There is no reason to not visit Gatlinburg at the end of the summer season. This allows you to beat the summer rush earlier in the season while still enjoying some warm weather. You will find that late summer activities are more than enough of a reason to book your next trip. Here are some of the best late Gatlinburg summer activities here that you can enjoy:
Take a Scenic Drive in the Mountains
Part of the charm here in Gatlinburg is having the Great Smoky Mountains surround the area. The views are incredible and brings the perfect mountainside ambience. The summer season is a great time to check out the area while beating the heat with a scenic drive. Late summer is still the perfect time for a drive, as the leaves may begin to slowly start changing colors, especially higher in elevation. Some popular scenic drives that you can take include Newfound Gap Road along with Cades Cove Loop Road that have unparalleled views of the mountains. This is the perfect summer activity for those with a car on hand during their stay.
Try Out Whitewater Rafting
The late summer season is still perfectly warm enough for a trip out on the river. Specifically, whitewater rafting is a huge activity that is enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts here in the area. Pigeon River is our local river that offers some incredible outdoor adventures. There are several outfitters nearby that are more than ready to supply you for the trip. Try out companies including Smoky Mountain River Rat or Raft Outdoor Adventures that will take you on a guided rafting adventure. Their tours include the Upper Pigeon River that is your typical rushing whitewater rafting challenge. This is perfect for those who wish to get wet and try something thrilling. Lower Pigeon River is a calmer experience, perfect for river floats and relaxing experiences. Whatever you choose, there is no bad way to spend time out on Pigeon River.
Take on Ober Gatlinburg
You will find the months of August and September to be a great time to try out some mountain fun. Ober Gatlinburg is situated high above Gatlinburg and is our winter sports destination in the colder months of the year. Outside of winter, however, Ober Gatlinburg is a destination for a little bit of fun. Arrive to Ober Gatlinburg by taking the 2.1-mile ride on the aerial tramway from Downtown Gatlinburg. This is a spacious 120-passenger aerial tram that will provide you with incredible views. During the late summer season, visitors will find Ober Gatlinburg has all kinds of fun, including indoor ice skating, ice bumper cars, a rock climbing wall, summer tubing, and more. The Smoky Mountain Bobsled and Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster are popular attractions that everyone loves. A summer seasonal attraction you can find this season is the Cloud Catcher Zipline that will take you to high speeds. Make sure to stop by Ober Gatlinburg this late summer.
Visit Dollywood
Gatlinburg and our close neighbors, Pigeon Forge, are home to our very own theme park, Dollywood. This park is based on Hollywood icon Dolly Parton. You will find charming areas that offer a family friendly area. During your visit, you will find over 50 exciting rides that offer high-energy entertainment. Dollywood’s Splash Country is a fan favorite for the summer where you can find a lively water park experience. The summer season also sees the park staying open later than other times of the year, so you have more time to experience all the top rides. Stop by during the week for less crowds!
Fishing Around Gatlinburg
The late summer season is also a great time to check out the local rivers and streams for a bit of fishing around the area. Fishing is a popular activity for both locals and visitors who are looking for some relaxing time outdoors. Fly fishing is the best way to try and reel up local trout. Those looking to enjoy a fishing excursion on their own you will find that local outfitters provide plenty of rental gear along with requires licenses. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has over 50 native fish species for you to find. You can also book a guided fly fishing tour that will provide you with everything you need. Simply show up and let them guide to you to the most popular fishing spots.
Get Ready for Late Gatlinburg Summer Activities
As you can see, the late summer season is a fantastic time of year to visit Gatlinburg. Our luxury cabins are nearby to keep you close to these wonderful activities. Explore our listing of luxury homes and book your favorite before the summer comes to an end!
