Great Smoky Mountain Summer Activities

I used to think vacations in the summer were for the beach, but if you have never taken a trip to the mountains in the summer then you are really missing out! Did you know the Great Smoky Mountains is the MOST visited National Park in the U.S.?
 Over 14.1 million visitors came to experience its beauty in 2021. Check for available dates at The Giving Cabin by clicking HERE.

The mountains are such a beautiful destination for summer fun and the outdoor activities you can do in the mountains are so adventurous. After spending over 100 days (over the course of a few years), our family never runs out of new things to do. I would like to think of myself as your virtual expert tour guide to the Smokies. Whether you are 75 years young or carrying a 2 year old in a hiking backpack, there is something for everyone. Wondering what activities would be perfect for your family this summer?  We’ve got you covered!  Here are our top 3 Great Smoky Mountain activity ideas:
1. Hiking to Waterfalls
Hiking is a great workout and guilt free way to enjoy the massive cinnamon rolls at Crocketts Breakfast Camp.  It’s a fun way to spend time with the family, making memories, but I have to admit, hiking to a waterfall is so much better than a regular hike!  Being in the mountains and visiting a waterfall is like being a storybook because they are just so magical.  The vast beauty of God's creation is just amazing.

Whether you are up for a strenuous hike, wanting to take a selfie in front of a waterfall, or are just looking for a leisurely walk in nature, there is a hike for everyone. 
The Gatlinburg Trail is relatively flat and runs through the forest along side the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which at one point is crossed by a pedestrian foot bridge.
Rainbow Falls is the hike for you if  you are looking for something challenging. Rainbow Falls Trail gains about 1,500' in elevation and boasts a spectacular 80 foot waterfall. The 5.4 mile roundtrip hike is considered moderate in difficulty.
Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited. So I suggest getting there early, but it is our family favorite because my 70 year old mother could do the hike, our 6 year old made it and carrying a 3 year old in a hiking backpack was manageable. But if it is just you and the friends, you will be able to make the round trip much quicker, probably under an hour and a half if you don't spend much time at the falls. Which..... is hard to do because it is so beautiful.

2. White Water Rafting (or a float)
It doesn’t really get more adventurous than white water rafting in the mountains.  If you and your family members are thrill-seekers then this is the activity for you!  The roar of the fast moving water, the drops, the paddling and unexpected twists and turns are more than enough to get your adrenaline pumping.  Head on over to Rafting in the Smokies to choose which adventure is right for you. It's a quick and beautiful 45 minute drive over from The Giving Cabin to the upper section of the Pigeon River which boasts 12 Class III and 3 Class IV thrilling whitewater rapids.

3. Ziplining
Ziplining is another activity that will get your adrenaline pumping.  It’s so beautiful to be high up in the trees and taking in the view of the mountains on a zipline.  This activity is something that many kids and adults can participate in and it doesn’t take as much stamina as hiking up to a waterfall or holding yourself stead in a raft on the water; you simply just strap in and ‘hang out’ while gliding down the zipline.

Legacy Mountain Ziplines is a great place to go in Gatlinburg TN. Their high-flying adventure is a family-favorite destination for anyone from 7 years of age and older, up to 270 lbs. You will love the feeling of flying through the air at speeds up to 50 mph on 4.5 miles of lines up to 500 feet high

If you are ready for relaxation, adventure and some quality time,  with less screens, then make some plans to visit the Great Smoky Mountains before the fall is here!!

Check for available dates at The Giving Cabin by clicking HERE.