaan Valley Resort in the nearby area of West Virginia is often mentioned, but staying within Tennessee, the Snowshoe Mountain area in the southern Appalachian region around the town of Townsend offers some less crowded slopes. Just 30 minutes from Pigeon Forge, Snowshoe’s ski offerings are smaller but intimate, allowing visitors to enjoy crisp mountain air and quiet runs. The trails here weave through dense forests, and the natural scenery feels untouched, giving skiers a peaceful retreat from the busier tourist hubs. The gentle topography is excellent for novices who want to build confidence before tackling steeper descents elsewhere in the state.
In the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail near Gatlinburg transforms into a winter wonderland when snow dusts the forested ridges. While skiing isn’t permitted in the park, this 5.5-mile one-way loop road offers some of the region’s most scenic winter hiking and snowshoeing opportunities. Trails like the Grotto Falls Trail reveal frozen cascades and snow-laden ancient hardwoods, providing an enchanting backdrop for a winter adventure on foot. The peaceful hush of the woods covered in snow and the chance to spot wildlife like white-tailed deer make this a special wintertime outing. Early mornings or late afternoons are best to catch the soft winter light filtering through the trees.
Just 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville, the House Mountain State Natural Area is a favorite for Tennesseans seeking winter hikes with sweeping views. The summit, at 2,064 feet, offers a roughly 4-mile loop that’s moderately challenging and rewarding with expansive vistas of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. In winter, the barren tree branches reveal far-reaching panoramas that are obscured in summer, and the cool air adds refreshment to the climb. This spot is ideal for stirring up an appetite before heading to one of Knoxville’s renowned cozy cabin rentals, which often feature rustic charm with modern comforts like fireplaces and hot tubs. These cabins provide a perfect base for unwinding after a day outdoors and indulging in the mountain atmosphere.
Moving westward, the town of Cumberland Gap, about an hour’s drive northeast of Knoxville, offers a quieter winter escape with historic cabins and small ski hills nearby. The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park surrounds the town and features the Pinnacle Overlook Trail, where a 2.2-mile round trip hike leads to a breathtaking view of the tri-state area—Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. In winter, the frost-covered valley stretches below in a patchwork of fields and forests. Staying in one of the area’s rustic cabins allows visitors to embrace the region’s pioneer spirit, stepping back into a time when frontiersmen traversed these mountains. The winter’s serenity here is unmatched, particularly on clear days when the sun sparkles off frosted leaves.
For those who want to combine winter sports with a bit of urban charm, the city of Chattanooga, set along the Tennessee River, offers nearby lookout points such as Signal Mountain’s Sunset Rock. A short drive from downtown Chattanooga, this spot is popular year-round but takes on a crisp beauty in winter. The mostly easy hike leads to a rocky outcrop that overlooks the Tennessee Valley. From there, visitors can see the river winding through frost-kissed hills and the city’s skyline standing bright against a clear, cold sky. Afterward, it’s easy to retreat to a cozy cabin just outside the city limits, where warmth and quiet replace the daytime hustle. Chattanooga’s blend of outdoor adventure and cultural attractions makes it a unique winter destination.
Further east, the quaint town of Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town located about 45 minutes northeast of Johnson City, offers a softer side of winter with historic inns and charming cabins surrounded by rolling hills. Though not a ski destination, Jonesborough’s wintertime charm comes alive in its preserved architecture and local craft shops, many of which feature cozy fireplaces and seasonal decor. The nearby Warriors’ Path State Park, just outside town, provides gentle hiking trails and a small lake where visitors can enjoy brisk winter walks amid peaceful woods. The combination of cultural history and natural beauty here makes it a delightful winter retreat for those who want to slow down and savor the season.
Finally, no winter adventure in Tennessee would be complete without mentioning the Blue Ridge Parkway’s southern stretch near Cherokee, North Carolina, just over an hour east of Johnson City. Though a bit outside Tennessee’s borders, the Parkway is easily accessible and renowned for its scenic winter drives. Stops like the Waterrock Knob overlook reveal the snow-covered peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains in all their frosted glory. Visitors often combine the drive with nearby cabin stays in the Appalachian foothills, where the crisp mountain air and star-filled nights invite quiet reflection. Winter’s quieter pace here showcases the region’s natural grandeur in a way that’s both humbling and invigorating.