Summer Fun

Great Smoky Mountains in the Summer

Sweet summer is almost here. Late sunsets, starry nights, lightning bugs filling the sky, crickets singing their song.

There is so much to do in the Great Smoky Mountains in the summer, with theme parks to go to and play, long hikes to be had, swimming holes to find and such amazing food to share and enjoy outside or inside.

Oh, and there are plenty of activities for a rainy day too: Museums, dinner theaters, a fantastic aquarium, shopping and more!

Theme Parks

Dollywood and Splash Country

With so much to see and hear – music of course – Dollywood in the summer has extended hours, evening fireworks and drone shows and food treats for everyone. Exhilarating rides on roller coasters, showstopping live entertainment, plus nightly fireworks and drone spectacular.

Splash Country is the sister water park to Dollywood has rides, water towers and relaxing lazy floats.

The Dig’N Zone Theme Park

 Located in Sevierville, Dig’N Zone is the largest construction-based theme park in North America. It allows guests of all ages to experience what it’s like to ride, drive and operate real construction equipment.

SkyLand Ranch

 Located across from Tanger Outlets, SkyLand Ranch is set on a 100-acre farm right in the heart of Sevierville. While their general admissions ticket allows you entrance to the retail shops, eateries live entertainment and more, additional tickets can be purchased to enjoy all the theme park has to offer like the ranch, and a mountain coaster.

In addition to their regularly scheduled adventures, they also offer seasonal events throughout the year.

Outdoor Gravity Park 

Outdoor Gravity Park is the only zorbing park in the United States.

What is zorbing?

Zorbing is the act of rolling down a hill in a giant 11-foot inflatable ball. The Outdoor Gravity Park has zorbs that can hold up to three people. Also, the park offers three different tracks and ages 5 years and up can ride!

Anakeesta

A mountain playground for all ages, Anakeesta has zip lines, personal roller coaster, treehouses, garden walks, incredible scenery, fresh-made foods, and music! 

Outdoor fun

Hikes

Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is one of the most popular activities in the park. Explore some of the best trails and hiking destinations the park has to offer. 

It features over 150 hiking trails, snaking their way through the park for over 800 miles within park limits. The trails also feature a 70-mile segment of the fabled Appalachian Trail. 

Synchronized Fireflies

Each year in the Great Smoky Mountains for a few magical nights in June, one of the 19 species of fireflies in the park coordinate their flashing pattern during mating season. It’s a sight to behold and we have all the information on how to see them.

Fishing

The main fishing attraction in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Appalachian brook trout, the only native species of trout in the Southeastern United States. But you’ll also find wild stream-bred rainbow and brown trout and small mouth bass. 

Year-round fly fishing is permitted in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  You can start fishing thirty minutes before official sunrise but must finish up no later than thirty minutes after official sunset. You can also book a fishing experience with Smokies Angling Adventures.

Adventures Up High

Gatlinburg Sky Park 

The Gatlinburg Sky Park houses several different area from the bridge, to the tail to the lift. It is a can't miss adventure.

The Sky Trail is a scenic walkway connecting each end of the Gatlinburg SkyBridge that gives visitors the opportunity to take a leisurely hike in the mountains while enjoying new views of the now famous bridge. “At just over one-third of a mile in length, the SkyTrail is an enjoyable walk for adults, kids, and even dogs, offering three distinct sections. 

The Tulip Tower and SkyBridge 

The Tulip Tower is a 70′ steel tower set in the back of the ravine accessed by two rope bridges and features four elevated viewing platforms.  Also, there is a special story behind the theme and story of this tower, with information on each level.  At the top of the tower, enjoy a very unique view of the Smokies and the iconic SkyBridge.  This is an adventure for all ages! The SkyBridge, billed as North America’s largest pedestrian suspension bridge, is 680 feet from tower to tower. 

Skylift

To get to the Sky Bridge, take the Skylift up to Skylift park. The lift takes visitors up and down the mountain for spectacular 360-degree views. Visitors get off at the new Skydeck, where they can sit outside, play outside. The SkyCenter at the SkyDeck overlooking Gatlinburg offers up “sweeping panoramic views” of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Ziplining 

Ziplining has become big business in the Smokies with Zipline establishments popping up all over the area.  So, if you haven’t been ziplining yet, it is a must for all ages. Other Zipline companies include:

 Wahoo Ziplines 

Smoky Mountain Ziplines & Canopy Tours

FoxFire Mountain

Climbworks Smoky Mountains 

Rainy day activities

Dinner theaters

Among the fabulous fun in the Great Smoky Mountains towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are dinner theaters. Singing, dancing, pirates, fights, comedy, and live animals of all sorts including buffalo, long-horn cows, piglets and horses. All while you and your family enjoy marvelous, tasty southern, home-cookin’-style meals. 

Dinner theaters are some of the most family fun you can have during your mountain cabin vacation, and among the favorites are those operated by the Dolly Parton family of businesses. American Patriot Getaways has discount tickets and amazing cabins nearby for your trip

Titanic Museum

Step inside the 30,000 Titanic Museum for a trip you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry. There’s a reason why this is the first item on our list of popular Smoky Mountains attractions. 

This exquisite building offers a full-scale replica of the famous Grand Staircase. Not to mention hundreds of artifacts and a flooded stairway simulator. You’ll find the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Aquarium

Aquarium of the Smokies is an incredible experience. Visitors get a chance to see a wide variety of marine animals from all over the world.  Arrive early and watch divers interact with live sharks in Shark Lagoon. Watch a feeding show and learn about colorful coral reefs multiple times per day.  Enjoy the begin shows and learn about the warm weather African Penguins housed at the aquarium. There are even hands-on exhibits where you can touch a jellyfish, stingray, or shark!

Be sure to check out Ripley’s other adventures in the Smokies, including Believe it or Not! Museum and Guinness World Records Museum.

Food fun

People come to the Smoky Mountains for the beauty and serenity and the food! From pancakes to hoe cakes, trout to catfish, hushpuppies and fried green tomatoes to pizza and barbecue, there is something for everyone. 

For some of the best places to eat in the county, CLICK HERE!

Ready to book a cabin and get started on your getaway?

Find a cabin near all the fun in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, whether you are looking for something for you, your family, your friends, American Patriot Getaways has a cabin for you.

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