Summertime in the Smokies means gorgeous days with temperate climates ranging from cool, crisp mornings to warm, sunny afternoons! With a wide variety of temperatures and weather, you want to be prepared for every day of your Smoky Mountain vacation taking advantage of your time with fun summer activities, rain or shine. With our handy summer packing list, never look through your luggage wondering if you remembered to prepare for those summer showers or hoping that something you do not remember packing will suddenly appear! Beyond the essentials, make the most of your Pigeon Forge cabin vacation with these helpful extras for every possible summer day!
Things to Pack to Enjoy the Summer Southern Climate
Swimsuits
Summertime in the South is going to include some pretty hot days, even in the higher elevations of the Smoky Mountains. Many Pigeon Forge Tennessee cabins afford you and the family access to community pools with serene views to soak up some vitamin D. There are also a few awesome things that kids of all ages, including the young at heart, will appreciate on warm, sunny days. Dollywood’s Splash Country is home to over 35 acres of water rides, canopy snoozing, and poolside lounging. Lazily bobbing down the river in the cool waters carrying your inflatable innertube is relaxing for you while the kids splash and play.
Quick-Dry Clothing
A thrilling, scenic ride down the Class III and IV rapids of the Pigeon River in a whitewater raft is a memorable adventure for everyone, even kids as young as 7 years old! Quick dry clothing is not a must, but it comes in handy. After your exciting day paddling through swirling waves of foaming water and waves crashing in and around the raft, skip changing clothes and lugging around towels and wear dry-fits or quick-dry clothing! It’s also great to wear quick-dry clothing during summer afternoon hikes when those midday storms can pop up out of nowhere!
Water Bottles
Save plastic and money by not spending money on bottles of water everywhere you go! The mornings may feel dreamy and perfect, but the temps tend to rise in the afternoons and you don’t want to find yourself sweating and looking for the nearest water source. Pack water bottles you can easily store in backpacks and purses to save money while still staying healthily hydrated while touring downtown Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Comfy Footwear
Whether it’s walking around the musical fountains and shops of The Island in Pigeon Forge or hiking through the forests to the mountain valley of Andrews Bald, footwear is key! Sore feet should be the furthest thing from your mind while having fun outside in the Smokies during the summer!
Light Layers
Temperatures can vary from the morning to the afternoon and varying elevations. Layers make it easy to adjust during the day rather than returning to the cabins to change your clothes. Light jackets or sweaters are perfect to remove and tie around your waist when the afternoon temperatures begin rising.
Bring These for More Summertime Outdoor Fun!
Bikes
There are tons of scenic bicycle trails to tour, short and long, and for every skill level. Between the months of May and September, Cades Cove opens Loop Road and closes the paved route to auto vehicles before 10 a.m. for a divinely peaceful and scenic route safe for cyclists!
Backpacks
Over 800 miles of hiking trails, varying in length, scenery, and elevation, crawl through the beautiful terrain of the Smoky Mountains. Bring your backpacks to explore and carry all your hiking essentials! Pack a blanket, a good book, and some snacks to venture to the mountain pasture of Andrews Bald and for a magical afternoon with 360-degree views of the Smokies.
Hammocks
Pack your ENOs or other easy-to-carry hammocks for some seriously good summertime napping and relaxing. Set your hammock up in the trees near the cabin on a quiet afternoon spent at your Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, cabin, or find the perfect spot by the river to read a book or rest while out on a hike to Abrams Falls in Cades Cove.
Afternoon Showers Can’t Dampen Your Day When You’re Prepared!
Light Rain Jackets
The Smoky Mountains experience the most annual rainfall in the month of July. Pop-up thunderstorms are pretty common but should not hinder you from planning your days outside since they tend not to last for long. Light rain jackets are easily tucked away and come in really handy when those unexpected raindrops begin to fall.
Gaming Systems
Many Pigeon Forge Tennessee Cabins come with extra amenities like Playstations, but it’s good to check if you need to pack your own before leaving your home. On rainy days stuck inside, hook-up the family’s gaming console to the cabin’s flatscreen and have fun playing Wii tennis or MarioKart!
Board/Card Games
Cabin trips with friends and family are the perfect time to try-out a new board game! While laughing and getting competitive with the kids, rainy days in the cabin still spent making cherished memories.
Movies
Bring your favorite DVD movies from home to host a special feature film in the cabin, complete with popcorn and sweets! Rainy days are a great excuse to light a warm fire in the fireplace to cuddle in front of while watching a romantic comedy with your special someone.
