10 Best Ways to Beat the Heat in the Smokies This Summer
Summer heat doesn’t have to slow down your Smoky Mountain vacation. From cooler mountain elevations and refreshing streams to water parks and indoor attractions, here are the best ways to beat the heat in the Smokies.
It's hot out there.
Much of the country has been dealing with periods of dangerous heat this summer, and the Smoky Mountains aren't immune. In the lower elevations around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, afternoon temperatures can climb into the 90s, with humidity making it feel even hotter.
That doesn't mean you have to spend your Smoky Mountain vacation hiding in the hotel.
One of the best things about this area is how many ways there are to escape the heat. You can head higher into the mountains, cool off near a mountain stream, spend the afternoon inside an attraction, or simply plan your outdoor adventures around the hottest part of the day.
Here are some of our favorite ways to beat the summer heat in the Smokies.
Quick Picks
Best Natural Escape From the Heat
Head to the higher elevations of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Best Indoor Attraction
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Best Way to Get Wet
Dollywood's Splash Country
Best Free Option
Relax near a mountain stream or picnic area
Best Strategy for Hiking
Start early and be off the trail before the hottest part of the afternoon
1. Head Higher Into the Mountains
Best Natural Air Conditioning
One of the easiest ways to escape the heat is to gain elevation.
Temperatures can vary dramatically between the lower elevations around Gatlinburg and the highest points in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
According to the National Park Service, afternoon highs in the lower elevations can reach the 90s during July and August, while conditions at higher elevations are typically much more comfortable.
Kuwohi (formerly Clingman's Dome), the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, sits at 6,643 feet and is one of the best places to escape a hot afternoon.
Other higher-elevation stops along Newfound Gap Road can also offer a noticeable break from the heat.
Good To Know
Weather can change quickly at higher elevations. Bring a light layer and check park road conditions before heading out.
2. Cool Off Near a Mountain Stream
Best Free Way to Beat the Heat
Few things feel better on a hot summer day than cold Smoky Mountain water.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is filled with rivers and streams where you can find a shady spot, enjoy a picnic, or cool your feet along the water.
Popular areas include:
- Metcalf Bottoms
- Greenbrier
- Little River
- The Townsend Wye
Pack lunch, bring plenty of water, and find a shady place to slow down for a while.
Be Careful Around Mountain Water
Streams that look calm can have strong currents, slippery rocks, sudden drop-offs, and rapidly changing water levels.
Conditions can become especially dangerous after heavy rain or thunderstorms.
Enjoy the water, but don't assume a mountain stream is safe simply because it looks peaceful.
3. Visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Best Indoor Escape in Gatlinburg
When the afternoon heat becomes too much, head inside.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the easiest places to spend several hours in air conditioning without feeling like you're wasting part of your vacation.
Highlights include:
- Shark Lagoon
- Penguin Playhouse
- Touch tanks
- Interactive exhibits
- Underwater tunnels
It's especially useful for families with younger children who may struggle with long days outside in the summer heat.
4. Spend the Day at Dollywood's Splash Country
Best Way to Embrace the Heat
Sometimes the best way to deal with a hot day is to get completely soaked.
Dollywood's Splash Country in Pigeon Forge offers water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, splash areas, and attractions for a wide range of ages.
If the forecast calls for sunshine and high temperatures all day, a water park day may be better than trying to force outdoor sightseeing during the hottest hours.
Local Tip
Arrive early.
You'll get more time in the park and can enjoy several attractions before the strongest afternoon heat arrives.
5. Plan Outdoor Adventures for the Morning
Best Strategy for Hiking
You don't have to skip hiking because it's hot.
You may just need to change your schedule.
Start early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and the sun is lower.
There are other benefits, too:
- Trails are often less crowded.
- Parking is easier to find.
- Wildlife may be more active.
- You can finish before the hottest part of the day.
Save indoor attractions, shopping, lunch, or a trip back to the cabin for the afternoon.
If you're hiking during hot weather, bring plenty of water and take regular breaks in the shade.
6. Take a Scenic Drive
Best Way to Explore Without Spending Hours in the Heat
You don't have to hike miles to experience the Smokies.
Some of the area's best scenery can be enjoyed from your car.
Popular scenic drives include:
- Newfound Gap Road
- Foothills Parkway
- Cades Cove Loop Road
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail when open
Turn up the air conditioning, pack some snacks, and stop at overlooks when something catches your eye.
