Rediscover the Smokies and Save Money on Top Attractions and Accommodations!

Search

View the Visitors Guide

Best Summer Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains to Beat the Heat

rafting the rapids on the Nantahala

Escape that excessive summer heat and instead, find yourself enjoying cooling mountain breezes and the even cooler waters of the Great Smokies of NC. Here are some fantastic summer activities in the Great Smoky Mountains that will help you beat the heat on your upcoming summer trip.

Discover the Highest Peaks (and the Coolest Temps!)

From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Blue Ridge, Western North Carolina has the highest mountain peaks east of the Mississippi River. Atop these mountain ridges, you’ll notice the temperature drops considerably (10 to 20 degrees cooler!) compared to the lower valleys. Come try out that au naturel air conditioning here in the mountains.

Top Peak Destinations:

  • Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome): At 6,644 feet, this is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the North Carolina and Tennessee border. The mountain’s original Cherokee name was restored in September 2024, with Kuwohi (ᎫᏩᎯ) translating to “mulberry place” in Cherokee or Tsalagi language
  • Black Balsam Knob: Located in Haywood County at 6,214 feet, this mountain bald on the Art Loeb Trail offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding Shining Rock Wilderness. Access from Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 420 (trail is short but steep, and popular for engagement photos!)

 

Pro tip: Pack a jacket for afternoon adventures when temps start to dip, that’s the mountain magic you came for!

 

Waterfall Hikes… A Warm Weather Favorite

On hot days, after a good hike, cold mountain water refreshes like absolutely nothing else. A waterfall hike is possibly the perfect hot weather day experience, combining the soul-satisfying beauty of nature with natural cooling.

Must-Visit Waterfalls:

  • Glen Falls (Highlands area): Beautiful forest hike (shade included!) to a stunning multi-cascading waterfall via Glen Falls Trail. This 2.6-mile out-and-back is moderately challenging and most pristine after rainfall
  • Rufus Morgan Falls (near Franklin): A 1-mile loop delivering you to near-vertical 65-foot falls near Wayah Bald. Summer months are especially beautiful when native Rhododendrons, Flaming Azaleas, and Mountain Laurel are in full bloom
  • Yellow Creek Falls (North of Robbinsville on U.S. 129): Short but moderately challenging 0.7-mile hike through shaded forest to a 50-foot waterfall with a swimming hole. Plan to stay and relax in this cool spot
  • Sliding Rock: The one exception to waterfall safety rules! This 60-foot natural waterslide in Pisgah National Forest dumps into an 8-foot deep pool of incredibly cold water. Two observation platformsare available for viewing (wear denim shorts for the ride!)

 

Safety First: Remember to observe all natural wonders from below. While some areas may have wading spots at waterfall bases, always obey posted signs and NEVER attempt to climb waterfalls or enter streams above falls.

 

Ice Cream & Cold Craft Beverages – Cool Treats for All Ages

Nothing beats mountain heat like refreshing treats and ice-cold beverages:

Sweet Treats:

Craft Beverages:

 

Adventure Seekers of All Ages

Think you can keep cool while hunting for buried treasure? You can when you plunge mined ore into flumes of cold mountain water to sift out hidden gold and gems!

Gem Mining Options:

 

The ultimate cool adventure: kayaking or whitewater rafting, followed by panning for mountain treasure. Win-win!

 

 

Lakes & Rivers in the Great Smokies

Make a big splash this summer in the refreshing waters of the many lakes and rivers that make up the Smoky Mountain Blueways through Western North Carolina.

Premier Water Destinations:

  • Lake Santeetlah (Cheoah District, Nantahala National Forest): Features 76 miles of shoreline, game fish, access to hundreds of miles of hiking trails, camping, picnicking, and boat access
  • Tuckasegee River: Perfect for lazy floats when water levels are low. Originates around Cashiers and runs through Sylva, Dillsboro, and Bryson City. Great for tubing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and fly fishing
  • Fontana Lake: Bordered by two national forests, offering access to remote Smoky Mountains National Park areas. Excellent for smallmouth bass fishing (some say the best in the U.S.) and paddleboarding
  • Little Tennessee River: Popular with fishermen and boaters along the southwestern border of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, featuring many put-ins and access points in one of the Southeast’s richest archaeological areas

 

 

Watersports Adventures

Nothing beats the heat better than watersports! Water adventures await around every corner in Western North Carolina – pack your swimsuit and sunscreen for rivers and rapids of all levels.

Whitewater Rafting:

Kayaking:

Tubing:

  • Chattahoochee River: NOC offers rentals and shuttles for this special mountain treat with friends and family

Fly Fishing:

  • Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail: Jackson County (NC’s Trout Capital) features the first fly fishing trail in the United States for 15 prime spots for catching brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. Perfect for those preferring shady riverbanks to rushing rapids

 

When summer heat becomes overwhelming, these incredible summer activities in the Great Smoky Mountains provide the perfect escape. From cooling mountain peaks and refreshing waterfalls to thrilling watersports and peaceful fishing spots, Western North Carolina offers endless ways to beat the heat while creating unforgettable memories. Catch a breeze, catch a fish, make a splash – life is good in the Great Smokies!