During the spring and summer, you want to be outside when it’s nice, especially on vacation! You don’t want to be cooped up inside all day. Here in East Tennessee, you’ll find so many outdoor things to do in the Smoky Mountains, you won’t know what to do first! Look at these 5 fun outdoor things to do in the Smoky Mountains on your vacation:
1. Ziplining
Outdoor adventure awaits you with all the ziplines in the Smoky Mountains! The thrill seekers in your family will love sliding down the mountain side by side, the wind breezing through their hair as they glide through the trees. CLIMB Works has two different ziplining areas you can choose from. One is in the treetops, and the other is down the mountain with amazing views and dual ziplines where you can race each other! Smoky Mountain Ziplines has the longest lines at 4,200 feet in the Smokies. They also have a 30-foot, freestyle drop for even more thrills. Adventure Works has a zipline designed just for kids 8 years old and younger. They even have a Treetop Challenge course where you can test your climbing skills. Your whole group will love ziplining!
2. Rafting
Taking a dip is fun, especially in the summer when it’s hot. Not only can you stick your feet in the water in the Smokies, you can also go white water rafting! You can experience class 3 and 4 rapids for a thrill of a lifetime. Choose between upper river rafting and lower river rafting at Smoky Mountain Outdoors. You’ll love going over the rocks and water splashing into the raft at Rafting in the Smokies. It’ll definitely cool you off on a hot day!
3. Hiking
As one of the things the Smokies is known for, you’ll definitely want to check out the hiking trails while you’re here. You’ll find a variety of trail types, from easy to moderate to difficult. You can also choose trails depending on what you want to experience: wildflowers, waterfalls, or panoramic views. Great hikes for wildflowers include Schoolhouse Gap and Little River. Some amazing waterfalls can be found on Rainbow Falls Trail and Grotto Falls Trail. Panoramic view trails include Alum Cave Trail and Clingmans Dome. You’ll most likely see wildlife on your hike, but be sure not to disturb them!
4. Picnicking
A great summer or fall activity, going on a picnic is something your whole family will love! You can pick a trail with a meadow to stop and eat at, or you can choose from a variety of parks in the city, like Patriot Park. Cades Cove and Metcalf Bottoms have picnic areas with tables and charcoal grills if you want to make hamburgers or hotdogs, and the kids can splash around in the river. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants that offer family packs you can purchase and take up to the mountains for your picnic too!
5. Biking
Riding a bike is a great way to get in some exercise and see the mountains in a whole new way. Pushing yourself up hills and gliding down them while breathing in the mountain air is unlike anything else. Before 10 a.m. bikers are allowed to ride the Cades Cove Loop without having to worry about motorists. Roads in Greenbrier and Tremont are also bike friendly. CLIMB Works also has mountain biking. You can bring your own or rent one of theirs. You’ll love riding up the mountain and riding down along wooden bridges for fun.
You won’t run out of fun outdoor things to do in the Smoky Mountains! After a long day of being outside, you’ll want to come back to a nice, clean room to relax in. Browse through our available rooms now to book yours today!
