School is out and hot, sunny summer days are ahead. It is the perfect time to take a trip to Pigeon Forge! Come beat the heat in the Smoky Mountains with ziplining excursions, afternoons at the swimming hole, sweet treats and more. There will be also plenty of fun events to take part in throughout the summer months including 4th of July festivities, the synchronous fireflies display and the Summer Jams Concert Series at the Island. There has never been a better time to take a summer vacation to Pigeon Forge!
Pigeon ForgeSummer Travel Guide
School is out and hot, sunny summer days are ahead. It is the perfect time to take a trip to Pigeon Forge! Come beat the heat in the Smoky Mountains with ziplining excursions, afternoons at the swimming hole, sweet treats and more. There will be also plenty of fun events to take part in throughout the summer months including 4th of July festivities, the synchronous fireflies display and the Summer Jams Concert Series at the Island. There has never been a better time to take a summer vacation to Pigeon Forge!
Smoky Mountain
Summer
Travel Guide
School is out and hot, sunny summer days are ahead. It is the perfect time to take a trip to Pigeon Forge! Come beat the heat in the Smoky Mountains with ziplining excursions, afternoons at the swimming hole, sweet treats and more. There will be also plenty of fun events to take part in throughout the summer months including 4th of July festivities, the synchronous fireflies display and the Summer Jams Concert Series at the Island. There has never been a better time to take a summer vacation to Pigeon Forge!
Top Picks: Things To Do
New Adventures
Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Adventure
Stop by this thrilling show and adventure park and experience The Flying Ox zipline roller coaster, a lumberjack themed ropes course, and the all new Timber Towers, featuring two unique 80 foot free fall jumps.
More InfoDo It Yourself
Explore On Four Wheels
Kick it into four-wheel drive with Smoky Mountain Jeep Rentals and explore the outdoors.
More InfoTop Picks: Cabin Rentals
Find Your Perfect Getaway
For the first time ever, you can book outstanding cabin rentals right here on our site. We've picked out a few of our favorites for your summer vacation. Looking for something different? Take a look at our properties page and find the cabin rental that's right for you.
Browse Properties
Whispering Waters
This unique 1 bedroom A-frame is located in a secluded setting close to downtown Gatlinburg. Perfect for a tranquil getaway, the property is near a relaxing babbling stream. Whispering Waters is a great choice for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
Book Now
Big Bear Lodge
With 3 levels of picturesque views, a private wraparound deck and hot tub gazebo, Big Bear Lodge is the luxury cabin you're looking for. The 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths are fit for up to 15 guests. Browse the photo gallery and you'll fall in love.
Book Now
Getaway Mountain Lodge
Getaway Mountain Lodge is a large luxury cabin fit for up to 16 guests with breathtaking mountain views. Packed with amenities, the Sevierville property is perfect for a large family gathering or group trip. Be sure to check out the fully-stacked game room.
Book Now
Weekend Runaway
If you're looking for a truly romantic mountain getaway, this Pigeon Forge log cabin is the destination for you. You can relax in the privacy of the master suite all day, or have a romantic evening out in the heart of Pigeon Forge - only 5 minutes away.
Book NowTop Picks: Outdoor Activities
Tubing
Relax with your toes in the water as you float down the river in Townsend, or kick things up a notch with some whitewater rafting. You'll enjoy the Smoky Mountain views as you cool off in the water.
Read More →Kid Hikes
Lace up your sneakers or hiking boots and hit the trails this summer with these hiking trails for kids. They are on the shorter side and feature hightlights that will keep exploring children engaged.
Kid Hikes →Waterfalls
When it is hot, these waterfalls will cool you off and leave you breathless. Check out these beauties we picked as our top waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains. They are delightfully magical.
Call To Action →Featured Hike
Charlies Bunion
Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and take a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Shady trails at a higher elevation provide a much needed break from the heat and a chance to explore what makes the area so special. If you are looking for a quieter trail and have some experience, a hike to Charlies Bunion may be just what you are looking for. It is a moderately challenging hike with steep drop-offs, uneven and rough terrain and lots of uphill climbing. It isn’t for the inexperienced or families with children, but taking it on provides a chance to get away from the crowds and enjoy some of the best views in the Smokies.
We took this hike mid-week and it was the perfect option. It wasn’t overrun by hikers, and it provided a challenging trek with beautiful, rewarding views. You’ll start at the Newfound Gap parking area and take two separate trails to reach the top. You'll pass the crossing for Sweat Heifer Creek Trail adter about 1.7 miles and The Boulevard trail at about 2.7. Along the way, we stopped for snack breaks and to enjoy stunning mountain views, wildflowers and bird sightings. It took around an hour and a half for us to reach the top at a steady pace. Near the end, we were greeted with a warning sign to watch your children before climbing further. This is a great opportunity to remind the clumsier members of your group to watch their step! Charlies Bunion is a large rock outcropping, and there is little forgiveness if you lose your footing.
To get on top of Charlies Bunion, you’ll have to do a little bit of easy climbing. It is worth it when you stand up and see the views in front of you. It’s easy to feel like you are on top of the world with the mountains sprawling out for miles in front of you, and the clouds resting just above your reach. Breathing in the fresh mountain air and listening to the birds chirping provides a moment of relaxation unlike any other. You won’t want to turn around, but take heart in knowing there are beautiful views all the way back down the mountain to guide you home.
Campgrounds
There are several different ways to go camping in the Smoky Mountains. Choose from Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg tent campgrounds, camping cabins, luxury camping (or glamping), and even more options.
Campgrounds →Picnics
Whether you grab a bucket of fried chicken or bring all the fixings for a bar-b-que, you will love one of these top picnic spots in the Smokies. Just don’t let Yogi or Boo Boo steal your picnic baskets.
Picnic Spots →Cool off this summer
Smoky Mountain style
01
Zipline
A cool rushing breeze in your hair. The sounds of the zipping lines and you glide. The view of the treetops and mountains that are usually only for a bird’s eye. Let your senses soar with a zipline adventure in the Smoky Mountains.
Start Soaring02
Swimming Holes
Cool off this summer in one of nature’s top swimming spots. These swimming holes in the Smoky Mountains are fed by the fresh waters of mountain rivers and streams and treat visitors to a refreshing retreat during the hottest parts of summer.
Go Swimming03
Italian Ice
A cold treat is just what you need after a hot day of fun in Pigeon Forge. Rita’s Italian Ice serves up all the fun with their fresh made Italian ice, custard and gelati. Your tastebuds will be dazzled by their fun flavors.
More About Rita's