Summertime in the Smoky Mountains can get a bit warm. A fun day’s play requires ample splash time in the Smokies! Beat the summer heat with these nine ways to keep cool while visiting the Smoky Mountains.

The Sinks

The Sinks are one of the Smoky Mountains most legendary swimming holes. This area offers easier access than other swimming areas in the Smokies and is a popular place to cool down on a hot summer day. Here you will see a beautiful waterfall with a small cliff and several smoothed over boulders than trickle into the reservoir below it. This swimming hole has a mix of deep pools, hidden rocks and several rapids. Please practice safe swimming when visiting this area and refrain from going behind on or around the waterfall.

Abrams Falls

The Abrams Falls was righteously named for Chief Abram of the Cherokee nation. The chief's village used to be a few miles downstream, located in Cades Cove. Standing at 20 feet high, Abrams Falls creates a large gushing water flow over its rocky structure. The water is projected into a 100-foot pool below perfect for swimming in! This area is the perfect area to cool down in after the 2.5-mile hike to get here. Relax and stay a while, don't forget the camera!

Dollywood’s Splash Country

Dollywood's Splash Country is a water themed adventure park filled with dips, turns, plunges and pools of fun for the entire family! There are over 23 different water adventure and thrill rides in the park. Float along and catch some sun in the lazy river in between slip and slide fun! Splash about with the smaller members of your family in the Cascades and Little Creek Falls. Dollywood's Splash Country is an interactive and fun way to cool down from the blazing Smoky Mountain summers.

Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls Trail leads you to the ever beautiful Laurel Falls waterfall. The trail is about 2.6 miles in length roundtrip, making the halfway point the 80-foot waterfall! Laurel Falls has cascading waters that are delivered into an upper and lower fold. The upper fold has a small, natural wading pool perfect for little ones or dipping your feet. Relax in the mist and hide from the Smoky Mountain sun here. The lower section is good for wading. Use caution as the rocks are slippery from mist and algae.

Tubing In Townsend

The waters of Townsend is where you will find "The Y", where the Little River and the Middle Prong of Little River come to meet paths. The Y is an easily accessed area and is most popular for tubing. The pool is wide and offers splashing fun for the whole family. Enjoy a picnic on the slope or sunbathe in between your swims and soak up the Smoky Mountain sunshine!

Paddleboarding, Fishing and Wakeboarding on Douglas Lake

Douglas Lake in Sevierville, TN is a fun place to spend a hot summer day. The Douglas Lake Marina offers rentals on boats and jet skis and can get you gassed up for a grand day at the lake. The lake offers several different water coves that make it perfect for fishing. The center of Douglas lake is best for wakeboarding as you will be able to capture ripples from passing watercraft. If going fast isn't your thing, try your hand at paddleboarding by "The Beach" where the water is more shallow and the land more accessible.

Zip-lining

Catch cool mountain air from the tree tops of the Smokies via ziplining! Zip lining is a neat way to keep cool, zipping across the upper region of the tree canopy while connected to industrial strength cables. Let your inner adventurer come out to play in the Smokies!

Auto Touring with the Windows Down

A low-key way to catch a chill during the heat of summer is to go on an auto tour in the Smokies. The trees will provide shade while the mountain breeze flows through your car windows. See the beautiful scenery along the way with the musical stylings of native birds.

Chimney Tops Trail

The swimming hole along the Chimney Top Trail is a wonderful area for skilled adventurers to cool down after a strenuous hike. The 1,700-foot climb to the top is sure to make every hiker want to take a quick dip. The trail provides lovely mountain views and a swimming area in the Little Pigeon River.

Beat the summer heat and head to the Smoky Mountains for a fun, interactive way to cool of