Top 4 Things To Do in the Smoky Mountains in the Summer
It’s never too early to start planning your summer vacation in the Smokies! The area offers a variety of outdoor adventures that are great for the whole family. From mountain biking to ziplining, there is plenty of fun to be had at this time of year. To help you make the most of your getaway, Pigeon River Campground has put together a guide to some of our favorite things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the summer. Check out all the fun details below:
1. White Water Rafting
For the adventurous spirit, white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains is one of the most thrilling things to do during the summer. This outdoor adventure offers breathtaking scenery along the Pigeon River and is a great way to have fun while cooling off.
Our campground is located steps away from Smoky Mountain Outdoors, the largest rafting company on the river. Guests can choose a mellow trip along the Lower Pigeon River or enjoy an exhilarating journey along the Upper Pigeon River. Regardless of which trip you take, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable rafting experience.
Read more about fun activities on the Pigeon River during summer in the Smoky Mountains!
2. Synchronous Firefly Viewing
Every year in late May or early June, the Elkmont area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is aglow with Photinus carolinus, a firefly species that flashes its lights in unison. Visitors who want to observe this incredible phenomenon during the eight days of predicted peak activity must register for the annual NPS lottery to distribute parking passes. But if you didn’t win the lottery, you may still be able to see the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont a few days prior or a few days – there just won’t be as many fireflies visible.
3. Smoky Mountain Waterfall Hikes
Hiking to a waterfall in the Smokies is the ideal way to spend a hot summer day. Not sure where to start? Try one of our favorites:
Grotto Falls (easy) – 2.6 miles roundtrip – Trillium Gap Trail runs through an old-growth hemlock forest, running behind the 25-foot-high waterfall.- Hen Wallow Falls (moderate) – 4.4 miles roundtrip – This 90-foot-high waterfall begins as a 2-foot-wide creek that fans down to a base that is 20 feet wide.
- Middle Prong Trail (strenuous) – 8.3 miles roundtrip – Flowers as well as waterfalls are featured on this trail. In the first two miles, you may see foamflower, toothwort, violets, wood sorrel, and trilliums.
- Ramsey Cascades (strenuous) – 8 miles roundtrip – Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park and one of the most impressive. Water drops 100 feet over rock outcroppings and ends in a small pool.
4. Cades Cove Scenic Loop
Summer in the Smokies is a great time to explore the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, especially during Vehicle-Free Wednesdays! You can walk or bike the 11-mile loop road and take your time walking around the historic buildings, including several churches, a working gristmill, and many cabins, barns, and homesteads. We suggest heading there early in the morning or the early evening for the best chance of seeing popular animals such as black bears. Learn more about the best places to see Smoky Mountain wildlife!
These are just a few ideas of fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the summer! Want to do something else exciting on your trip? Here are some reasons why you’ll love ziplining in the Smoky Mountains.
