Best Ways to Experience Summer in the Smoky Mountains

From MyPigeonForge.com, we wanted to share their latest blog article as was posted on their site for prospective Summer vacation visitors.

“Best Ways to Experience Summer in the Smoky Mountains

There’s nothing quite like summer in the Smoky Mountains. The weather is getting warmer, the trees and flowers are in full bloom, and best of all, school is out! In short, it’s the perfect time for the family to get away and have all the fun you can handle.

Attractions and entertainment abound in Pigeon Forge, and the best part, just down the Parkway is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No visit to Pigeon Forge is complete without spending some time in America’s most visited National Park. Check out our list of some of the best things to do during summer in the Smoky Mountains.

* Look for summer wildflowers on a waterfall hike
With more than 800 miles of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and over 100 waterfalls scattered throughout, you’re sure to find the perfect waterfall hike to suit your needs. From kid-friendly hikes such as Laurel Falls, considered to be one of the best waterfall hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains, to Abrams Falls, the most voluminous waterfall in the park, your choices are plentiful. Explore even more amazing waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains.

* Get a lesson in Smoky Mountain history at Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a must-see within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Home to a mix of scenery and a lesson in Smoky Mountain history, the cove is a great place to see via car, on foot or by bicycle. Visitors will see cabins, barns, a working grist mill, churches and other buildings constructed by early settlers. It’s also one of the best places to see wildlife. Just make sure to keep a safe distance and don’t disturb any of the animals. Discover even more historic sites and landmarks in the Great Smoky Mountains.

* Climb to the top of Clingmans Dome
Experience the view of a lifetime by climbing to the top of Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park and in Tennessee. The observation tower is at the end of a steep half-mile trail, where those hiking to the top are rewarded with panoramic 360-degree views that go on for miles on a clear day. There are also several hiking trails that lead to Clingmans Dome, such as the Appalachian Trail, which is one of the more popular trails in the park to explore.

* Test your angling skills with an afternoon of fishing
Maybe you’re hoping for a more relaxing outdoor experience? The waters of East Tennessee offer some of the finest fishing in the country. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has an abundance of streams and fishing is permitted year-round. Other outstanding fishing opportunities include the Little Pigeon River and Douglas Lake, located just a few miles northeast of Pigeon Forge.

* Go for a scenic drive on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Roaring fork Motor Nature Trail is a 6-mile one-way loop road offering spectacular mountain views and scenery, as well as access to two of the area’s most popular waterfalls, Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls. Stop and explore historic sites along the way, such as the Roaring Fork Cemetery. The motor trail is also a great place to see a variety of wildlife including birds, deer and black bears.”

See this full article at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/blog/summertime-in-the-smokies.