The Great Smoky Mountains are a prime destination any time of year. In the fall, the mountains burst into color with the changing of the leaves. In winter, Christmas festivities and lighting displays are on every corner. In the spring, world-class dinner theater shows make the perfect rainy day activity.
However, if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, whitewater rafting or amusement parks, the best time to visit is during the summertime. From modern Pigeon Forge hotels with indoor pools to romantic suites with a view in Gatlinburg and secluded woodland cabins, the Smokies have plenty of lodging to suit your unique preferences.
Pigeon Forge Hotels With Pools
The most exciting part about a Smoky Mountain summer vacation is the chance to enjoy the magnificent outdoors. Whether you’ve been working up a sweat on the zipline courses or hiking the trails under the hot sun, the first thing you’ll want is a way to cool off – but the last thing you’ll want is to cut short your fun! When you stay at a Pigeon Forge hotel with a pool, you get to have the best of both worlds.
La Quinta Inn & Suites
La Quinta Inn & Suites is ideal if you like luxury and proximity. You’ll be staying at the heart of the action in Pigeon Forge, within walking distance of the Parkway and The Island and only a short drive from the national park and Dollywood. Look forward to curling up in a triple-sheeted queen bed at the end of the day or soaking the tension away in your king suite’s whirlpool tub. However, the 24-hour, year-round indoor pool and hot tub give this Pigeon Forge hotel its luxurious status. Kick off your shoes, throw on your bathing suit, and enjoy the refreshing natural sunlight from the sundeck before you cannonball into the pool!
Courtyard by Marriott
You’re guaranteed to have a comfortable stay at Courtyard by Marriott. This resort-style hotel comes with premium in-suite amenities like smart TVs with Netflix and Hulu and private balconies with scenic river and mountain views. However, Courtyard by Marriott especially sets itself apart by its offering of poolside fun. At any hour of the day or night, when you’re ready for a refreshing dip, visit the indoor and outdoor heated pools. The outdoor pool even has a whirlpool and lazy river. With so many ways to splash, your downtime will be just as enjoyable as your adventure time.
Gatlinburg Hotels With A View
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, and Anakeesta are just a few attractions that offer stunning views of these timeless mountains – and Gatlinburg is home to them all. Book your stay in Gatlinburg if you’re planning to take your significant other on the romantic date of a lifetime, complete with gorgeous mountain views even at rest times.
Hampton Inn Historic Nature Trail
The Hampton Inn on the Historic Nature Trail should be your Gatlinburg hotel of choice if you want a balance between convenience, cost-effectiveness, and a nice view. This affordable hotel sits beside a pleasant creek, easily seen from your in-suite balcony or the relaxing outdoor fire pit area. Your king or double queen room will only be a few minutes’ drive from the major Gatlinburg attractions and comes with freebies like WiFi, parking, and hot breakfast. Plus, you’ll have year-round access to the heated indoor pool and business center.
Baymont by Wyndham on the River
There’s a lot to love about Baymont by Wyndham. With mobile check-in, early check-in, and public transportation close by, you can come and go just as you please. Between the game room, indoor pool, and children’s play area, your youngest travel companions will have plenty to keep them occupied. However, the best part about this Gatlinburg hotel is the location. Their king and queen rooms have balconies overlooking the beautiful Little Pigeon River. There’s no better way to wake up each morning than with a fresh cup of coffee from your in-suite coffee maker and a view that literally sparkles in the morning light.
Pet-Friendly Stays in the Smokies
When traveling with your most loyal furry friend in the world, it can be challenging to find places to stay that allow animals. Thankfully, the Great Smoky Mountains are known for being extremely welcoming toward pets. Stay at any of these pet-friendly lodgings, and your doggo will get to hike those scenic Smoky Mountain trails alongside you!
Auntie Belham’s Cabin Rentals
Cozy up with your pooch on the front porch, moonshine cocktail in hand, and gorgeous views of the mountains within sight from your rustic cabin. A quintessential Smoky Mountain experience, renting a homey cabin for you and your dog is easy with Auntie Belham’s Cabin Rentals. Their pet-friendly cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge allow up to two well-groomed dogs under 50 lbs.
Perfect for a solo weekend retreat or a large family reunion, your one- to nine-bedroom cabin could also come with first-class amenities like home theaters, hot tubs, swimming pool access, fireplaces, and grills. As a family-owned and -operated business, Auntie Belham’s Cabin Rentals will treat your family of furballs like their own!
Camp Riverslanding
Camping is right up there with renting a private cabin and hiking the National Park on the list of must-do activities in the Smokies. Plus, campgrounds tend to be incredibly dog-friendly. In particular, Camp Riverslanding allows you to camp with pets at their back-in RV sites on the Little Pigeon River. Not only this, but their grounds even include a dog park for your pup to get some off-leash playtime.
Enjoy other top-notch amenities at this luxury campground like the pool and splash pad, game room, basketball and tennis courts, playground, bathhouse, and river tubing area. When you’re ready to go out for the afternoon, Smoky Dog Lodge will pick your dog up and get him settled into their doggy daycare camp.
In Conclusion
Your summer vacation in the Smokies could take many forms, starting with where you choose to stay. Are you vacationing as a family with small kids who would love to cool off at the pool? Are you splurging on a romantic adventure with your partner and want to enjoy the beautiful views? Perhaps your travel companion is none other than the “goodest” girl or boy in the world, and you’ll need a place that allows pets. No matter the nature of your party or intentions, the Smokies are full of exciting places to crash after a perfect day on the trails.