5 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Gatlinburg on Your Summer Vacation

summer in gatlinburg

It’s summertime in Gatlinburg! Come enjoy the sweet sunshine in the mountains while taking advantage of all the amazing things our Smoky Mountain cabins have to offer. You’ll have endless possibilities for entertainment when you visit this summer. To help you plan your vacation, we’ve come up with 5 of the best things to do in Gatlinburg in the summer.

1. Visit Ober Gatlinburg

When most people think of Ober Gatlinburg, they think of winter fun, but there are so many amazing things to do at the park in the summer! You won’t want to miss the chance to encounter wildlife, see incredible views from the Aerial Tramway, or ride a mountain coaster where you control the speed! And only during the summer will you have the opportunity to try exciting water raft rides. No swimsuits are required — you just need your sense of adventure! You can even take a break from all the rides to browse the many shops and find the perfect souvenir to take back home, or dine at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant and enjoy dinner with a view. And the best part is that our Gatlinburg cabins are just minutes away from all the excitement at Ober Gatlinburg.

2. Go for a Summer Hike

Another thing you have to do when you visit the Smoky Mountains during the summer is go for a hike! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more than 850 miles of hiking trails to explore. Near our cabins, you can find trails with cascading waterfalls, beautiful wildflowers, opportunities for wildlife viewing and more. It’s the best way to take in the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains. When you finish your hike, enjoy a nice picnic in one of the many designated picnic areas in the park!

3. Plan a Day at Anakeesta

firefly village in anakeesta

Anakeesta in Gatlinburg is a magical experience for everyone who visits! Your adventure starts off with a scenic ride to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain, where you’ll enter a world of fun. Not only will you have incredible views, but there are plenty of thrilling things to do for people of all ages. Kids love the Treehouse Village Playground, which has a maze, a climbing adventure and more! You can even zip through the treetops on Anakeesta’s very own dueling zipline! There are 2 challenge stations where you will rappel off the platforms to a cushioned platform below. Other activities at Anakeesta include a Tree Canopy Walk, Gem Mining, and more. If you get hungry, stop for a bite to eat in Firefly Village or shop for a souvenir!

4. Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is an entertaining street performance in downtown Gatlinburg that goes on all summer long! The event features costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans who portray characters from time periods dating as far back as 1800. The interactive performance is not only entertaining, but educational as well. Traditional Smoky Mountain heritage and culture is brought to life for everyone to see. The event is completely free and open to the public!

5. Cool off in Your Cabin

A pool table at a cabin rental in Gatlinburg TN.

If you want to spend some time away from the summer heat, cool off in your cabin! Our Gatlinburg cabins all come with amenities that will make you feel right at home. You can relax in your living room and watch TV, cook a meal in the fully equipped kitchen or relax on your deck with an ice cold lemonade as you admire the mountain views. Some of our cabins even come with game rooms so you can play pool, air hockey, foosball and more! You’ll have so many things to do right inside your cabin.

Come enjoy all of these amazing things to do in Gatlinburg on your summer vacation! Browse all our Gatlinburg cabins and start planning your trip today.