As summer officially starts, fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains in June are endless! Check out this Smoky Mountains vacation guide for all the best things to try out this month!
Summer is one of the best times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. With so much to see and do in the area, deciding where to begin can be a tough one. To help you plan your summer getaway, here is a list of the best activities and attractions in the Smoky Mountains in June.


June in the Smoky Mountains is all about celebrating and enjoying the great outdoors, and with the great sunny weather, it’s easy to have the perfect day. If you’re looking for things to do in the Smoky Mountains in June, then this list is for you!

Is June a good time to visit the Smoky Mountains?
The Smoky Mountains is a great vacation destination to visit no matter the season, but traveling to the area in the summer opens you up to tons of exciting activities and attractions that you’ll want to return to year after year.
So why visit in June?
- Sunny days galore
- Lots of fun festivals and events
- Summertime activities and attractions are back in full swing
- Tons of opportunities to beat the heat
- Spectacular mountain forests views
June marks the official start of summer in the Smoky Mountains. With summertime being the peak season in the area, expect that there will be more crowds and traffic congestion.
Nonetheless, nothing beats a summer vacation in the Smoky Mountains!

From indoor to outdoor fun, the Smoky Mountains have plenty of fun destinations for the whole family to enjoy. Get outside and experience the Great Smoky Mountains National park, or flee from the heat in one of the indoor activity centers in the area. No matter where you are in the Smoky Mountains, you’re sure to have a great time.
Things to do in the Smoky Mountains in June
Whether you are a local or visiting the Smokies, you will never have a lack of fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains. Check out our suggestions for the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in June!
While the Smoky Mountains offer miles and miles of trails that are great any time of the year, June is one of the perfect times to head outside and explore the trails. You’ll be treated to gorgeous flowers, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife
Some of the best trails to take are:
- Gatlinburg Trail
- Abrams Falls Trail
- Andrews Bald
- Laurel Falls
- Ramsey Cascades Trail
One of the best things about visiting the Smokies in June is being surrounded by spectacular views everywhere you turn. From gorgeous mountain sceneries to crystal clear waterfalls, you’ll want to make sure you have your camera ready to capture all the wonderful sights in front of you!
The best places to visit in the Smoky Mountains with breathtaking views are:
- Clingmans Dome
- Cades Cove
- Laurel Falls
- Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
- Greenbrier
- Look Rock
- Newfound Gap
Dollywood’s Splash Country is easily one of the best places to visit in the Smoky Mountains in June. With tons of rides, water slides, a lazy river, plenty of places to relax, and good food, both the kids and adults will surely have a great time. I mean, what better way to beat the summer heat than going to a water park?
Summer vacations are a great opportunity to relax and enjoy precious bonding time with the family. To make the most of your summer trip to the Smokies in June, you should consider renting a cabin in the Smoky Mountains.
Staying at cabin rentals means you get to enjoy the added level of privacy that these rentals offer. The Great Smoky Mountains are literally on your doorstep. Plus there are cabin rentals with gorgeous mountain views and pools so you don’t really have to go out to have a good time.
Within the naturally blessed Smoky Mountains, you'll find plenty of gorgeous swimming holes, filled with cool and clean water that are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.
Here are some best places to go swimming in the Smokies:
- Greenbrier Swimming Hole
- Little River at the Sinks
- Metcalf Bottoms Swimming Area
- Townsend Wye
- Midnight Hole
Looking for ways to go around the busy streets of downtown Gatlinburg this summer? Lucky for you, the Gatlinburg trolley will take you to the best attractions in town. It's a great choice to use if you want a break from walking, and the best thing about it is it's FREE!
Click the link below for more information about Gatlinburg Trolley Routes.
The Elkmont area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is widely known for being home to some unique species of firefly. Anywhere between late May to early June, Synchronous fireflies put on an extraordinary summer display of lights in the Smokies. As more and more people discover this unique light show, many synchronous firefly viewing events have grown in popularity. Always follow the guidelines and view responsibly to help protect these unique insects.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration is one of the best ways to enjoy the season. This unique summertime event in the Smokies gives families the chance to experience Dollywood’s world-class rides, spectacular shows, and the best food!
This year, you’re in for a treat! Everyone's favorite Sweet Summer Nights drone & fireworks show is back but bigger, brighter, and more beautiful than ever!
And sprinkles across the park are simple summertime jobs including, a colorful fountain made of water hose, playful jumping water jets and so much more!
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Related Smoky Mountain Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
The Smoky Mountains is a great destination all year round. Make sure to check out our list of 125+ Amazing Things To Do in the Smoky Mountains no matter the season.
If you’re looking for great places to visit for couples near the Smokies, here is a great post about Ideal Couples Getaway To Washington, North Carolina.