Top 5 Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains in May

Posted by Jon Hoffman in Things To Do

May just might be the perfect time to visit the Tennessee Smokies. Skies are mostly sunny, and temperatures are pleasantly warm. What's more, attractions are opening up, and spring festivals are in full swing.

So, why not gather the fam and head to the hills for fun May activities like these?

Track Bigfoot All the Way to Townsend

Are you intrigued by the legend of Bigfoot? Follow his super-sized tracks to the 2nd Annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival, slated for Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Townsend Visitors Center, 7906 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, Tennessee.

This rollicking all-day event will feature wide-ranging family entertainment including:

• Foot-stompin' live mountain music performed by popular local bands
• Onsite demonstrations by old-timey blacksmiths and wood carvers
• Fascinating talks by notable Bigfoot experts – could the big dude really exist?
• A special appearance by Sasquatch himself

Plus, more than 25 food trucks will be on hand with delectable meals and snacks, and over 70 vendors will offer unique arts and crafts.

Take the Plunge at Dollywood's Splash Country

Each year in mid-May, this popular water park re-opens to the public. So, if you're seeking a wet, wild adventure – or just a refreshing splash – head out to 2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, right next to Dollywood itself.

For a reasonable per-person charge, you and your family can enjoy heart-pounding experiences including:

• Fire Tower Falls, the park's two tallest and fastest waterslides – twin 70-foot-high chutes that send you hurtling down 280 feet of splashy, watery track for the freefall thrill of a lifetime
• Raging River Rapids, a family-oriented slide offering all the dramatic twists and turns of mountain whitewater rafting in a safe, controlled environment
• TailSpin Racer, a high-speed head-to-head race down five stories of waterslide

Not up for quite so much intensity? Splash Country offers more relaxing options for tots, seniors, and everyone else – from Mountain Waves, a massive kid-friendly wave pool, to Downbound Float Trip, a leisurely voyage down a picturesque lazy river.

Enjoy Blooms and Tunes at Anakeesta

If you've never been to Anakeesta, Gatlinburg's mountaintop theme park, now's your chance. Throughout spring, this 70-acre attraction hosts its annual Blooms and Tunes Festival, offering nature-inspired art installations, toe-tappin' live music, scrumptious seasonal cuisine, and thousands of colorful blossoms.

Blooms and Tunes kicks off in early April and runs through mid-late June, but arguably it reaches its peak of perfection in May, when just-right temperatures facilitate pleasant strolls. Come to 576 Parkway – Traffic Light 5 – in downtown Gatlinburg to board the scenic chairlift for the 600-foot ascent to the summit. Or opt to ride in one of Anakeesta's Ridge Rambler trucks for an awesome uphill climb amid stunning mountain scenery.

Savor BBQ and Bluegrass in Sevierville

Love savory barbecue and zesty music? Head to Historic Downtown Sevierville for the annual Bloomin' BBQ Music and Food Festival. This year, the top-rated gala is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, May 20, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 21. And, as always, it will feature plenty of world-class pickin' plus luscious eats galore.

Hit the Leafy, Flowery Trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

In May, the Smokies' lower elevations are abloom with mountain laurel and flame azaleas. Hike an accessible moderate trail like Laurel Falls or Porters Creek...and keep an eye out for showy white, pink, and orange blossoms.

Book Your Smoky Mountains Cabin Now

Don't miss out on all the Maytime festivities here in the Tennessee Smokies. Contact Volunteer Cabin Rentals to reserve your comfortable cabin.

This content posted by Volunteer Cabin Rentals. Visit our home page, www.volunteercabinrentals.com to book your next vacation cabin today.

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