If you were wondering about the best place to go this summer, we highly recommend the Great Smoky Mountains. Come achieve a Gatlinburg TN summer vacation like no other when you visit us here. The summer season is almost here and with it comes a variety of summer activities and events that will make your summer trip one you will never forget. Take a look at what you and your family can plan for this summer in Gatlinburg:
Whitewater Rafting
The summer season encourages us to dig deep and find a sense of adventure. This is especially true when you visit locations such as Gatlinburg where you have all kinds of outdoor activities surrounding you. One of our favorite outdoor activities to enjoy in the summer is whitewater rafting. Take on the Pigeon River with the trusted professionals at Smoky Mountain Outdoors. They have been voted as a top 10 whitewater rafting experiences here in the country and have been leading rafting expeditions since 1993. The summer season is a great time for upper river and lower river rafting experience. You will find higher class rapids on the upper river perfect for experienced rafters while the lower river is great for families. Either way, you will have a scenic expedition complete with thrills perfect for the summer season.
Cool Off Inside Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
If you need a moment to cool off from the summer heat, you should do so inside Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This local aquarium is right here in Gatlinburg and offers a stunning selection of underwater critters. Ripley’s features all of your favorite underwater creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, penguins, jellyfish, octopus, and of course, tons of fish! You will come across sprawling habitats where the underwater animals share a space together in harmony. Walk through the glass tunnel as sharks and more swim all around you. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers over 10,000 sea creatures along with educational programs perfect for the young children in your family. Don’t miss out on a visit this summer.
Enjoy a Round of Mini Golf
Make sure the dad in your group stays with the family instead of wandering off to golf during your trip by enjoying a round of mini golf as a family. You will find that Gatlinburg is ready to provide the mini golf fun this summer with a few different courses to choose from. Check out locations including Hillbilly Golf, Gatlin’s Mini Golf, and Crave Golf Club that can be found all around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Show up with a little friendly competition to make the most of your game.
Take a Scenic Drive
You can easily check out the surrounding wilderness during your summer visit with a scenic drive through the area. Gatlinburg is situated right along the Appalachia that is 800 square miles of beautiful mountain scenery including the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Many locals choose to drive through the Newfound Gap Road, where you can enjoy stops along the way to enjoy the Suglarlands Visitor Center or Newfound Gap. Head over to Greenbrier where you can find a 6-mile stretch that includes an abundance of wildflowers in full bloom. If you are in the hiking mood you can make a pit stop by Ramsey Cascades. While it is a 4-mile hike to the falls you will find the end result to be absolutely worth it. The scenic drives around Gatlinburg are sure to convince you to hit the road for an hour or two of stunning scenery.
Check Out Anakeesta
Gatlinburg is home to a variety of theme attractions but none so memorable as Anakeesta. This is the perfect mountain top adventure park that is located just over Gatlinburg. Getting up to Anakeesta is done through a gondola ride from Downtown Gatlinburg. The journey starts with this mesmerizing trip with stunning views of the valley. You will be taken up to Firefly Village that starts all of the fun. You will find a variety of shops to purchase gifts from along with dinner that overlooks Gatlinburg. The TreeTop SkyWalk is a part of Anakeesta that features 800 feet of connected hanging bridges; in fact, this is the longest tree based sky bridge in the country. If you stop by at night you can enjoy the Astra Lumina, a night walk through the woods where the stars will be shining bright and is the first Lumina experience in the United States. Don’t forget additional activities including the Hellbender Mountain Coaster and BirdVenture Play Area.
More Fun This Summer in Gatlinburg
This is the start of your summer fun right here in the area with a Gatlinburg TN summer vacation. Reserve one of our stunning cabin lodges here in the area.