Summer is a magical time in the Great Smoky Mountains, especially during the month of July! With warm weather, blue skies, and vibrant greenery, it’s no surprise that this is the most popular month to explore all that the Smokies have to offer. There’s so much to do this time of year that it can be difficult to choose, so we’ve put together this list of some of the top things to do in the Smoky Mountains in July that you won’t want to miss!
1. Hike to a Waterfall
Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great activity all year round, but it can be especially fun and rewarding this time of year. There are a number of great summer hikes that you can explore in the Smoky Mountains in July, and some of the best ones lead to magnificent waterfalls! A few of the best waterfall hikes that you won’t want to miss this summer include Grotto Falls, Rainbow Falls, Abrams Falls, and Ramsey Cascades. When you reach the waterfall, the mist from the falls is sure to cool and refresh you on a warm day in July!
2. Have a Picnic in the National Park
Summer and picnics are a classic combination, much like peanut butter and jelly. If you’re looking for something fun to do in the Smoky Mountains in July, you can’t go wrong with a picnic in the national park! There are several picnic areas that offer features like picnic tables, charcoal grills, covered pavilions, and bathroom facilities. Some of the best picnic spots in the Great Smoky Mountains include Cades Cove Picnic Area, Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, Chimneys Picnic Area, and Greenbrier Picnic area. Some of these areas are located near peaceful streams or hiking trails, giving you more activities to try after you’ve finished your outdoor meal!
3. Bike in Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a popular place for visitors to take a scenic drive. While most people explore this section of the national park from the comfort of their vehicles, you can also get out in nature and bike the 11-mile loop road! You’ll get the chance to see beautiful mountain views and maybe even some local wildlife! Along the way you’ll also pass by historic homes, churches, and other structures from early life in the cove. Every Wednesday in July is vehicle-free day, which means cyclists and pedestrians can experience Cades Cove without worrying about motor vehicles. This is the perfect way to take in the scenery at a relaxed pace.
4. Go White Water Rafting
Are you looking for a way to cool off in the Smoky Mountains in July? A refreshing and exciting activity is white water rafting! During this thrilling adventure, you’ll paddle your way through various rapids while passing breathtaking mountain scenery. This is an incredible bonding experience for families, friends, or groups as you successfully conquer all the rapids together as a team. There are different rafting trips to choose from, ranging from class I and II rapids to more challenging class III and IV rapids, so you can choose an excursion that suits your group’s age range and skill level.
Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains in July
After you finish exploring the Great Smoky Mountains for the day, you’ll want to retreat back to a comfortable cabin where you can enjoy time with your travel companions. Our cabins come with all the features you need to relax and have fun, such as game rooms, fire pits, hot tubs, theater rooms, free WiFi, and swimming pool access. Take a look at our selection of Smoky Mountain cabin rentals to find the perfect accommodations for your summer getaway!
