As the summer sun shares its heat, people head to the Smokies to enjoy nature’s playground. It’s best to make a summer playlist before arriving so you can still jam out when you lose signal. Whether you’re embarking on a scenic hike, taking a drive through winding mountain roads, or simply relaxing at your cabin, music has the power to enhance your experience. So, we’ve created a lovely list of songs to accompany your adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains. Let’s dive in!
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver (1971)
Start your journey with this timeless classic that perfectly captures the spirit of the Smoky Mountains and its rustic charm. Denver’s perfect blend of country, folk, and bluegrass will whisk you away into a world of beauty that you will never want to leave.
“Wagon Wheel” – Old Crow Medicine Show (2004)
This catchy folk anthem will have you tapping your feet and singing along as you explore the mountains we call home. It might even inspire you to pick a bouquet of dogwood flowers!
“Smoky Mountain Rain” – Ronnie Milsap (1980)
Don’t let the rain put a damper on your summer playlist! Ronnie Milsap came out with the perfect song to inspire reverence for the beauty of the Smoky Mountains even when the weather is less than ideal.
“Blue Ridge Mountains” – Fleet Foxes (2008)
This alternative indie/folk song will carry you away to a story about the love of two brothers. Fans of southern gothic literature will want to add this to their playlists to get the feeling that these mountains hold more than what we can see.
“Appalachian Spring” – Aaron Copland (1944)
This orchestral masterpiece by Aaron Copland captures the grandeur and majesty of the Appalachian region. It’s no wonder why it has survived almost 80 years! What began as a music piece for a ballet has turned into a classic. The song was originally written to accompany a plot about a frontier couple on their wedding day.
“Rocky Top” – Osborne Brothers (1968)
Get ready to sing along to the catchy bluegrass anthem that celebrates the beloved Rocky Top, a symbol of pride for Tennessee. While you have probably come to love Lynn Anderson’s version, we recommend mixing it up a little and giving the original a try.
“My Tennessee Mountain Home” – Dolly Parton (1973)
You can’t make a summer playlist for the Smoky Mountains and not include Dolly! This song perfectly encapsulates the feelings of summer and love and adventure that await you and your family in these beautiful mountains.
“Fire on the Mountain” – Grateful Dead (1978)
Let the timeless sound of the Grateful Dead transport you to the heart of the mountains as you soak in the summer vibes. This blend of pop, rock, and folk will surely have you swaying to the music by the end of the song.
“Mountain Music” – Alabama (1982)
This lively tune by Alabama will have you celebrating the joyous spirit of mountain life. This song was their sixth Number 1 on the Billboard country chart, and the reason is easy to see (well, hear)!
“The Sound of Silence” – Simon & Garfunkel (1964)
Allow the haunting beauty of this iconic folk rock song to complement moments of reflection and serenity in the Smokies. This song is perfect for early mornings, late evenings, or rainy days. It brings a sense of calm to the chaos of life.
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1967)
As you conquer the trails and witness breathtaking views, let this Motown classic remind you of the strength within. This song is a great one to sing with your friends at the end of a long, difficult hike! If you don’t believe us, try it for yourself.
“Tennessee Homesick Blues” – Dolly Parton (1984)
You can never have enough Dolly on your Smoky Mountain playlist. Never. This song captures country living like nothing else, talking about eating grits and country ham, going to church on Sunday, and eating apples right off the tree.
“Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles (1969)
Welcome the summer sun and the promise of a new day with this timeless Beatles track. When you’re trying to get that last sleepy family member out of bed in the morning, this is a great tune to play to wake them up!
“Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and The Waves (1983)
Get ready to walk with confidence and dance your heart out with this infectious pop-rock hit. Playing this with the windows down on a country road is a special kind of memory-making.
“Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974)
While not directly about the Smokies, this Southern rock anthem evokes a sense of home and pride in the southern region. Everybody can sing along and tap their feet to this classic beat!
“Dancing in the Moonlight” – Toploader (1999)
This song is perfect for those nights when everyone is telling stories around a bonfire. You can get up and dance, sing along, or just chuckle at the family and friends who probably need to go to bed.
“Good Vibrations” – The Beach Boys (1966)
End your Great Smoky Mountains adventure on a high note with this timeless Beach Boys hit, radiating positivity and good vibes. What else do you want on vacation?
As you enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains, make this summer playlist be your soundtrack. Furthermore, let the sounds of summer enhance your journey so you and your crew can make greater memories. If you are looking for things to do, places to stay, and more, make sure to check out the rest of our website!
