While the Smoky Mountains are a fabulous destination any time of year, there is just something extra special about the summer months! This is a delightful time to experience everything that mother nature has to offer, ranging from beautiful scenery throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the thrilling rapids along on our rafting trips! Here are the top 4 reasons to plan a vacation to the Smoky Mountains in the summer:
1. Long Days of Gorgeous Sunshine
The summer season offers long days of gorgeous sunshine, giving you plenty of time to experience the great outdoors! Whether you are an early riser who loves beating the crowds to the area’s most popular hikes or prefer to sleep in a bit, there are nearly 14 hours of sunshine to enjoy during the summer months in the Smokies! If you need to cool off a bit during the peak afternoon hours, consider a shaded hike through the forest or one of our white water rafting excursions with your family and friends!
2. Perfect Destination for Families
Another reason to plan a vacation to the Smoky Mountains in the summer is because the Smokies are the perfect destination for families! While your children are out of school this summer, take advantage of this time to plan a unique adventure as a family! There is something for everyone in the Smoky Mountains, including amusement parks, miniature golf courses, go kart tracks, scenic wonders, zoos and of course the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! You’ll also want to bring the kids on one of our white water rafting trips as the minimum age starts at just 3 years old!
3. Unique Summer Energy
When you spend a summer vacation in the Smokies, there is a unique energy in the air that you can feel just about everywhere! Whether you are strolling through the streets of downtown Gatlinburg, soaring through the mountains on ziplines or challenging the water rapids, you’ll find that the Smoky Mountains are alive with activity! The Smokies are one of the most popular vacation destinations in the nation, so you’ll meet folks from all over the country who have come to enjoy this magical place!
4. Peak White Water Rafting Season
The awesome thing about the Smoky Mountains in the summer is that it is peak white water rafting season! The river flow is consistent from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so you can join us on the river all throughout the summer! This is also the best time to join our Lower Pigeon River Rafting trip as it is not offered in the early spring or late fall! This is the ideal trip for families or anyone else who prefers a more relaxing journey down the river. If you’re craving something more thrilling, don’t miss the Upper Pigeon River Rafting trip where you’ll experience an exciting 6.5 mile ride down class 3 and 4 rapids!
When planning your vacation to the Smoky Mountains in the summer, check out all of our white water rafting trips to experience the adventure of a lifetime! We look forward to seeing you soon!
