boy sliding down slide at Dollywood's Splash Country

6 Amazing Ways Stay Cool During Your Vacation in the Smoky Mountains This Summer

Summer is here to stay, and that means so is the warm weather. For vacationers looking to get away for a few days, but don’t want to spend every day in the southern heat, we have put together six of the best ways to cool off in the Smoky Mountains this summer.

 

Spend the Day at Dollywood’s Splash Country

One of the most exciting amusement parks in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood’s Splash Country is by far one of the best places for you and your family to cool down during your vacation in the Smoky Mountains this summer. Offering thrilling water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and several kid-friendly water attractions, Splash Country really does have something for everyone.

Dollywood’s Splash Country is open March 22-September 1.

Ticket prices for Dollywood’s Splash Country are:

  • $47 for adults ages 12-59
  • $42 for children ages 4-11 and seniors ages 60+
  • Combo tickets for Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country are also available.
    • $92 for ages 12+
    • $75 for children 4-11

(Expert tip: A great way to save money at either Dollywood or Dollywood’s Splash Country is to utilize the Pigeon Forge amusements parks’ ‘arrive after 3 p.m., next day free’ program.)

Tubing in Townsend

Imagine, you and your family are lazily floating down the river. The sun is high in the sky, but you and your family are cool as a cucumber with your feet in the water as the current directs you.

Don’t forget to pack a bottled water and a change of clothes before you reach the river!

White Water Rafting in Gatlinburg

Perfect for guests seeking a little more fun and adventure in the Smoky Mountains this summer. White water rafting in Gatlinburg will take you on a high speed adventure down the Little Pigeon River.

Thrill seekers will tackle a mixture of class I, II, III, and IV rapids under the supervision of a skilled guide. Not only will experiencing a white water adventure help you cool down with the constant splashing of water, but it will also help you and your family create new and long-lasting memories from your vacation in the Smoky Mountains this summer.

One of our favorite places to go white water rafting is Smoky Mountain Outdoors! They offer three unique rafting experiences, which allows you to pick the trip that is right for you. If you are a beginner, you can get your feet wet with the Lower River Rafting Tour. Are you wanting more of an adventure? Test out your skills on the Upper River Rafting Adventure to get the true thrill out of white water rafting.

 

Explore a Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails With a Waterfall

kid playing on Smoky Mountain hiking trail with waterfallHiking in the Smoky Mountains is a fun family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed all year long. However, by taking advantage of one of the many Smoky Mountain hiking trails with a waterfall, visitors can combine their love of exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with their desire to beat the heat during your vacation in the Smoky Mountains this summer.

Some of our favorite Smoky Mountain hiking trails with a waterfall include:

  • Abrams Falls (5 miles)
  • Laurel Falls (2.3 miles)
  • Rainbow Falls (5.4 miles)
  • Ramsey Cascades (8 miles)

Click here for a full list of hiking trails in the Smoky Mountain.

Visit One of the many Gatlinburg Fishing Spots

With a shady tree, a cool river, and the only sounds are the birds chirping in the trees, who doesn’t love fishing in Gatlinburg? If you are anything like us, spending the day relaxing with a fishing pole in hand is one of the best ways to pass the time on a warm summer day.

Click here to find out everything you need to know before fishing in Gatlinburg.

Relax in a Cool Gatlinburg Cabin Rental

kid drinking sweet tea in a Gatlinburg cabinSince you are vacationing in the south, you might as well act like a Southerner, and the best way to do that is to enjoy a tall glass of sweet tea from the comfort of a rocking chair on your Gatlinburg cabin rental’s private back porch. Here, you can sit back and unwind as you gaze out at the scenic Smoky Mountains in the distance.

The iced tea and feeling the breeze in the air will help you cool down, and the beautiful setting will definitely help you relax during your vacation in the Smoky Mountains this summer.

At Aunt Bug’s Cabin Rentals, we offer a variety of spacious cabin rentals in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. The cabin sizes range everywhere from one bedroom Smoky Mountain cabin rentals to 8 bedroom cabins in Pigeon Forge.

If you and your family would like to learn more about the many fun and exciting things to do in the Smoky Mountains this summer, be sure to check out our Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attractions page on our website. There you can find a brief description and phone number for all of our favorite Smoky Mountain attractions.