Swimming Spots in the Smokies

It’s officially the season of hot apple cider, warm blankets, and pumpkin patches. It’s also the season for fall festivals, and the Smoky Mountain area is full of them!

 

Here are three festivals you can enjoy while on your Smoky Mountain vacation.

 

1. Dollywood Harvest Festival

If you love Dollywood and the fall season then you won’t want to miss this event! From early September to late October this annual celebration marks the best weather and some beautiful fall foliage in the Smokies. Stay late into the evening to see beautifully carved pumpkins, lit up and on display. During the day you’ll enjoy fall themed food, and colorful leaves all throughout the park.

 

2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

In early to mid October the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair heads into full swing. Artisans from across the country gather to peddle their wares while musicians serenade the crowds. You’ll see everything from woodworking and pottery to handcrafted jewelry and leatherworkings. If you have an appreciation for handmade goods then this event is for you.

 

3. Wears Valley Fall Festival

The Wears Valley Fall Festival takes place in mid October and is a favorite event for locals. Come experience the hundreds of vendors, melodic live music, and incredible Southern cuisine. If you’re interested in a true rustic, Appalachian festival with plenty to do and see for the whole family, then this one is for you.


No matter the festival you choose you’ll need a place to stay. Choose from one of our many options at Bear Camp Cabin Rentals today!

Keeping Cool In the Summer


Don't let the back-to-school blues fool you, it's still summer until September 22 and the temperatures in the Smokies certainly reflect it. This year in particular we'll see 90 degree temperatures through August and 80s throughout September - so don't pack those swimming trunks or one/two-piece away yet, you'll want to cool off all the same.

In the Smokies, we have many public swimming places you can enjoy either as a swimming pool or as a natural body of water and in this article, we'll list them out for you. Please note that, generally, outdoor swimming places are open between Memorial Day to Labor Day but dates may vary. Indoor swimming areas are generally open year-round.

 


  1. Pigeon Forge Community Center




Features an outdoor swimming pool, that is generally the most public outdoor pool in Pigeon Forge short of Splash Country, as well as an indoor swimming pool. Admission is required. Features trolley access.

 


  1. Gatlinburg Community Center




Features an indoor swimming pool and is rarely filled with people. Excellent choice for a relaxing, quiet swimming experience. Admission is required. Features trolley access.

 


  1. Sevierville Community Center/Municipal Pool




Features an indoor swimming pool at the community center while the outdoor pool is located at the Sevierville City Park 1 mile away. Indoor pool is generally not filled with people. The municipal pool features water slides, a family aquatic center, diving board and concession stand. Admission is required.

 


  1. Chalet Village Owners Clubhouses




Three clubhouses each with at least one outdoor swimming pool all of which are located in Chalet Village overlooking Gatlinburg. Features additional entertainments and water slide(s). A reservation with a participating Chalet Village cabin company is required for access to the Chalet Village Clubhouses.

 


  1. Townsend Wye River




A National Park attraction inside Townsend, TN, and therefore free to the general public. Offers opportunities to swim or tube along the river. Generally highly populated during the summer season. Water is COLD and there are some rapids. Caution is recommended.




  1. Dollywood Splash Country




The Smokies' most popular and ambitious swimming experience. Features all kinds of rides, slides, a wave pool, concessions, play areas and much more. Heavily populated during summer and potentially expensive, but worth the price and effort. Trolley access is available.

 


  1. Douglas Lake




Huge lake offering many swimming opportunities as well as opportunities for boat rentals, jetski rentals, seadoo rentals and family fun similar to going to the beach. Water is COLD and there can be risks to swimming. Caution is recommended.

 


  1. Metcalf Bottoms




Located between Gatlinburg and Townsend while offering access to the Little Greenbrier River. This is part of the National Park and there is no cost to enjoy. Good for families and tubing. Water is COLD and there can be risks to swimming. Caution is recommended.

 


  1. Abrams Falls




Located in Cades Cove. This area is another National Park swimming area and there is no cost to enjoy. This swimming area offers a unique element with the waterfall and makes for a good place to bring family and tubes. Surrounding views are gorgeous. Water is COLD and there can be risks to swimming. Caution is recommended.

 

Relevant links for more information on these swimming locations are as follows:

www.cityofpigeonforge.com/community-center.aspx

www.gatlinburgtn.gov/recreation/community-center

www.seviervilletn.org/index.php/facilities/community-center.html

www.chaletvillageownersclub.com

www.insidetownsend.com/townsend-information/townsend-wye

 

 

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