Summer in the Smokies is generally moderate, though some days can be quite warm. Thankfully, there are a number of great ways to escape the summer heat during your vacation! We’ve put together this list of some of the best ways to cool off this summer in the Smokies:
1. Go White Water Rafting
White water rafting is the perfect way to beat the heat this summer in the Smokies. As you make your way through the rapids and waves, you’re guaranteed to get splashed by the cool water of the Pigeon River, and you’ll definitely be soaked by the end of your adventure! If you want to cool off during a calm section of the river, have one of your fellow rafters splash you! You’ll also have opportunities to jump in and float in the refreshing water during your rafting trip.
2. Try Zorbing
Another great way to cool off during summer in the Smokies is zorbing at Outdoor Gravity Park. At this Pigeon Forge attraction, you’ll climb into a giant 11-foot inflatable ball and roll down a 1,000-foot hill! 10 gallons of water are added with you, so you’ll slip, slide, and feel refreshed as you race down the track. Make sure you bring a towel and a change of clothes because you’re guaranteed to get soaked!
3. Explore the Titanic Museum Attraction
If you want to escape the sun this summer in the Smokies, head to the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge. This is one of the Smoky Mountain attractions you need to experience if you want to have fun and learn something new in air conditioning! Step aboard the luxury liner and see artifacts from the ship and its passengers. If you really want to cool off, you can stick your hand in 28-degree water–just like the passengers experienced on that fateful night.
4. Hike to a Waterfall
Are you looking for a more relaxing outdoor activity with ways to cool off? Hike to one of the incredible Smoky Mountain waterfalls nearby! A popular choice during summer in the Smokies is Grotto Falls because you can walk behind the waterfall and feel refreshed as the mist hits your skin. Other must-see waterfalls include Rainbow Falls, Abrams Falls, and Mouse Creek Falls. While you watch the beauty of the falls, you can stick your feet in the water to cool off before continuing your hike!
5. Take a Scenic Drive in the Smoky Mountains
Another great way to stay cool this summer in the Smokies is taking a scenic drive! There are many stunning scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains where you can enjoy the beautiful landscape without leaving the comfort of your car’s air conditioning! These drives lead to incredible mountain vistas and offer opportunities to see historical structures and possibly even local wildlife. As you drive up to higher elevations, the temperatures get cooler, providing excellent relief from the summer heat!
Plan Your Vacation This Summer in the Smokies
These are some of the best ways to cool off during summer in the Smokies! Still trying to decide if a Smoky Mountain summer vacation is for you? Check out these top reasons to plan a vacation to the Smoky Mountains in the summer. Then, book your white water rafting trip and start planning the ultimate Smoky Mountain vacation!