Newfound Gap Road is especially useful on hot days because the road climbs from Gatlinburg into much cooler higher elevations.
Afraid you'll miss something behind the wheel? Hire a guide service like Smoky Mountain Guides to do the driving for you!
7. Spend the Hottest Part of the Day Indoors
Best Afternoon Strategy
Summer afternoons are a great time to explore the area's indoor attractions.
Options include:
- Titanic Museum Attraction
- Crave Golf Club
- Alcatraz East Crime Museum
- WonderWorks
- Arcades
- Escape rooms
- Indoor shopping
- Dinner shows
A simple strategy can make a huge difference:
Outside in the morning. Inside in the afternoon. Back outside in the evening.
You still get a full day of vacation without spending six straight hours walking around in the hottest part of the day.
8. Visit a Local Winery or Distillery
Best Cool-Down for Adults
Need an afternoon break?
The Smokies have plenty of wineries, distilleries, and tasting rooms where adults can get out of the heat for a while.
Popular stops include:
- Hillside Winery
- Tennessee Homemade Wines
- Sugarlands Distilling Company
- Ole Smoky Distillery
Many are located near other attractions, restaurants, and shopping, making them easy to work into your day.
9. Slow Down During the Afternoon
Sometimes the Best Plan Is No Plan
You don't have to fill every hour of your vacation.
If you're staying in a cabin, summer afternoons can be a great time to head back for a few hours.
Take a nap.
Sit on the porch.
Let the kids swim.
Make lunch at the cabin.
Then head back out when temperatures become more comfortable.
Vacations don't have to be exhausting to be memorable.
10. Explore After the Sun Goes Down
Best Way to Make Up for a Hot Afternoon
Summer evenings are one of the best times to explore Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Once the sun gets lower, consider:
- Walking the Gatlinburg Parkway
- Riding a mountain coaster
- Visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge
- Exploring Anakeesta in the evening
- Watching the sunset from a scenic overlook
- Catching live music
- Visiting a dinner show
Starting earlier isn't the only way to beat the heat.
Sometimes staying out later works just as well.
A Simple Hot-Day Itinerary
Not sure how to structure your day?
Morning
- Get an early breakfast.
- Hike or explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Midday
- Grab lunch.
- Visit Ripley's Aquarium, Titanic Museum, Crave Golf Club, or another indoor attraction.
Late Afternoon
- Relax at your cabin or hotel.
- Visit a winery or distillery.
Evening
- Head back outside.
- Explore Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
- Ride a mountain coaster, catch a show, or find some live music.
You don't have to cancel your plans because of the heat.
Just plan around it.
Make the Most of Summer With SmokiesApp
Weather can change your plans quickly in the Smokies.
Sometimes it's rain.
Sometimes it's heat.
SmokiesApp helps you discover indoor attractions, local events, restaurants, deals, hidden gems, and things happening nearby throughout Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Townsend, and the surrounding Smoky Mountains.
When it's too hot for Plan A, finding Plan B shouldn't take your entire afternoon.
Join the waitlist and be among the first to experience SmokiesApp when it launches.
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Frequently asked questions
How hot does it get in Gatlinburg during the summer?
July and August can bring afternoon temperatures into the 90s at lower elevations in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Humidity can make it feel even warmer.
Is it cooler in Great Smoky Mountains National Park than Gatlinburg?
It depends on elevation. Lower portions of the park can still be very warm, but temperatures become noticeably cooler as you climb into the higher elevations.
Where can I go to escape the heat in the Smokies?
Higher elevations such as Kuwohi and Newfound Gap can offer cooler temperatures. Indoor attractions, mountain streams, water parks, scenic drives, and air-conditioned museums are also great options.
Is it safe to hike in the Smokies when it's hot?
Yes, but plan carefully. Start early, carry plenty of water, take breaks in the shade, and consider avoiding strenuous hikes during the hottest part of the afternoon.
What are the best things to do indoors when it's hot in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
Popular options include Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Titanic Museum Attraction, Crave Golf Club, Alcatraz East Crime Museum, WonderWorks, arcades, shopping, and dinner shows.
Is Kuwohi cooler than Gatlinburg?
Usually, yes. Kuwohi sits at 6,643 feet, so temperatures are typically much cooler than in lower-elevation communities such as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.
