Gatlinburg is a popular travel destination in summer because there are plenty of fun things to do while surrounded by spectacular scenery. This family destination sits at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you can both explore the park and experience all the shopping, dining, and attractions in town! To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together this guide to the perfect summer in Gatlinburg:
Outdoor Activities
Summer in Gatlinburg is the perfect time to experience all sorts of outdoor activities in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you’re looking for a challenging adventure or a relaxing activity, there’s something for everyone! The national park is home to 150 hiking trails, and they range in difficulty from easy to strenuous and vary in length. Hiking in the Smokies in summer means you’ll be surrounded by vibrant greenery and lush landscapes. Depending on which trail you hike, you could see wildflowers, historical sites, panoramic views, waterfalls, and more! Other outdoor activities to do in summer include horseback riding, white water rafting, river tubing, ziplining, and swimming in the Smokies.
Local Attractions
There are so many fun things to do in summer in Gatlinburg for every age and interest! If you’re traveling with youngsters, some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg with kids include arcades, mountain coasters, and Ripley’s attractions. If you want to enjoy the views, you can take a ride on one of the scenic chairlifts in Gatlinburg at Anakeesta, Gatlinburg SkyPark, or Ober Mountain. There are plenty of museums in Gatlinburg, too, where you can have educational, interactive fun, such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, and the Hollywood Star Cars Museum. In summer, adults also love to explore the Gatlinburg Wine Trail and visit distilleries to try moonshine!
Summer Events
If you’re planning a vacation this summer in Gatlinburg, you can attend one of the many events that take place this season. Gatlinburg’s Annual Fourth of July Midnight Parade has been named one of the “Top 10 Parades to see in the US” by National Geographic. You can watch festive floats make their way through downtown as fireworks explode against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains! If you’re visiting in July, you can also attend the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, which features more than 200 booths of handmade products. Another popular summer event in Gatlinburg is Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales. From late June through late July, the streets of Gatlinburg are filled with musical performances, storytelling, clogging, dancing, and more!
Places to Eat
Your itinerary this summer in Gatlinburg is sure to strike up a big appetite. Thankfully, there are a number of excellent restaurants to choose from. Start your day with a hearty meal at one of the best places to eat breakfast in Gatlinburg, such as Crockett’s Breakfast Camp or Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin. For lunch in Gatlinburg, there are several incredible spots in town where you can refuel, including Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill and Tennessee Jed’s. End your day at one of the best downtown Gatlinburg restaurants for dinner, such as The Park Grill, The Peddler Steakhouse, or No Way Jose’s Cantina.
Where to Stay
For your vacation this summer in Gatlinburg, you want to stay at an affordable hotel close to all the action in downtown. At Bearskin Lodge, we provide our guests with the best lodging experience in Gatlinburg! Our cozy rooms have everything you need for a relaxing stay, including a private balcony with a river or city view. Our hotel also offers complimentary breakfast and a fitness center that you are welcome to use during your stay. One of the biggest highlights of our hotel in summer is the outdoor pool and lazy river, allowing adults to relax while the kids splash and play! These amenities add extra fun and relaxation to your vacation without spending any extra money!
Find out more about the perks of staying at our hotel on the river in Gatlinburg, then browse our selection of Gatlinburg hotel rooms and book your stay today!
