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!
Going on vacation is always great and much needed time away from work and school. However, traveling can also get in the way of important work you have been prioritizing such as time at the gym or workouts in general. During your next vacation getaway to Gatlinburg make sure you avoid cutting out your workout regime entirely and instead enjoy some outdoor Gatlinburg summer activities that is sure to help work out your body.
Rock Climbing
One of the top attractions in all of Gatlinburg is Ober Mountain. While Ober Mountain is the top skiing destination in the area during the winter it also offers a variety of activities during the summer too. One of the newest activities that has recently been added is rock climbing. Ober Mountain recently opened their 30-foot rock wall that is entertaining for individuals of all ages. Up to five different individuals can scale the rock wall at once as it is completely round in the shape of a cylinder. Guests are encouraged to climb up as fast as they can before the built in belaying system will let them rappel down. Rock climbing is a great work out for the legs and overall fun experience! This activity requires entry into Ober Mountain.
River Rafting
Hit the flowing rivers of Gatlinburg by joining in on a white-water rafting experience in the area. A variety of trips and difficulty levels are available for you in the area. For those who wish for a full workout experience a white-water rafting trip is just what you need. Guided tours from Big Creek Expeditions will take you down the local rivers for a thrilling voyage. The river water keeps you cool as you work off a sweat guided your raft down the river. Check out all the different options available in the area!
Downhill Mountain Biking
Another great outdoor activity that is sure to work your body is downhill mountain biking that is also available at Ober Mountain. This experience provides you with all the gear you need and the place to enjoy downhill riding. You will be able to embrace a thrill ride and conquer the experience that is a full body workout. There is even a downhill mountain bike season pass for the summer for those who are planning for a long term stay in Gatlinburg.
There are plenty of fun ways to spend your summer break in Gatlinburg but not all of them may be the most fun for your children. Finding kid friendly activities is always an important step to traveling especially if you are vacationing with family. Take a look at some of our family friendly summer activities in Gatlinburg you will find here.
Stop by Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
If you and the family are ever in need of a break from the outdoors, come visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Rockies. The start of the art aquarium features over 10,000 exotic sea creatures in 10 different galleries. Incredible critters such as penguins, sharks, rays, and more will be on display and some in petting areas such as the Stingray Bay. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies even has exciting events over the summer such as sleepovers for kids, sensory nights, and much more. Make sure to get a combo pass that gets you entry into the aquarium along with other Ripley’s attractions such as Believe It or Not!, Haunted Adventure, Marvelous Mirror Maze, Mountain Coaster, Davy Crockett Mini Golf, and much more. Ripley’s has all the fun for the kids here in Gatlinburg!
Visit Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park
Check out the thrilling adventure of a water park but indoors when you visit Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park! This spacious park is known for their retractable roof allowing it to be indoor or outdoor depending on the weather. Float along the lazy river for a relaxing time. Slide down one of two huge water slides or have the kids enjoy the interactive treehouse. There is plenty to enjoy at this water park!
Climb Up to Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
You and the family will be able to see all of Gatlinburg when you make the trek to SkyLift Park. Take the free scenic chairlift ride up to the park and see panoramic views of the region. Cross the SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian rope bridge that has a glass floor in the middle. Climb up to Tulip Tower for the best views imaginable. Hike along the SkyTrail. There is so much to see and do when you take the family to SkyLift Park!
Gatlinburg this Summer
Treat your family to the most exciting summer adventure by planning a stay in Gatlinburg. Book one of our vacation cabins today and experience Gatlinburg (and all these summer activities in Gatlinburg) in the best way possible.
If you are looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a family vacation look no further than Gatlinburg. Our Tennessee home has plenty of family-friendly summer activities in Gatlinburg TN that will make your summer getaway the best one yet. Take a look at what Gatlinburg and the surrounding area have to offer for you and your family:
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If your family loves the outdoors, you will absolutely fall in love with Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most gorgeous national parks in the country and offers a variety of hiking trails. Family-friendly trails can be found closer to the entrance. For those who want to explore further, you can check out Cades Cove or Charlie’s Bunion. Show your kids some time away from technology and explore this beautiful park.
Visit Dollywood Splash Country
Did you know that Gatlinburg has one of the area’s best water parks? Dollywood Splash Country is just a short drive away and is full of exciting water slides and rides. Take the 70-foot plunge down Fire Tower Falls Slide or simply relax on the Lazy River. Dollywood Splash Country features many different interactive areas perfect for children of all ages. You will also find the state’s only water coaster, the RiverRush. Now that is a thrilling time with the family!
Catch a Ball Game
In neighboring town Kodak, visitors will be able to see the Tennessee Smokies play one of their thrilling baseball games each week during the summer; it is one of the most popular summer activities in Gatlinburg TN. Some games even end with a dazzling fireworks show! Summer is the perfect time to relax with America’s oldest pastime.
Explore Anakeesta
Gatlinburg is also home to Anakeesta Mountain, an incredible adventure park with outdoor attractions. Try out the dueling zip lines or explore the Treehouse Village Playground. Children can also go mining for gems or try out rappelling. Summers should always be spent outdoors and Anakeesta Mountain will show you plenty of ways to do just that with the whole family!
Plan for Your Summer Trip Today
As you can see Gatlinburg has plenty of family-friendly activities here in the area making it the ideal destination for families of all sizes. Get started on your summer planning by reserving one of our vacation rentals here in the area. You will find comfortable amenities and be close to many of these wonderful attractions.