The blooms of spring have unfurled and the sounds of birds chirping ring through the bright, new green foliage of the Smoky Mountain forestry, which means it’s time for tons of outdoor fun to commence! After the long dark winter months, the Smoky Mountains come alive in celebration of nature reawakening. Whatever way you love to enjoy the great outdoors, the beauty and excitement of springtime in the Smoky Mountains has something for every visitor!
Take the kids for a truly memorable fishing trip during Gatlinburg’s annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament, where the streams are stocked and miles of beautiful rivers provide a serenely perfect fishing atmosphere. Tour the freshly awakened nature of the mountains as all the outdoor adventure companies re-open for the season. Or, simply kick back in a hammock or rocking chair on the deck of your peaceful mountain cabin after shopping and exploring downtown Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. During such a magical time of year, you won’t want to miss out on springtime in the Smoky Mountains brings!
Smoky Mountain Trout Annual Spring Tournament
Twice a year, 20 miles of streams, from West Prong Little Pigeon River to the National Park boundary in Gatlinburg and downstream to the Sevierville City Park bridge and its tributaries, are stocked with 10,000 trout! Released 2 days prior, this 2-day event is the largest trout tournament in the Smokies. This April, on the 7th and 8th, the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament commences for its 20th consecutive year! Starting 30 minutes before sunrise on both Saturday and Sunday, fishers of all ages and skill level are welcomed to the riverbeds to begin casting their reels and compete for the $500 grand prizes for both the largest and smallest trout.
Spend a day with the whole family or make it a guys’ weekend getaway with Pigeon Forge, TN Cabins, minutes from all the action in cozy cabin. After rising early and casting your fishing pole all day, return to the cabin to soak in the outdoor hot tub and nap on cushy couches. We have a wide range of cabins perfect for whatever your fishing adventure party looks like.
A few more notable rules and event proceedings:
- Register for the Trout Tournament at Rocky Top Outfitters with the online registration form, by phone, or in person at Smoky Mountain Angler Gatlinburg.
469 Brookside Village Way Gatlinburg, TN 37738- $25 per participant for Saturday or Sunday
- $40 per participant for both days
- Late registration: Register Friday (cash only) 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. in person at Riverside Motor Lodge in Pigeon Forge.
3575 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 - Tournament Waters:
- Roaring Fork
- LeConte Creek
- Dudley Creek
- All State regulations will be honored so be sure to have your Tennessee state fishing license before the tournament!
- Single-hook, handheld rods only
- 5 Fish limit
- Weigh-in is at Patriot Park in downtown Pigeon Forge and participants must be present at the final weigh-in to win prizes!
For more information and the online form, click here! There are tons more prizes and drawings outside of the largest and smallest fish contest; be sure to make your way to Patriot Park during the tournament!
The Smoky Mountain Annual Trout Tournament is only one of many happenings in the area during spring. Each weekend in April, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg play host to an array of events hosted outside among the beauty of springtime.
Smoky Mountain Wine Weekend
April 13-14, 2018
Tour the aisles of wine country right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg! Grab your closest friends and, for only $25 in advance or $30 at the gate, taste award-winning wines from all the local wineries and tastes samples from some of the finest eateries in the area. Arrive on Friday, April 13 and register for the guided tour of Gatlinburg wineries (seats are limited)! Saturday, April 14, spend the day learning about wine pairings from seasoned sommeliers and chefs from 1 to 6 p.m.
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
April 24-28, 2018
As the last chills of winter disappear in the mornings and thousands of colorful blooms blanket the mountainsides and valleys in the Smoky Mountains, one of the country’s most special and long-standing tributes to nature and wildlife kicks off April 24. Guests to the Smoky Mountains have a unique opportunity to learn from Appalachian wildlife authorities, botanical experts, and area field researchers while touring the newly flourishing nature awake from winter. Dating all the way back to 1951, this year’s 68th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage offers over 150 programs over 5 days with tours, lectures, and demonstrations.
Cast into the streams for a grand prize, toast to new seasons, and stand in awe of the towering mountainsides. With nature flourishing and tons of exciting events and attractions, stay close to it all in a charming Pigeon Forge cabin.
