- The kids are out of school, and those unused vacation days are piling up, so it’s time to plan your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina! Any time of year here can be pretty magical, but summer family fun in the Smokies has lots of treats. Between hiking, biking, zip-lining, and rafting, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of the beautiful mountain weather.
A hot day in the Smokies beats most hot days anywhere else because of those iconic mountain breezes, not to mention ample opportunity for exploring shaded forest trails and finding refreshing dips in the creeks, rivers, and lakes of the area.
Below you’ll find some of the top ways to enjoy summer in the Great Smokies. If you’re looking for even more travel inspiration, check out our complete list of family attractions.
Rafting with the NOC
Whitewater adventure awaits! And it’s one of the coolest things you can do here in the mountains because that water is that cold.
- Let the knowledgeable and highly-skilled crew at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (or the NOC) show you and your family the Great Smokies from the regional rivers’ perspectives. Guided rafting adventures are offered for ages 3 and up, from gentle float trips to class II and III rapids. The NOC offers many outdoor adventures – including ziplining, tubing, kayaking, and mountain biking. It is your one-stop shop for summertime family experiences.
Canopy Tours
How about a bird’s-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains? It’s possible! Ziplining will have you soaring over and between the treetops, flying through the forest canopy. Yes, much like a bird. This is an outdoor thrill-seeker’s dream experience, and there are hardly words for the breathtaking views of the mountains that await you.
- Highlands Aerial Park in Scaly Mountain, NC, will easily fill a half- or full-day for your group, from the scaredy cats to the most daring. Not only do they offer multiple lines to zip, but there’s a giant mountain swing, scenic UTV tours, and a hiking trail to a waterfall. While you’re there, check out all the nearby offerings at the Plateau Playground (it’s fun for adults too!).
- Wildwater Rafting in Bryson City has rafting in its name, so there is that. Also, they offer epic zipline tours for kids as young as 8 and at least 60 lbs, plus a zipline playground for kiddos 4 to 12 years old, where they can play and climb and wear themselves out. Ask about the Tarzan Train Package that meets at the Bryson City Train Depot, departing for 6 hours of excitement and a spectacular summer experience.
River Tubing
The summer temperatures can get hot, and on those days, your best bet may be to grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a dry bag to head out for a relaxing day tubing on the river. Some think it’s the way to inner peace, and it’s a very chill way to make your way through the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Check out Deep Creek Tubing & Campground in Bryson City for tubing options to fit everyone in the family. Plus, there are opportunities to camp under the stars, enjoy the petting zoo, and stock up on needs at the camp store.
- In Cherokee, you can float down the gently flowing Oconaluftee River with Smoky Mountain Tube & Raft. They promise a fun, safe, and scenic adventure for everyone ages 5+. They can also direct you to several additional summertime family favorites in Cherokee to get the most out of your trip.
Gem Mining
The Great Smoky Mountains have a long history when it comes to housing treasures. The gem mining tradition continues to this day. You’ll have some good, clean fun in the dirt, and your kids will love searching for treasure and getting to take home a unique piece of the Great Smoky Mountains.
- At Gold City Gem Mine, in Franklin, NC, miners of all ages are invited to hunt for treasure under the open-air covered flume, and they are open rain or shine. They are also a jewelry store, crafting and creating beautiful pieces with found gems. All will enjoy this excursion!
- Artisan Gemstone and Mineral Gallery in Franklin is the largest gem and rock shop in all of North Carolina. This is a must-do for the rockhounds and mineral collectors. After the crew does the mining, you can have your stones identified and know what you’re taking home.
- For a beautiful drive to dig for gems, Jackson Hole Trading Post in Highlands, NC, delivers. Located on one of the most scenic byways in the United States of America, it offers a clean mine and covered flume that the entire family will appreciate.
Waterfall Hikes
Just the mist off the waterfalls is a natural coolant. So hiking to a waterfall just makes the most sense during the summer months! And while there are hundreds of waterfall hikes to choose from in the Great Smoky Mountains (as we are a waterfall haven), here are a few that are easier and shorter for those with smaller children. If your kids are older and can handle a bigger hike, then check out this waterfall map for more ideas!
- The Deep Creek Waterfall Loop in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the goldmine of trails for multiple waterfall sightings in one well-marked loop. There are spots of the trail with bridges, steps, and some inclines, but the payoff for this 2.4-mile adventure is up close and personal with Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls. Take snacks!
- Big Laurel Falls, near Otto, NC, is on an easy half-mile trail delivering you to the 30-foot cascading waterfall that tumbles into a small, placid pool, perfect for hot little feet.
- Follow the Yellow Creek Falls trail to the beautiful falls and relaxing creek. It’s only .7 miles, but can be steep and rocky, so maybe more suitable for the older kids (and pups on leashes). And it travels through a nice forest, so lots of shade from the summer sun.
Ride the Rails
If your crew loves a good adventure, hop aboard for a ride through the Smokies you won’t forget. These scenic rail trips are a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Climb aboard in Bryson City for a scenic ride through mountain valleys, deep gorges, and alongside tumbling rivers.
- Andrews Valley Rail Tours: Take control of your very own rail car and cruise at your own pace along 5 miles of track through the quiet countryside of Cherokee County. RailBikes are also available.