Summer in the Smoky Mountains means long days, warm evenings, and endless opportunities for adventure. While temperatures in the valleys can climb into the 90s, the mountain peaks stay 10-15 degrees cooler, and the rivers and swimming holes offer instant relief. These are the best ways to spend a summer day in the Smokies.

In This Guide

  1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  2. Clingmans Dome / Kuwohi
  3. Newfound Gap
  4. Grotto Falls - Walk BEHIND the Waterfall!
  5. Ramsey Cascades - Tallest in Park!
  6. Mingo Falls - 120 Feet Tall!
  7. Fly Fishing the Smokies
  8. Springhouse Branch Trail
  9. Gunter Fork Trail
  10. West Prong Trail
1
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

place Gatlinburg ★★★★☆ 4.9 (45678 reviews)

Sprawling scenic park with trails and vistas

Where to Stay: Chalet Village, Ski Mountain

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2
Clingmans Dome / Kuwohi

Clingmans Dome / Kuwohi

place National Park ★★★★☆ 4.9 (8765 reviews)

High elevation park with scenic views

Where to Stay: Bear Creek Crossing, Chalet Village

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3
Newfound Gap

Newfound Gap

place National Park ★★★★☆ 4.9 (5678 reviews)

Panoramic mountain crossing point

Where to Stay: Bear Creek Crossing, Chalet Village

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4
Grotto Falls - Walk BEHIND the Waterfall!

Grotto Falls - Walk BEHIND the Waterfall!

place National Park ★★★★☆ 4.9 (4567 reviews)

Hike behind a beautiful waterfall

Where to Stay: Bear Creek Crossing, Chalet Village

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5
Ramsey Cascades - Tallest in Park!

Ramsey Cascades - Tallest in Park!

place National Park ★★★★☆ 4.9 (2876 reviews)

Tallest waterfall in park

Where to Stay: Bear Creek Crossing, Chalet Village

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6
Mingo Falls - 120 Feet Tall!

Mingo Falls - 120 Feet Tall!

place Cherokee, NC ★★★★☆ 4.9 (2345 reviews)

Spectacular 120-ft waterfall hike

Where to Stay: Bear Creek Crossing, Chalet Village

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7
Fly Fishing the Smokies

Fly Fishing the Smokies

place Gatlinburg ★★★★☆ 4.9 (150 reviews)

Guided fly fishing trips

Where to Stay: Chalet Village, Ski Mountain

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8
Springhouse Branch Trail

Springhouse Branch Trail

place Great Smoky Mountains NP ★★★★☆ 4.885530285602728 (436 reviews)

Forney Creek to Noland Creek

Where to Stay: Bear Creek Crossing, Chalet Village

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9
Gunter Fork Trail

Gunter Fork Trail

place Great Smoky Mountains NP ★★★★☆ 4.878990615970931 (456 reviews)

Trail from Balsam Mountain

Where to Stay: Bear Creek Crossing, Chalet Village

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10
West Prong Trail

West Prong Trail

place Great Smoky Mountains NP ★★★★☆ 4.856791243495768 (439 reviews)

Trail from Tremont to Bote Mountain

Where to Stay: Bear Creek Crossing, Chalet Village

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Summer is peak tourist season. Beat the crowds by starting your day early (before 8 AM for popular trailheads) and saving indoor attractions for the hottest afternoon hours. Evening activities like the Island show fountain and Gatlinburg SkyBridge sunset walks are summer highlights.

Related Guides

Top 7 Swimming Holes and River Spots Top 10 Things to Do in the Smokies in Fall Top 10 Things to Do in the Smokies in Winter Top 10 Things to Do in the Smokies in Spring

Frequently Asked Questions

Each season offers a unique experience. Summer is particularly special in the Smokies, but there is truly no bad time to visit.

During peak seasons, book cabins and popular attractions 2-3 months in advance. Off-peak periods offer more flexibility and often better rates.