horse in a pasture surrounded by mountains

10 Free Things to Do in the Summer in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Wears Valley

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June 3, 2016

If you’re planning to visit the Smoky Mountains this summer, stay in one of our beautiful Gatlinburg cabins. There is so much to do and see in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Wears Valley this summer! Finding lodging is the hardest part! Check out our current rental listings! Our cabins range in size, vary in location and amenities offered. We also have Wears Valley cabin rentals! Vacations can be expensive. Trust us, we know. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 free things to do this summer in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Wears Valley!

  • Hiking

All the trails located in the National Park are FREE! What’s a trip to the mountains without some fun hikes on the schedule? Summer is a busy time of year, make sure to hit the trails early. Bring lots of water, snacks, wear comfortable shoes and take photos! Our suggestion for the perfect summer hike? Abrams Falls! The falls are a breathtaking view! Have a picnic afterward in Cades Cove!

  1. Gatlinburg Trolley Rides

Ride the famous Gatlinburg Trolley for FREE this summer! From June 10th- August 14th, you can enjoy this Gatlinburg service, free of charge. Hop on the trolley and enjoy the sights of Gatlinburg! This service is helpful to visitors during the summer months to make their rounds! There’s so much to do and see; the trolley will help you get where you need to go!

  1. The Island at Pigeon Forge

A local favorite, The Island at Pigeon Forge is known for it’s Ferris wheel, shopping, dining and entertainment! But the best part? Visiting is FREE! Browse the shops, take a seat in the rockers and watch the fountains and more! It’s a great place to take a load off and people watch! The Island attracts thousands of people daily in the summer! They feature unique shops and stores; it’s okay to window shop!

  1. Moonshine Tastings

Moonshine tastings, for FREE? Yes, you read that right! Only in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, home of the Smoky Mountain moonshine. Taste what makes the Smoky Mountains famous, homemade moonshine! Tastings are free and done daily. This attraction is lots of fun for your 21 and older friends and family members!

  1. Arts and Crafts Community

Do you love arts and crafts? If so, you’re in luck. Gatlinburg is home to an 8-mile loop filled with specialty arts and crafts! Hop on the trolley and take a leisurely ride through the famous Gatlinburg arts and crafts community. This activity can be enjoyed by the whole family!

  1. Clingman’s Dome

If you aren’t necessarily a hiker but want to see the Smokies from above, consider Clingman’s Dome. The dome offers the BEST vantage point in the park, and you only have to hike 0.5 miles to the dome. It’s well worth the uphill trek! On a clear day, you can see for miles and into different states! We highly recommend this attraction!

  1. Taffy!

Gatlinburg has a variety of candy stores with delicious treats and fudge! If you’re walking about, stop in one and snag a free sample. It may be so good that you have to give in and buy some! You can also watch taffy being made the old fashioned way at the Candy Kitchen. Keep track of time; you could stand there for 20 minutes and not realize it!

  1. Cooters in Gatlinburg

Take a tour of the small museum dedicated to the “Dukes of Hazzard”. This museum showcases memorabilia and cars from the series! Admission is FREE! You won’t find anything like this anywhere else!

  1. Picnic in Cades Cove

Bring the whole family for a beautiful summer picnic in the Smokies! Cades Cove is a FREE location that is picnic friendly! Pack your lunch, some refreshments and enjoy an afternoon of exploration with your friends and family.

  1. Enjoy Coffee with a side of View

Unwind on your own private porch with a view! Make a cup of coffee or take a dip in the hot tub! Our cabins have the best views and the best part? You don’t even have to leave to have fun!

Book your cabin with us and start planning your free things to do in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Wears Valley this summer!

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