Looking for something to do in the Smokies while you’re at Rafting in the Smokies in the summer? Well, take a seat and make some notes because we have a list for you!
Check out the Scenic Vistas
There are plenty of places to get a stunning view of the Smoky Mountain landscape. Outside of choosing a secluded cabin with a stellar view, you can also get a beautiful view from the top of the Space Needle in downtown Gatlinburg. The observation tower is 407-feet tall and offers a 360-degree view of the city and surrounding mountains. Both Ober Gatlinburg and SkyLift Gatlinburg offer great views. Ober Gatlinburg has a scenic chairlift to the top of Mount Harrison where you can see as far as Douglas Lake on a clear day. You can also take the aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg for some other views, including views of Mount LeConte. SkyLift Gatlinburg offers views from the top of Crockett Mountain and is conveniently a walk away from the downtown strip. In Pigeon Forge, you’ll want to get inside the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel (which offers air conditioning) for beautiful views of Pigeon Forge and surrounding landscape.
Food and Festivals
The Smokies has some outstanding food options to pick from. For breakfast, you have your choice from one of the pancake restaurants in the area like the classic Pancake Pantry, Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin, Smoky’s Pancake Cabin, Reagan’s House of Pancakes, and Smoky Mountain Pancake House. For lunch, check out the Local Goat or one of the restaurants we highlighted in our blog that are near Cosby, TN. For dinner, visit the Alamo Steakhouse or the Fox & Parrot Tavern on the eight-mile craftsman loop in Gatlinburg. You can also grab a boxed lunch from Mama’s Chicken Kitchen to take with you when you visit Rafting in the Smokies. There are plenty of festivals surrounding Independence Day. Dollywood is a regular hub for activities with festivals like Barbeque & Bluegrass to their summer celebration with fireworks nightly and extended hours.
Cool Down with Water Activities
Besides the whitewater rafting and family float trips that Rafting in the Smokies offers on the Pigeon River, there are also plenty of other ways to cool down. You can take an excursion through a cave (check out Forbidden Caverns in Sevierville), take a plunge down a waterslide at a waterpark like Dollywood’s Splash Country, or stay and splash Wilderness at the Smokies.
