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The Smokies get a lot of rain, and summer afternoons often bring storms. A wet forecast is not a lost day if you plan an indoor anchor.
Indoor picks
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Fully indoors in downtown Gatlinburg, per Ripley's. Go early; it fills up when it rains.
Check aquarium tickets →A dinner or variety show
Magic, variety and tribute shows start from $23 and dinner shows from about $60, per GetYourGuide.
Compare shows →A cabin with an indoor pool
The best insurance policy for a family trip in winter or a rainy summer week.
See pool cabins →
Light rain? Go see a waterfall
Waterfalls run highest after rain, and after heavy rain you can see cascades from roads like Little River Road, according to the National Park Service. Avoid trails during thunderstorms and stay off slick rocks. See waterfall hikes.
