The Smoky Mountains are a fantastic destination all year long, especially during the summer months with long days of sunshine! This is the perfect time to experience the joys of the great outdoors and to visit all of the exciting local attractions, which are all in full swing for your enjoyment! Whether you want to go hiking on a scenic trail, cool off at a fun waterpark, or simply kick back at our cabins, you’ll love summertime in the Smokies! Here are the top 5 things to do during summer in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Go Hiking at the National Park
The summer months are an excellent time to go hiking at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as you’ll have plenty of daylight hours to hit the trails! If you’re an early riser, beat the heat (and the crowds) to popular destinations like Chimney Tops and Rainbow Falls. For those who prefer to sleep in a bit on vacation, you’ll still have time for a late afternoon stroll along one of the many wonderful trails. Altogether, there are 150 official trails to explore in the park!
2. Cool Off at Dollywood’s Splash Country
Another one of the top things to do during summer in the Smoky Mountains is a visit to Dollywood’s Splash Country! This massive waterpark features a variety of fun attractions for all ages, ranging from relaxing splash pools for toddlers to breathtaking water slides for thrill seekers! Catch a wave in the 25,000 square-foot Mountain Waves pool, relax on the Downbound Float Trip lazy river, or scream down the Raging River Rapids!
3. Ride a Bike Along Cades Cove Loop Road
While you can ride a bicycle along Cades Cove Loop Road anytime the road is open, the summer months are a special time to visit this gorgeous area of the national park! Cades Cove access is motor vehicle-free all day on Wednesdays from the beginning of May 1 through late September, giving pedestrians and cyclists a unique opportunity to explore Cades Cove without vehicles. While riding along, you’ll discover sweeping views, historical structures, and perhaps even some wildlife!
4. Grab an Ice Cream Cone at the Old Mill Creamery
When you’re craving a sweet summer snack, treat yourself to an ice cream cone at the Old Mill Creamery! This delightful ice cream shop features a tempting variety of flavors, ranging from traditional favorites to unique selections like Banana Pudding and Oat Mill Cream Pie! Some of the other popular ice cream shops in the Smokies include Mad Dog’s Creamery, Scoops Ice Cream Parlor, Curl de la Crème, Ben & Jerry’s, and Baskin-Robbins!
5. Enjoy a Smoky Mountain Cabin Rental
The best way to experience summer in the Smokies is with one of our luxurious Smoky Mountain cabin rentals! Spend a lazy afternoon lounging on your private deck with mountain views, kick back under the stars in a soothing hot tub, or create the perfect movie night in a home theater room! Some of our cabins even feature a private indoor swimming pool where you don’t have to worry about sunscreen or bad weather!
Check out all of our cabins in the Smokies today to plan the perfect summer in the Smoky Mountains! We look forward to seeing you soon!
