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Escape the Summer Heat

In summer, temperatures in the “Mountains of Adventure” are 5-6 degrees cooler than most other Southeastern locations (rarely topping the 80s), because of their location about 2,000 feet above sea level. Being at the top of a huge plateau, a summer thunder shower can’t be ruled out, but Tennessee’s South Cumberland often enjoys cool breezes that valley locations can’t. Summer brings perfect water temperatures in the area’s many streams, offering perfect swimming holes, which are found at the base of the area’s amazing waterfalls.



Splash around or take a plunge!

Let the kids splash around in Tennessee's largest inclusive playground and splash pad. Take a shady hike in along a cool stream and cool off in a refreshing swimming hole. Or spend the afternoon at a mountain lake...

Sycamore Falls

Outdoor Adventures - Tracy City

Sycamore Falls

This is a great summer swimming hole on Big Fiery Gizzard Creek. Access this adventure from Fiery Gizzard State Park's North Trailhead.

Foster Falls

Outdoor Adventures - Tracy City

Foster Falls

In Fiery Gizzard State Park, at the southern end of the Fiery GizzardTrail, is Foster Falls, a 60-foot waterfall, the tallest in the parks, with a swimming hole at its base. There is an easy quarter-mile hike to observe the falls from above; and a much more strenuous two-mile hike (round trip) to clamber to the bottom of the falls on a rocky trail. Access this adventure from the Fiery Gizzard South Trailhead.

Blue Hole Falls

Outdoor Adventures - Tracy City

Blue Hole Falls

This pristine mountain creek waterfall is in an awe-inspiing setting in Fiery Gizzard State Park, with a good swimming hole. Access this adventure from the Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead.

Miracle on the Mountain Outside Play Park

Outdoor Adventures - Coalmont

Miracle on the Mountain Outside Play Park

Tennesee's largest inclusive playground and splash pad allows all children to play together as one regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

Greeter Falls

Outdoor Adventures - Altamont

Greeter Falls

A moderate-to-challenging one-mile out-and-back trail In Savage Gulf State Park featuring a spiral staircase, taking you to Greeter Falls. Also check out the (easier) spur trail to the Blue Hole swimming area, as well as some smaller waterfalls and historic sites. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf West Trailhead.

Grundy Lakes & Lone Rock Coke Ovens

Outdoor Adventures - Tracy City

Grundy Lakes & Lone Rock Coke Ovens

In Fiery Gizzard State Park, there's a recreational lake with swimming and picnicking facilities at the site of the historic Lone Rock Coke Ovens, where locally-mined coal was converted to coal coke by convict labor. An easy 2.3-mile hike encircles the lakes; some of it using a low-traffic paved road. Access this adventure from the Grundy Lakes Trailhead, which is also the parking area for the swimming and picnicking facilities.

Go underground!

No matter the season or weather above ground it's always 59 degrees in The Caverns, a world-class underground music venue that also offers cave tours. They offer simple one-hour tours or more intense "adventure" tours. 

Outdoor AdventuresMusic & Nightlife - Pelham

The Caverns

A world-renowned destination for live music above and below ground, in beautiful natural settings. It's the home of the PBS TV series The Caverns Sessions, and offers tours of its magical cave system.

Outdoor Adventures - Pelham

The Caverns Cave Tours

Daily cave tours at The Caverns in Pelham include one of the largest underground rooms in the world at over 3 football fields long and a behind-the-scenes tour of the music venue. Thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies can take an Adventure Cave Tour to explore deep portions of The Caverns with seasoned cave guides.

Sweet treats and al fresco eats

Your hike and plunge won't be complete without a sweet treat!

Hwy 56 Coffee, Ice Cream & Creative Eats

Food & Drink - Altamont

Hwy 56 Coffee, Ice Cream & Creative Eats

Coffee, ice cream & creative eats with a changing menu of specialty items

Dutch Maid Bakery

Food & Drink - Tracy City

Dutch Maid Bakery

The oldest family-owned bakery in Tennessee

Brown's Dairy Bar

Food & Drink - Gruetli-Laager

Brown's Dairy Bar

Ice cream, shakes, plate lunches & burgers

Dari-Delight

Food & Drink - Tracy City

Dari-Delight

Pizza, burgers, sundaes & more

Dive deeper

Beat the Heat with a Cool Weekend Getaway
Beat the Heat with a Cool Weekend Getaway

It's 5-8 degrees cooler here, with shady forests, pleasant breezes, cool mountain streams and refreshing swimming holes...

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