Warm Weather Fun in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville

27
May
2025

Summer Things to Do Indoor & Outdoor Activities

It’s finally summertime in the Great Smoky Mountains! While every season has its particular joys up here, summer is especially fun-filled. Not only do residents and visitors alike enjoy longer days to play outdoors, but many birds, butterflies, fireflies and other lovely creatures are seen in abundance, including bears and their cubs, who are after the ripe berries hidden in the undergrowth across the mountains. Best of all, there are many tourist attractions geared toward enjoyment of the warmer months, so buckle up for an unforgettable summer vacation!

Warm Weather Fun in Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Sevierville — Visit Hayloft Comfort Footwear for All Your Summer Shoes Needs

If you didn’t bring a swimsuit, head to the Tanger Outlets in Sevierville or The Village Shops in Gatlinburg and grab one. You MUST experience Dollywood’s Splash Country, a water park like no other. Hop on the Big Bear Plunge (up to four riders per raft) and experience fast descents, heart-stopping turns and cave-like enclosures that will leave you feeling like you’re whitewater rafting in the wilds of Colorado! All of the thrills of a rollercoaster and heat-busting water splashes to keep you cool. Win-win. Next, get in line for the Mountain Scream. It’s a long, fast thrill-ride of a waterslide-style attraction. You just have to experience it to believe it. After all of that excitement, your crew will be ready to chill on the Downbound Float Trip. This attraction features a 1,500-foot faux lazy “river” with a waterfall. These are just a few of the many great options at Dollywood’s Splash Country. There are plenty of things for smaller children to do as well, including the Little Creek Falls splash pad.

If weaving through crowds is not your thing, we have JUST the thing. Head on down to nearby Townsend, Tennessee and do some relaxing tubing on the Little River with the Smoky Mountain River Rat company. You can even rent a riverside cabana for the day for your group to enjoy shade and picnicking at their leisure. How fun is that? There is a dog and family-friendly route and one for more “adventurous” tubers. End your day at a restaurant in Townsend and come back to Autumn Ridge exhausted but happy.

If you like tubing, you might want to consider whitewater rafting, too! Smoky Mountain River Rat has this option available in nearby Hartford, Tennessee. The company offers trips down the Pigeon River of varying intensities. The Nantahala Outdoor Center (noc.com) also offers medium intensity and gentle whitewater tours on the Pigeon River. There is something refreshing and magical about connecting with nature this way. You’ll see fish jumping and hear the birds call. Keep your eyes peeled for river otters at play and darling turtles sunning themselves on the rocks! A few lucky rafters have seen bald eagles. Makes for a perfect day. All of the beautiful summer sun, none of the heat exhaustion of dry activities. Just splash a little ice-cold mountain river water on yourself and you’re set!

Cool Off in Hot Weather Things to Do and Fun in Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Sevierville — Cool Off at Pigeon Forge Snow!

Had a few days of walking in the heat to access shops and restaurants? Tired of hiking under the summer sun? Then plan a few hours at Pigeon Forge Snow, an indoor snow park! You can snow tube in a 60-70-degree environment or build a snowman with fake snow! How fun is that? You’ll forget all about the heat for a few hours and make a truly unique summer memory. When you’re finished, head on up to Ober Gatlinburg and try on some ice skates! The year-round indoor ice rink will provide a refreshing respite from the summer sun. There are so many other things to do while you’re at Ober, from a rock-climbing wall to a mountain coaster! Every member of your group will be pleased.

Unfortunately, a blog post is too short to capture even a glimpse of the summer fun available in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge-Sevierville area, but we’ve given you a peek behind the summer curtain. If you decide to opt for dry activities outdoors like hiking, mountain biking, renting e-bikes, or zip-lining, remember to stay hydrated and wear light-colored, lightweight clothing. Even though our temperatures are nice in the mountains and the air is fresh, it gets hot enough to take precautions. Fortunately, there are many wonderful shops and stores in the area which stock all of your summer essentials, from sunscreen to picnic baskets to safe summer footwear and walking sticks. Whatever you forgot to pack, you’re sure to find here. Have fun, make memories and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!