A group of friends hiking through the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee.

5 Ways to Beat the Heat This Summer in the Smokies

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Summer in the Smokies is a time for both adventure and relaxation! While spending time exploring all that nature and the towns of the Smokies have to offer is a ton of fun, temperatures can get quite hot during the summer. Luckily there are some great ways to keep cool and still have a blast! Here are 5 ways to beat the heat this summer in the Smokies:

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1. Stay Refreshed at Tennessee Homemade Wines

Escape the heat with a memorable experience inside of the Smoky Mountain’s top winery! Voted as the top winery in all of Tennessee by visitors on the Yelp platform, there’s no better place to enjoy authentic, fruity tastes of the Smokies! Enjoy a free wine tasting no matter when you visit and you’ll be able to try a handful of our wines until you land on a favorite. Even better, spending time at our winery is a great way to take a break from all your activities and have quality time with loved ones!

A couple enjoying free wine tasting at Tennessee Homemade Wines in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

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2. Hike Earlier & Higher

Just because temperatures tend to be hotter during summer in the Smokies, doesn’t mean you can’t still explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park! There are a couple different hiking tips that can allow you to see special sights like waterfalls, wildlife and views without becoming miserable in the heat. First off, consider hiking in the mornings before temperatures reach their peak. Hikes in higher elevations of the park tend to be cooler, making a great option during summer.

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3. Take a Scenic Drive

Don’t want to brave the heat outdoors or perhaps you’re looking for a more convenient way to explore the Smoky Mountains? Take a scenic drive from the comfort of your air conditioned vehicle! Twist and turn your way through the Smokies, catching glimpses of gorgeous views and even wildlife along the way when you explore some of the area’s top scenic drives. Whether you decide to crank up the music or crack the windows and let the sounds of nature provide the perfect background track, you’ll have a great time!

View of a tunnel on a scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee.

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4. Visit Indoor Attractions

Some of the region’s top attractions are inside in climate-controlled environments perfect for summer in the Smokies. Dinner shows in Pigeon Forge such as Pirates Voyage, Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud combine both an entertaining production and a tasty meal, making a great option for families with children. If you really want to keep cool head for Pigeon Forge Snow, an indoor snow park! Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Wonderworks and the Titanic Museum are other exciting options.

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5. Explore Water Attractions

Leave it to the waters of the Smokies to keep you cool! That could mean a family whitewater rafting trip or even floating on a tube down the river. Plus, there are a few swimming holes around that you can hop in to cool down! Water-based attractions like Dollywood’s Splash Country and Soaky Mountain Waterpark provide guests of all ages with hours of fun under the sun and in the water.

Beat the heat this summer in the Smokies! We hope to see you at Tennessee Homemade Wines, where you’ll find several Smoky Mountain wines that are perfect to enjoy during summer!