Have you been longing for a late summer visit to the Smokies? If so, this is your sign to start planning one! Let us tell you about all the fun that’s in store! Here is a list of 3 reasons to plan a late summer visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Better Temperatures
The summer months are already a great time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is because visitors love doing all the park’s outdoor activities, such as hiking, in the warmer weather! In the late summer, the weather is even better because the temperatures are milder. In fact, during early September, daytime highs are usually between 70-80℉ If you plan to visit higher elevation areas, such as Clingmans Dome, it can be as much as 20 degrees cooler. With that being said, it is good to bring along a light jacket!
Fewer Crowds
Another reason to take a late summer visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is that there are fewer crowds. This means that it is a good time to visit popular areas, such as Cades Cove. This area receives 5 million visitors every year. Walk along the Cades Cove Nature Trail and see all of the rich greenery. It makes a great backdrop for memorable family photos to put on your holiday card later on. You can also drive or ride bikes along Cades Cove Loop Road. This is a popular 11-mile loop where you can see the John Oliver Cabin. It is the oldest human structure in the national park. You may even see some wildlife wandering around. Black bears are very active in the summer, and they inhabit the low fields.
Time To Do All the Summer Activities
During your visit to the Smokies this summer, you’ll have the chance to do some fun activities. One of these is horseback riding! Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 2 stables. Cades Cove is in Tennessee and Smokemont is in North Carolina. They both offer guided tours to visitors from mid-March to late November. If you don’t know how to ride, don’t worry. The skilled staff has all the safety equipment and will teach you the basics.
Another fun activity to do this summer in the Smokies is camp in the backcountry campgrounds. You’ll get to spend more than just a few hours in this picturesque tourist attraction. These types of campgrounds are only open during the summer months because they are secluded and involve a hike to access them. If you don’t want to venture too far out though, you can still camp in the frontcountry campgrounds. You’ll camp close to your car and have access to restrooms with cold running water. There is no wrong choice, as both options offer campers time in the fresh air and views of the natural scenery.
Now you know all the reasons to plan a late summer visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Now it’s time to start planning! Start by deciding where exactly you want to go by exploring our list of the most popular places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
