Planning a summer vacation to the Smokies and looking for family-friendly things to do? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Gatlinburg in the summer: ways to stay cool, popular events, and tips for making the most of your trip!

Things to Do in Summer

Escape the heat at Speedwerkz.

The best way to stay cool this summer in Gatlinburg is to visit Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience. We’re bringing the heat in a different way: with our electrifying supercars! With our state-of-the-art displays, lighting, and audio, you get to be up and close and personal with a rotating collection of incredible cars, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Ford GT, and more. 

Speedwerkz is one of the best attractions in Gatlinburg for families with kids, teenagers, car lovers, and couples! 

Bike the Cades Cove Loop Road.

While you can certainly enjoy a bike ride in Cades Cove any day of the week, Vehicle Free Wednesdays during the summer are the perfect opportunity to enjoy the 11-mile loop road without any cars! 

Fish along the creeks and streams.

Trout, bass, and other fish are aplenty in the creeks, streams, and rivers of the Smokies! All you need is a valid TN or NC fishing license to enjoy this activity in the national park. 

Hike to a  Smoky Mountain waterfall.

There’s nothing better than a rewarding waterfall hike during the summer! Easy trails include Cataract Falls, Spruce Flat Falls, and Grotto Falls. Rainbow Falls is another popular trail, located along the scenic Roaring Fork Nature Trail. Up for a challenge? Hike to Ramsey Cascades, the tallest falls in the Smokies!

Popular Summer Events

Summer brings quite a few exciting Gatlinburg events, including one of the biggest events of the year:

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  4th of July: Gatlinburg’s Midnight Parade and July 4th fireworks are among the best patriotic celebrations in the country! 

• Craftsmen’s Fair: For just over a week, the Gatlinburg Convention Center hosts nearly 200 artisans showcasing their art and handmade crafts. 

• Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference: Also at the convention center, this unique event features Sasquatch experts and presentations, a way to interact with the most knowledgeable voices in the field. 

Tips for Visiting Gatlinburg in the Summer

• Prepare for crowds: the downtown Strip will be busy, and parking will be limited; take advantage of the free Gatlinburg trolley! 

• Expect hot and humid temperatures: apply sunscreen regularly and bring more water than you think you need when exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

• Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy a meal outside at one of Gatlinburg’s city parks or the picnic areas inside GSMNP; never leave food in an unlocked/unattended vehicle and always dispose of waste in bear-safe trashcans! 

• Ask about attraction discounts: there are several ways to save on tickets to our Gatlinburg attraction; kids under 5 are free, seniors, military, veterans, and locals receive discounted tickets! 

• Buy tickets in advance: Our tickets are valid for any date and time; they never expire, so your vacation plans can stay flexible! 

Are you ready to experience Gatlinburg in the summer? Purchase your Speedwerkz tickets online today. We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to the Smokies!