There’s nothing like summer in the Smokies! The weather is warmer, there’s greenery all around, and it’s time for summer vacation! There are so many great things to see and do in the Smoky Mountains this time of year, from exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to discovering unique area attractions! If you need some help planning your vacation itinerary, here’s a list of some of the best things to do this summer in the Smokies:
1. Go on a Hike
One of the most popular things to do during summer in the Smokies is hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The national park is home to 150 hiking trails that cover a total of nearly 850 miles! These trails range in difficulty from easy, short walks to long, challenging treks, so you can easily find a great trail to hike that matches your experience level. Some of the most popular summer hikes include the Alum Cave Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail, Laurel Falls Trail, Chimneys Tops Trail, and Abrams Falls Trail.
2. Go Summer Tubing
Another great thing to do this summer in the Smokies is summer tubing at Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark! This is a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that offers a fun and exciting experience for both kids and adults! The summer tubing hill at Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark is the fastest and longest outdoor tubing hill in the state at 500 feet long with a drop of 70 feet. You can reach speeds over 35 miles per hour as you race your friends and family down the hill, making this a truly thrilling ride!
3. Cool Off in a River
If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat this summer in the Smokies, there are plenty of places where you can cool off in the refreshing waters of a Smoky Mountain river or stream. Head over to Metcalf Bottoms to dip your toes in the shallow water or jump into the deep swimming hole. Other popular swimming spots in the Smoky Mountains include the Sinks, Midnight Hole, and the Townsend Wye.
4. Explore SkyLand Ranch
SkyLand Ranch has so many attractions that you’ll want to explore during your vacation this summer in the Smokies! Your fun begins with the Horizon Skyride, a scenic chairlift ride to the top of the Ranch where endless fun awaits. At the top, you can meet miniature animal friends such as miniature horses, miniature cows, miniature donkeys, goats, sheep, and more! Make sure you take a stroll along Legacy Lookout to take in panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and towns below and to learn more about the history of the Ranch. Other things to do include The Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster, Buckaroo Playbarn, SkyLand Mining Company, daily entertainment, and more!
5. Attend a Western-Themed Dinner Show
One of the best things to do this summer in the Smokies is attend a Western-themed dinner show! On select nights throughout the summer you can attend Chuckwagon Supper at The Ranch. This dinner show offers a unique experience that combines the Flavors of the Frontier with all sorts of Cowboy Entertainment, including music, trick rope acts, whip cracking, and more! Other nights this summer, you can attend Rancher’s Revenge: A Murder Mystery Dinner Show at SkyLand Ranch. This is an interactive dinner show where you get to embark on a thrilling journey into the heart of the Old West and try to unravel the mystery of the Sheriff’s untimely demise!
Get Your Tickets to SkyLand Ranch
As you can see, there are so many fun things to experience at SkyLand Ranch this summer, from scenic rides to animal encounters to thrilling mountain coasters and even one-of-a-kind dinner shows! You won’t want to miss out on your chance to visit the Ranch during your vacation! Get your tickets ahead of time so all you have to do is show up on the day of your visit and let the fun begin! Browse our SkyLand Ranch ticket options and book your tickets today!
