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 Smokies in June.
Summer 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 Smokies. With summertime being the peak season in the area, expect that there will be more crowds and traffic congestion.
Check out our tips on how to avoid crowds in the Smoky Mountains.
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 Smokies.
Book a stay at the Bear’s Wilderness Lodge at GSM Family Vacations. With serene wooded views, incredible amenities, and plenty of entertainment options – you’ll never want to leave this cozy hideaway.
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!
If you are looking for an exciting way to spend a day in the Smokies, look no further than white water rafting! This thrilling activity is perfect for those who love a good adrenaline rush.
Festivals & Events In The Smoky Mountains In June
- Pontiacs In Pigeon Forge: This event takes place every year and includes a Swap Meet as well as classic GTO’s, Firebirds, and Fieros. There are also awards for Best in Show and Best in Stock, in addition to the Saturday Night Cruise.
- A Mountain Quiltfest: The Mountain Quiltfest is an event that brings quilters from different places to share their love of quilting. This annual event is held at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and offers various classes for quilters of all skill levels. Participants can learn new techniques and hone their skills, or relax and admire the incredible quilts showcased at the show.
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Get Your FREE Summer Packing List for the Smoky Mountains!
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.