July is sizzling with tons of fun adventures around every corner. Get outside and soak up the incredible nature that surrounds you here in the Smokies. Find serenity on a peaceful hike with incredible mountain views, chase the rush of adrenaline on a zipline through the forest, cool off with a dip in some epic whitewater, and so much more! Keep reading for our top 7 picks of the best outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains this summer!
Pedal Your Heart Out on Mountain Biking Trail
Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned mountain biker, the greater Maggie Valley area is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the Smoky Mountains, including Pisgah National Forest, Tsali Recreation Area, and Dupont Forest. Explore hundreds of miles of adrenaline-fueled trails with a variety of difficulties all set against a breathtaking backdrop of scenic mountain views. Beginners can test their mettle on paths like Balsam Mountain Road or Deep Creek Trail. And advanced riders will find exciting thrills all day long with dip, climbs, and turns on Airstrip Trail, Fire Tower, and Kessel Run.
Go Hiking in the Smokies for Stunning Mountain Views
There’s a vast and natural beauty hidden away in the mountains and foothills near Maggie Valley, and there’s no better way to explore it than on your own two feet. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails for one of the best outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains. For a delightful family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of historic hiking trails where you can enjoy fresh air and exercise while learning about Smoky Mountain history at the same time.
About an hour away from the Meadowlark Motel, you’ll find rocky outcrops and exposed cliffs that deliver an exhilarating thrill on Youngs Mountain Trail. The climb is a challenge, but the panoramic views at the top are worth every step. Or if you’re looking to cool off, check out these amazing waterfall hikes near Maggie Valley.
Soar Through the Treetops on a Ziplining Adventure
Release your inner Tarzan and enjoy amazing bird’s-eye views of the Smoky Mountains on a zipline! These treetop adventures offer stunning vantage points, a unique perspective on local plant and wildlife, and fun for the entire family. Whether you’re a daring thrill seeker or a novice fly-er, there are ziplining adventures for everyone.
Outfitters like the Nantahala Outdoor Center offer spectacular tours. Try the Nantahala Gorge Canopy Zipline Tour, the original zipline tour in Western North Carolina. You’ll zoom deep into the woods as you navigate a network of treetop platforms high in the air. Test your balance on 7 swinging sky bridges, and zoom across 11 heart-pumping zip lines, naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change.
Ride the Rapids on a Wet and Wild Whitewater Rafting Adventure
When summer temps begin to rise, and the mountain waters turn to raging rapids, you know it’s time for one of the best outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains – whitewater rafting! The Maggie Valley area has some of the most exciting rafting trips you could ask for, with everything from heart-pumping Class IV rapids to relaxing and family-friendly adventures.
The Nantahala Gorge is probably the most well-known of all the Smoky Mountain whitewater rafting spots. But you can take on the rapids with other area rivers like the French Broad, Tuckasegee, Ocoee, Cheoah, and Pigeon Rivers.
Enjoy a Relaxing Float on a River Tubing Trip
A lot of the outfitters who run whitewater rafting trips also offer river tubing on the milder sections of the rivers. River tubing is a time-honored tradition for the young and young-at-heart in the Smoky Mountains. There’s no better way to cool off this summer than a relaxing float down a refreshing mountain stream. Hit the water any time between June 1st and September 30th, and you’ll find the water temps are just right.
Get a Glimpse of the Famous Wild Elk Herd in the Cataloochee Valley
One of the most awe-inspiring things to do near Maggie Valley is watching the Cataloochee Valley’s exquisite elk herd as it roams and grazes in the wild. Several centuries ago, elk were commonplace in our peaceful mountain valley, but they were eliminated due to over-hunting and loss of habitat. In 2001, 52 elk were reintroduced to the Cataloochee Valley, and now the herd has grown to approximately 200. Don’t miss an opportunity to see those amazing creatures, but remember that it is illegal to knowingly come within 50 yards of an elk. So, keep your distance and enjoy these stunning animals responsibly from a respectful distance with binoculars.
Forage for Your Supper on a
Taking on the best outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains can really work up an appetite. You can always grab a delicious meal from any local restaurant, but you may want to try your hand at wildcrafting. Take a hike through the meadows, cool your feet in the edges of a stream, or explore the majestic forests of the Great Smoky Mountains and you’ll discover delicious food hiding in plain sight! Nature’s edible bounty is right at your fingertips…if you know what you’re looking for.
Wildcrafting may seem irrelevant in today’s modern society – like a practice relegated to the past or something only necessary for those living off the grid. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Wildcrafting is a universal human experience. For our ancient ancestors, nature was the only grocery store, pharmacy, and hardware store available to them. They learned how to identify and harvest wild plants in their natural habitat and use them for food, medicine, or craft.
If you do decide to gather your own food, please consult an expert when wildcrafting. Be sure to confirm the identity and health effects of any and all plants before eating them. Never eat anything that you are not 100% sure about. Some edible plants must be cooked before eating. Some parts of plants are edible, while another part of the same plant may be poisonous. Do not experiment if you are not completely sure about what you are eating. Do your research beforehand and always ask an expert.
After a fun-filled summer day of adventure, return to your room, cottage, or cabin at the Meadowlark Motel for the perfect home base for all your outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains!
