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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Townsend Wye River
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
