Attractions Outdoor Enthusiasts Will Love
The lush forests, rolling hills and panoramic vistas of the Smoky Mountains really come alive in summer. This season is full of warm days for exploring the beautiful natural surroundings and cool nights for relaxing under the stars. Don’t miss out on these top 7 attractions during your summer visit to the Smokies!
1. Hiking in Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Smoky Mountains are home to over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from gentle walks to challenging mountain ascents. Family-friendly trails like Laurel Falls and Clingman’s Dome offer paved paths ideal for all ages, with incredibly picturesque views. There’s plenty to enjoy for experienced hikers as well, with trails like Alum Cave and Chimney Tops offering more strenuous treks. Summer is prime time for hiking, so get ready to explore the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains!
2. Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River
The Upper Pigeon River is well known for its exhilarating whitewater rafting tours, with a range of Class III and IV rapids perfect for first-timers and thrill seekers. The Lower Pigeon River offers a milder experience suitable for families with young children. Experienced guides from outfitters like Smoky Mountain Rafting will lead you through an exciting adventure with scenic river views.
3. Ziplining Through the Trees
Summer is a great time to explore the forests of the Smokies, and ziplining gives you a birds-eye view. This adrenaline-filled aerial adventure will take you through the lush green canopy with speeds up to 50mph and panoramic views. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are home to several zipline companies, with ClimbWorks and Legacy Mountain topping the list, offering world-class ziplines and sky bridges.
4. Visit an Adventure Park
The Gatlinburg area has a variety of mountaintop adventure parks where you can enjoy incredible views and fun activities. Anakeesta offers ziplines, mountain coasters, a ropes course and an observation tower, while Ober Mountain adds extra fun with an aerial tramway, wildlife habitat and summer tubing. For a more rustic experience, Fox Fire offers hiking trails leading to waterfalls, obstacle courses and swinging bridges.
5. Take a Scenic Drive
If you want to take in the sights from the comfort of your vehicle, summer is an excellent time to take a scenic drive through the Smokies. The classic drive along Newfound Gap Road offers some of the best vistas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park without breaking a sweat, with plenty of lookout points and scenic pull-offs to enjoy the high elevation views. Cades Cove Loop is another popular option right outside of Wears Valley, with access to historic settler structures and wildlife spotting opportunities. And if you don’t want to go too far, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail outside of Gatlinburg offers 5 miles of forest and waterfalls.
6. Float Down the Pigeon River
At the peak of summer heat in the Smokies, there’s no better way to cool off than in the clear waters of the Little Pigeon River. Tubing is a great choice for families and groups looking for a relaxed and refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors. Rent a tube and let the gentle current carry you downstream or sign up for one of the tubing packages at an outfitter like River Rat, which provides gear and transportation for your adventure.
7. Ride a Mountain Coaster
Riding a mountain coaster offers the excitement of a roller coaster paired with beautiful Smoky Mountain scenery, and it’s a solo ride in your own coaster vehicle, making it a peaceful and exciting adventure. Anakeesta features two different mountain coasters, where you control your speed as you fly through the trees down the mountain. The Moonshine Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg is another favorite, with heart-pumping curves and glowing lights after dark.
Plan Your Visit to the Smokies!
Whether you are racing through the forest on a mountain coaster or taking in the mountain views at the top of Clingman’s Dome, summer in the Smokies is packed with outdoor activities! Book your Smoky Mountain cabin rental and get ready to make some memories at the best summer attractions in the Smokies.
