Hiking is a fun way to visit the park’s numerous waterfalls and outlooks. Summer is a popular time for biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, zip-lining, and whitewater rafting in the Smokies.
Temperatures usually rise to the 80s and 90s in July and August at low elevations. At high elevations, summer temperatures average around the high 70s and low 80s, which is more comfortable for most people.
If you’re doing outdoor activities and visiting outdoor attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you might want to schedule them for the morning and late evening when temperatures are the coolest.
Summer is the prime time to see a variety of wildlife — bears, deer, and turkey — because these animals are more active during this time. July is a sensitive time for bears because it’s mating season, so be careful during the early morning and late evening.