Still in search of the perfect family summer vacation? Add Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to your summer travel list and experience the hype of a Smoky Mountains summer. While July and August afternoons can get hot and humid, the mountains are full of natural ways to cool off. Think heavily shaded trails, swimming holes tucked in the forests, and action-packed adventures on the river.
4 Ways to Stay Cool in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
- Shaded Hikes
- Swimming Holes in the Smoky Mountains
- Whitewater Rafting
- Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Indoor Attractions
Shaded Hikes in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
Cool morning hikes are the mark of a memorable Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg summer. Wake up early, brew a cup of coffee or grab one at our favorites (Bloom & Berry in Gatlinburg or Small Town Bistro in Pigeon Forge), and head to the forests of the Great Smoky Mountains. The national park has several shaded trails where you can wander through the trees and reach new heights, all while still staying cool from the summer heat.
At the top of your “must-hike” lists and one of Gatlinburg’s most well-known trails is Grotto Falls. The 2.6-mile out-and-back trail is family-friendly and offers plenty of shade and streams where you can dip your toes in along the way. The greatest reward from this hike is being able to walk behind the waterfall! The mist provides a cooling sensation after you’ve worked up a bit of a sweat from the hike.
A flatter, heavily shaded trail is Metcalf Bottoms to the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse. This hike is ideal for those who want to avoid a strenuous uphill climb in the heat. It’s a fairly short hike, 1.4 miles round-trip, that takes you through a lush forest with creeks and footbridges. At the end of the trail, you’ll find Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse, originally built in the 1840s. If you want to extend your hike, you can keep walking to the Walker Sisters Cabin.
Or, consider heading to higher elevations! For every 1,000 feet of elevation gained, the temperature drops about 3.5°F. Escape the valleys and head up to Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi) or Newfound Gap, where it can easily be 10 to 20 degrees cooler than downtown Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
The Best Smoky Mountain Swimming Holes
Avoid the summer heat by dipping into the waters of the Smoky Mountains! Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are home to several swimming holes where you can splash, swim, and play for hours on end.
The Sinks is a classic swimming hole near Gatlinburg. The river makes an S-turn, creating natural pools of water surrounded by huge boulders. The area under the bridge is dangerous for swimming (avoid it); however, the western part offers shallower and safer waters. It is important to note that there have been several serious injuries and accidents at The Sinks. If you choose to swim here, pick an area with no strong currents.
The Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a calmer and much safer alternative to The Sinks. Visitors can pull off the road and fish, swim, and wade in the waters of the Little Pigeon River. We highly recommend packing lunch for the family and picnicking along the river for a fun, family outing.
Known as the “Y” to locals, Townsend Wye is another well-known swimming hole near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Two forks of the Little River meet here to form a wide pool and beach area. Bring chairs, plenty of sun protection, and snacks, and plan to stay for a few hours.
Bear Tracts Tip: Always put safety first! There are no lifeguards on duty in the national park, so be mindful of slippery rocks, water depths, and water currents if you plan to swim in the park.
Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River
The Pigeon River, about 45-60 minutes from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, is where you’ll find guaranteed water action. For thrill seekers, the Upper Pigeon River features several Class II and Class III rapids (and occasional Class IV drops!) along the route, while the Lower Pigeon River is less about the speed and more about the scenery. You’ll get to choose your adventure when you book with one of the local rafting companies like Big Creek Expeditions, Smoky Mountain River Rat Whitewater Rafting, or SMO Rafting.
Bear Tracts Tip: We recommend booking in advance as summer slots tend to fill up fast!
Indoor Attractions in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
For the hottest part of the day (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM), head inside for some world-class indoor entertainment. Walk under sharks at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, or catch a matinee show at one of Pigeon Forge’s famous theaters like Hatfield & McCoy or Pirates Voyage. The main strip in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offers plenty of indoor activities and attractions, so you can catch a break from the high temperatures!
Plan Your Smoky Mountains Summer!
Ready to plan your summer mountain escape? Browse our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge featuring private and shared pool access, shaded decks, and mountain views to keep you relaxed and cool all summer long!