5 Exciting Outdoor Activities to Try in Gatlinburg TN This Summer

Make a Gatlinburg cabin your base camp for exploring the Smoky Mountains! Experience nature on the water, in the air, on horseback or on a bike. These activities will get your pulse pounding!

1. White Water Rafting

Whether you’re a white water expert or have never set foot in a raft, you’ll find a rafting adventure that’s right for you. Choose a thrilling trip on challenging waters–the Pigeon River has Class 1 through Class 4 rapids. Prefer a gentler ride? Choose a family-friendly “float trip” suitable for kids as young as three. Experienced guides are by your side, ensuring a safe, fun day outdoors. East Tennessee is home to several rafting outfitters, giving you plenty of choice. 

2. Horseback, Carriage and Wagon Rides

See the mountains the way early settlers first saw them–on horseback. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has three riding stables where you can take short, guided trail rides on gentle mounts, no experience necessary. Carriage rides, hayrides and wagon rides are available too.

Outside the park, Five Oaks Riding Stables offers guided rides on a shady, 3.5-mile trail, while Big Rock Dude Ranch’s trail takes you into the mountains.

3. Biking

Pump those pedals and explore by bike. The easy loop road around Cades Cove, a valley dotted with nature trails, historic sites and wildlife, makes a great bicycle outing. You can rent bikes at the Cades Cove Campground store. 

4. Hiking

With more than 800 miles of hiking trails, the national park is a hiker’s heaven! From short, easy strolls to strenuous, challenging ascents, the Smokies have trails for every experience level. Try the Quiet Walkways for brief nature walks. Take strollers and dogs along the flat Gatlinburg Trail. Access trails into the woods, from multiple stops along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail or the Cades Cove Loop Road.

5. Ziplining

Strap in, jump off and fly through the air, your heart pounding with excitement! Adrenaline junkies can’t resist ziplining. To zipline next to a friend, try the “dueling ziplines” at Anakeesta.

Traverse seven ziplines in a spectacular 2.5-hour tour at Legacy Mountain Ziplines. Choose among 11 zipline adventures for all ages at CLIMB Works.

Book your summer stay in a Gatlinburg cabin today, and get ready for adventure!