Summer is a fantastic time to visit Gatlinburg, TN, and there’s so much to do this time of year! Whether you’re interested in thrilling adventures or laid-back activities, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy! Here are some of the can’t-miss things to do this summer in Gatlinburg:
1. Visit Local Attractions
There are so many local attractions to experience this summer in Gatlinburg! You can find everything from outdoor adventure parks to arcades to museums and more! Favorites include mountaintop attractions like Anakeesta, Ober Mountain, and Gatlinburg SkyPark, where you can enjoy breathtaking views, scenic chairlifts, and one-of-a-kind activities. Other popular downtown Gatlinburg attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Hillbilly Golf, and the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Make sure you also visit the lesser-known Gatlinburg hidden gems such as the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, Gatlinburg’s Mysterious Mansion, and the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum! There’s so much to do during your Gatlinburg summer vacation!
2. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg is known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which means there are plenty of outdoor activities to explore during your summer vacation! The national park is home to 150 hiking trails, including hikes to breathtaking waterfalls and panoramic views. You can also go fishing in the 2,300 miles of streams. If you want to explore the national park from the comfort of your car, take a scenic drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This loop road begins just outside of downtown Gatlinburg and travels through a lush forest, along a mountain stream, and past historical structures. It’s also a great place to spot wildlife!
3. Attend Gatlinburg Summer Events
There are a lot of great events happening this summer in Gatlinburg! One of the most popular is the Annual 4th of July Midnight Parade. Watch festive floats make their way through downtown Gatlinburg as fireworks burst against the mountain backdrop! Another can’t-miss summer event is the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, which takes place in July and features more than 180 booths of the finest craftspeople from all over the country. From late June through late July, you can also experience Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales. During this festival, the streets of downtown Gatlinburg come alive with storytelling, musical performances, dancing, and more!
4. Go Ziplining
Do you want to reach new heights this summer in Gatlinburg? A can’t-miss activity is ziplining! Strap on safety gear and let a guide lead the way so you can soar high above the trees and get a bird’s-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains! You’ll reach exciting speeds, and the rushing wind will help you keep cool on a warm summer day. Ziplining is an outdoor adventure that combines thrill with the beauty of nature! Some of the best places to go ziplining in Gatlinburg include CLIMB Works and Anakeesta’s Dueling Zipline Adventure.
5. Cool Off on the River
If you want to beat the heat this summer in Gatlinburg, you can cool off with a ride on the river! Nearby Hartford and Townsend have a number of outposts that offer white water rafting and tubing trips down the river. For thrill-seekers, white water rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors provides an exciting adventure as you navigate rapids on the refreshing Pigeon River. If you’re looking for a more laid-back activity, River Rat offers a relaxing float trip down the river on a tube. Whether you’re interested in a thrilling ride or a calm trip, getting out on the river is a great way to keep cool during your summer vacation!
Where to Stay This Summer in Gatlinburg
These are some of the best things to do this summer in Gatlinburg! If you want to experience all that this town has to offer, you need to stay close by! Our downtown Gatlinburg condo rentals are conveniently located and have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Check out these helpful tips for staying at our Gatlinburg condos and find out how our Gatlinburg condo rentals help you save money on your vacation!
