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Summer offers tons of sun and fun as you kick back and enjoy the warm season. If you’re looking for an epic destination for your summer break, look no further than Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. These bustling towns in the East of Tennessee offer many thrilling summer activities, drawing over 10 million visitors yearly. Here’s what you can look forward to this summer in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge.

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River Rafting

Few things match the adrenaline-pumping thrill of traveling down a river in an inflatable raft as you navigate the torrents. Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge are famous for excellent river rafting excursions down the Pigeon River. The best way to enjoy the thrill of rafting is by linking up with a professional guide company. Rip Roaring Adventures is a fan favorite with over 25 years in the business. The company offers rides over different rapids, ranging from Class I to Class IV, based on the passengers’ skill level and age. You can also check out Raft Outdoor Adventures, which offers two rafting trips. The Upper Pigeon Rafting Trips are suitable for ages eight and up and last for two to four hours, while the Lower Pigeon River Rafting Trips are better suited for families with kids aged three and up and last for two hours.

Rocky Top Mountain Coaster

The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is eastern Tennessee’s longest roller coaster and is the world’s first with four uplifts. The rides will take you through spectacular Tennessee scenery, including excellent views of the Smoky Mountains, alongside several tunnels and more than 20 acres of serene property. Each sled can hit speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, and the best part is you get to control how fast you go throughout the ride. The coaster offers fun for people of all ages, including kids three and up, making it a fun activity for the whole family.

Skyland Ranch

This serene ranch sits on 100 acres of farm in the middle of Sevierville, an 11-minute drive from Pigeon Forge. The ranch offers a myriad of miniature animals, including miniature horses, miniature cows, miniature sheep, miniature donkeys, and miniature goats. You can also catch a glimpse of Skyland Ranch’s famous longhorns. The Wild Stallion is the Southeast’s longest mountain roller coaster ride, offering 1.25 miles of thrilling track. The eight-minute ride gives you breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, while the nighttime ride offers sparkling sights of the city’s marvelous lights. Skyland Cafe and Bakery is the ultimate go-to if you have a sweet tooth. This delightful food barn is home to a coffee shop, bakery, and candy store offering a plethora of sweet pastries. The cafe also has a sandwich shop offering soups, salads, and tasty pizzas for the whole gang.

Wahoo Ziplines

Wahoo Ziplines was the Smoky Mountains’ first zipline, with rides through Oak and Beech forests. The two-mile ziplining adventure takes you through several elevations, offering a heart-throbbing fun-filled experience. Children as young as five can participate, although kids aged five to 13 require an adult to zip alongside. Requirements are closed-toe shoes and comfortable, well-fitting clothes, with prohibitions on skirts, flip-flops, dangling jewelry, and unsecured items. Summertime ziplining tours begin at 9 AM, with more excursions every two hours at 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM.

Soaky Mountain Water Park

Summer temperatures always call for some cooling off, and Soaky Mountain Water Park is the perfect Tennessee spot to beat the heat. There are plenty of rides, including family rides such as Soaky Surge, Slippery Salamanders, Black Bear Rapids, Copperhead Clash, Timber Rattler’s Rage, and Cottonmouth Coils. If you’re up for a thrill ride, you can explore the famous Whoop, The Edge Dueling Watercoaster, Holler, Avalaunch Watercoaster, Blue Mountain Mayhem, and Splash & Furious. If you’re with your little ones, rides such as The Hive, Mini Mayhem, Boomer’s Bay, and Lil Rattlers offer exciting adventures aged eight and below.

Anakeesta

Anakeesta, meaning “the place of high ground,” is a renowned, award-winning theme park in the heart of Gatlinburg. The recreation ground sits on a 70-acre piece of land, 600 feet above Gatlinburg, and offers immersive experiences for wholesome family fun. The Ridge Rambler adventure vehicle has unlimited access to the summit, and the 16-bridge Treetop Skywalk is North America’s longest tree-based skywalk, with 880 feet of picturesque hanging bridges dangling 50 to 60 feet in the air. Other attractions include Anavista Observation Tower, the Treevebture Challenge Course, and Astra Lumina, a unique nighttime attraction by Moment Factory.

Book Your Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Rental Today

Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge are two of Tennessee’s best vacation destinations, thanks to a robust list of attractions and activities for the whole family. As you plan your getaway to The Volunteer State, it’s essential to secure quality accommodation for a comfortable stay. At Kaizen Rentals, we offer top-notch rentals in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge with tons of amenities and epic views to ensure you and your family enjoy a stress-free holiday. Contact us today to book the best Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge rentals.

Bring Your Pets Along for Some Summer Fun!