Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
The Smokies' Favorite Cool-Down Spots
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on June 18, 2024
We knew it wouldn't last forever. Until this week, we had experienced one of the most pleasant and mild Junes we can remember in the Smokies. Even on the warmer days, it wasn't that bad, because the humidity was unusually low. But it seems that just in time for the solstice marking the official start of summer, heat and humidity are back with a vengeance. We're looking at a stretch of multiple days with highs in the 90s and elevated humidity levels to boot.
But that shouldn't deter anyone whose heart is set on visiting the Great Smoky Mountains this summer. You just have to figure out a few strategies for coping with those steamy days. Fortunately, this week's blog is all about it, so read on to discover our favorite places in the Smokies to cool down on those scorching days of summer.
Let's start with a couple of spots that are essentially free - swimming holes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, both of which are found on the Little River. One is The Sinks, an unnatural waterfall formed when loggers blasted dynamite in the river back in the old logging days, creating a huge and literal logjam. It's easily accessible, located on Little River Gorge Road between the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area and the Townsend Wye.
And speaking of the Wye, that's the most popular swimming hole in the national park. It's near the Townsend entrance to the park, where the main road splits either east toward Sugarlands Visitor Center or West toward Cades Cove. At that fork is a spot in the Little River where tons of people enjoy an ice-cold plunge into the river in the summer. Note that parking at both these national park swimming holes is limited, and you will need to secure a parking pass first.
While we're on the subject of the Little River, you'll find a couple of different tubing outfitters in Townsend. You can rent an inner tube from these companies and put in at that location. When it's time to hop out down-river, they have shuttles to transport you back to the outpost. Tubing on the Little River is refreshing and relaxing, allowing you to soak in the cool waters while floating at an easygoing pace.
Another way to cool off on a river is to go whitewater rafting. While most of the rafting companies on the Tennessee side of the Smokies are based in Gatlinburg (you can reserve your rafting trip there or online), most of the rafting itself is done on the Big Pigeon River in Hartford, TN, or on other regional rivers like the Nantahala or the Ocoee.
Whitewater rafting is fun, exciting and adventurous (much like our Smoky Mountains zipline attraction), and it will assuredly help you stay cool. It's impossible to get through a rafting excursion without getting doused by bracing whitewater, and there's usually an opportunity on the calmer stretches of the river to intentionally dump yourself out of the boat and float in the water for a while. All the necessary safety gear and instruction are provided by the staffs onsite.
Another option for keeping cool in the water is to visit one of the many water parks in the Smokies area. These days, there are three primary destinations to choose from - Dollywood Splash Country in Pigeon Forge and Soaky Mountain Waterpark and Wilderness at the Smokies Resort, both of which are in Sevierville. These are all sprawling attractions with a wide range of water-based activities, from water slides of all sizes and shapes to features like wave pools, lazy rivers and kids' play areas. While you're there, these parks generally offers services like merch and supplies, food vendors and private cabana rentals.
Finally, let's not forget the good old swimming pool. Depending on your lodging provider, there's a good chance there's a pool at the place you're staying, whether it's a hotel/motel, condo, resort or RV campground.
