Your Guide to the Best Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains in Summer

Summer in the Smokies is more than just a season; it’s a tradition for families who return year after year. From waterfall hikes to black bear sightings in Cades Cove, this is the time of year when the Great Smoky Mountains National Park comes alive with warm-weather adventures, family fun, and unbeatable mountain views. If you're planning a getaway to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley, or Sevierville, here’s your go-to guide for the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in summer, complete with a few insider perks you can only get by booking with Venture Smoky Mountains.

Waterfall Hikes and Wildflower Trails

If you love to get out in nature, there’s no better time to visit the Smokies than summer. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, the park offers everything from peaceful strolls to challenging climbs.

Laurel Falls, one of the most accessible and family-friendly hikes in the park, offers a 2.6-mile round-trip trek along a shaded trail and rewards you with views of a beautiful cascading waterfall and two swimming holes where you can take a dip after your hike. In January of 2025, the falls trail closed for major renovations. But by summer of 2026, visitors can expect a repaved walking path, a new viewing platform, additional parking, and updated safety features.

If you’re up for more of a challenge, check out the hike to Clingmans Dome, now called Kuwohi Trail, which sits right on the Tennessee/North Carolina border. It’s the highest point in the park and offers 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains. On a clear day, you can see five different states from here! While the hike can be a bit strenuous with the steep half-mile incline, the views are spectacular and can span over 100 miles.

Want to see wildflowers? Don’t skip the Trillium Gap Trail on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature loop. The trail to Grotto Falls is lined with rhododendron and mountain laurel, both in full bloom by midsummer. Once at the falls (about 1.5 miles into the trail), you’re greeted by a 25-foot display of thundering water. Fun fact? The trail winds behind the falls, providing a unique vantage point and great photo opp.

Visit Cades Cove

Cades Cove is one of the most iconic destinations in the Smoky Mountains. It’s where history meets natural beauty. Whether you’re driving or biking the 11-mile loop, expect to see historic cabins, open meadows, and even the occasional black bear!

Pro tip: On summer Wednesdays, usually from around May or June to September, the loop is closed to vehicles all day, making it the best time for a bike ride or a peaceful walk.

If you venture out, make sure to take plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. People often underestimate how long it will take them to get back to their car, so having these things on hand is a must.

Summertime Scenic Drives

The Smokies offer some of the best scenic drives in the country. If you’re looking to take in sweeping mountain views without a strenuous hike, plan a drive along the 31-mile Newfound Gap Road. Stretching from Gatlinburg, TN, to Cherokee, NC, it takes you through gorgeous stretches of the park and offers scenic pull-offs that showcase the views of the Smoky Mountains in all their summer glory. It’s also the only fully paved road in the park and one that goes directly through its center.

Along the way, you’ll see beautiful rivers and white-water moments, towering trees, deep mountain valleys, and maybe even a passing herd of elk!

Cool Off with a Mountain Coaster or Water Adventure

Sometimes the best way to enjoy the mountains is to ride through them. A mountain coaster lets you cruise through the trees on a thrilling track where you control the speed. Great for kids and grown-ups, coasters like the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster in Pigeon Forge are a must-try. Plus, this one is the longest in the entire United States!

Want to get even cooler? Rafting and tubing are available through our partners, including one free ride through our Trip Cash program. Take on the Pigeon River or explore nearby tubing spots for a splash-filled day.

Check out all the complimentary experiences with your stay.

Don’t Miss Dollywood - Especially If You Have Littles

Dollywood is the crown jewel of Pigeon Forge in the summer. And it’s even more magical with the Free Pre-K Imagination Season Pass. Kids 4 and under can visit both Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country all summer long for free!

The park’s summer calendar includes live music, festival events, drone light shows, and more. Plus, with roller coasters and waterslides, it’s a great way to enjoy an action-packed day while staying cool. Be sure to check out the Big Bear Plunge, enjoy a peaceful float along the Downbound lazy river, or race each other on the Fire Tower Falls slides!

After a big day at the park, unwind in one of our spacious Venture Smoky Mountains vacation rentals. From cozy one-bedrooms to group cabins with game rooms, hot tubs, and theaters, we’ve got the space to stretch out and reconnect.

Summer Wildlife Watching

Visiting the Smokies in summer means more than just scenic drives and waterfalls. It’s also prime time for wildlife sightings. Black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and even coyotes are all part of the show. Just remember to keep a safe distance and never feed wildlife, no matter how cute they look.

Visit open areas like Cades Cove, Cataloochee, or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail for the best chances to spot wildlife.

Why Summer Is a Great Time to Stay with Venture Smoky Mountains

In addition to all these unforgettable activities, summer guests who stay with Venture Smoky Mountains receive over $1,300 in attraction tickets and coupons through our exclusive Trip Cash booklet. From free mountain coaster rides to ziplining, rafting, and mini golf, it’s our way of helping you make the most of your stay.

And because our rentals are close to top destinations like Laurel Falls, Clingmans Dome, and Dollywood, you’ll spend less time driving and more time enjoying. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full family vacation, summertime is a great time to plan your trip.

Book Direct with Venture Smoky Mountains

Instead of squeezing everyone into a hotel room, make the most of your mountain memories by choosing a vacation rental that gives your family room to breathe.

Booking directly with Venture Smoky Mountains means you get the best rates, Trip Cash perks, and a team that knows the area inside and out.

Whether you're hiking to waterfalls, driving scenic loops, or just enjoying the view from your deck, there’s no better way to experience summer in the Smokies than with a comfortable, centrally located cabin.

Ready to plan your summer trip? Browse our vacation rentals and choose from dog-friendly rentals, private rental properties, homes with private swimming pools, or check out our entire catalog. We’re confident we have the perfect spot for you. If you need help, our local and trusted team is available to assist every step of the way. Call us at (833) 792-2239 or fill out our contact form, and we’ll be in touch as quickly as possible!

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer in the Smokies

What is the best time of day to visit Cades Cove or Clingmans Dome in the summer?

Early morning is best. Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome are two of the most popular spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and they tend to get crowded by mid-morning. Plan to arrive before 9 AM to enjoy cooler temperatures, better wildlife sightings, and easier parking.

Are the Smokies a good place to visit with young kids in summer?

Absolutely. With kid-friendly hikes, interactive attractions in Pigeon Forge, and the Free Pre-K Dollywood Season Pass, the Smokies are ideal for summer vacations with toddlers and younger children.

Is it better to stay in a vacation rental or a hotel during summer in the Smoky Mountains?

A vacation rental gives your group more space, privacy, and flexibility, which is great, especially if you’re traveling with outdoor gear like bikes, or if you’re looking to save money by cooking meals. At Venture Smoky Mountains, we offer everything from 1-bedroom retreats to large group cabins, many with hot tubs, game rooms, and easy access to Smoky Mountain hikes and attractions.

What are some hidden gem activities for summer that aren’t as crowded?

While Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove are iconic, try less-trafficked spots like Porters Creek Trail, Deep Creek, or explore the shops and eateries in Wears Valley or Cherokee, NC. Guests who book with us also receive Trip Cash perks, which include access to fun attractions like Wild Laurel Golf and guided tubing adventures.

What’s the weather like in the Smoky Mountains during summer?

Expect daytime highs in the 80s and nighttime lows in the 50s. It’s basically the perfect mix. Warm enough to swim in waterfall pools or at the waterpark during the day and soak in the hot tub at night!