Don’t let the summertime heat burn up all of your plans for the Smoky Mountains! Summer in the Smokies often brings hot days, clear blue skies, and endless activities both outdoors and indoors. When it gets hot, there are several different ways you can keep cool and still enjoy some of the best things the Smokies have to offer. To prepare you for your upcoming trip, we’re sharing 5 ways to beat the heat this summer in the Smokies:
1. Visit Douglas Lake
Do you hope to swim, boat, or fish this summer in the Smokies? If you answered yes to any — or all — of those activities, Douglas Lake is the place for you! Each year, Douglas Lake attracts roughly 2 million visitors who want to enjoy the more than 500 miles of shoreline. Whether you rent a boat or bring your own, try your hand at paddleboarding, or cast a line, feel free to take a dip to keep cool. We even offer Douglas Lake cabin rentals so you can be close to all the relaxation of the water!
2. Have Fun on the River
The Smoky Mountains are known for their rivers and streams during the summer months! Take a tubing trip down the Little River in Townsend or enjoy a guided whitewater rafting trip on the Little Pigeon River. These activities combine thrills with the cool and refreshing splash of the water, and are a ton of fun for families and groups in particular. You’re sure to share plenty of laughs and create memories that will last when you’re out on the water!
3. Try Water-Based Area Attractions
Summer in the Smokies is the perfect time to enjoy the water-based attractions! Dollywood’s Splash Country and Soaky Mountain Waterpark are two great options that feature water slides, wave pools, and even kid-friendly splash areas. Fair warning: your kids will want to spend all day at these fun spots. Or, check out one of the many Great Smoky Mountain waterfalls and let the mist and water keep you cool.
4. Visit Indoor Attractions
Prefer to head inside and enjoy the refreshing cool of air conditioning? There are plenty of awesome indoor attractions to visit during summer in the Smokies that are great for all ages! Some of the best indoor attractions in Gatlinburg include the Hollywood Stars Cars Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and the Gatlinburg Space Needle. These can be a good choice to visit after spending time outdoors when you need a break from the sun and heat.
5. Chill in the Comfort of a Cabin
No matter what you plan to do this summer in the Smokies, there’s nothing better than returning home to the cool and comfort of your own cabin after all your adventures! Every cabin is air conditioned so you don’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable, plus our cabins feature all sorts of special amenities, like indoor pools, mountain views, game rooms, and so much more to do. Be sure to explore our Smoky Mountain cabins today to find a great place to stay on your trip!
Plan Your Summer in the Smokies
Beat the heat this summer in the Smokies and enjoy moments that will last a lifetime with those you love the most! Beyond offering you the perfect place to stay near all the fun, we want to help you plan your summer escape. Discover even more Smoky Mountain attractions and things to do when you make your way to town!
