Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a vacationer's paradise. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a family seeking fun, or someone in search of history and culture, Pigeon Forge offers a variety of activities to suit every taste. With its natural beauty, family-friendly attractions, and unique experiences, Pigeon Forge is a must-visit destination.
Let’s dive into the best things to do in Pigeon Forge that will make your trip unforgettable.
Explore Dollywood
A trip to Pigeon Forge wouldn’t be complete without visiting Dollywood, the world-famous theme park owned by country music legend Dolly Parton. Spanning 150 acres, Dollywood is packed with thrilling roller coasters, exciting water rides, live entertainment, and Southern-style dining.
Thrill Rides: Adrenaline junkies can try rides like the Wild Eagle, Tennessee Tornado, and Lightning Rod, one of the fastest wooden coasters in the world.
Family Attractions: The park has something for everyone, including kid-friendly rides and play areas like the Country Fair and Wildwood Grove.
Live Entertainment: Dollywood offers daily shows that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Smoky Mountains. You can enjoy everything from bluegrass and gospel to country music performances.
Seasonal Festivals: Depending on the time of your visit, you can experience Dollywood’s spectacular seasonal festivals such as Smoky Mountain Christmas, Harvest Festival, or Summer Celebration.
Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island is one of the top entertainment spots in Pigeon Forge, featuring a mix of dining, shopping, and attractions for all ages. The centerpiece is The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot-high Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Rides and Games: Enjoy fun rides like the Island Ropes Course, the Island Bumper Cars, and a classic arcade.
Shopping: There are more than 60 specialty shops selling everything from unique souvenirs to local handmade crafts.
Dining: The Island offers numerous dining options, including Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen and Margaritaville.
The Island Show Fountain: The show fountain offers a mesmerizing display of dancing water synchronized to music and lights, running throughout the day and evening.
Take in the Scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Just a short drive from Pigeon Forge, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a haven for nature lovers. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, the park offers endless opportunities for adventure.
Hiking Trails: Popular trails include the Alum Cave Trail, which offers breathtaking mountain views, and the Laurel Falls Trail, known for its beautiful waterfall.
Scenic Drives: Cades Cove, a valley surrounded by mountains, is a favorite for wildlife viewing and scenic drives.
Clingmans Dome: If you’re looking for the highest point in the Smokies, Clingmans Dome is your go-to spot. The observation tower provides 360-degree panoramic views of the mountains.
Experience Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Located just a short distance away in nearby Gatlinburg, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is consistently ranked as one of the top aquariums in the country. It’s a fantastic family-friendly destination featuring a variety of marine life.
Shark Lagoon: Walk through the underwater tunnel and come face-to-face with sharks, rays, and other sea creatures.
Penguin Playhouse: Watch the playful penguins dive and swim or crawl through tunnels for an up-close look at these fascinating animals.
Interactive Exhibits: The aquarium offers hands-on experiences like touching jellyfish, petting stingrays, and even a behind-the-scenes tour.
Enjoy a Dinner Show
Pigeon Forge is famous for its dinner shows, where you can enjoy delicious Southern cuisine while being entertained by live performances. Some of the most popular shows include:
Dolly Parton’s Stampede: Featuring 32 horses and skilled riders, this family-friendly show combines thrilling stunts, music, and comedy with a hearty four-course feast.
Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud: This hilarious show is based on the famous family feud and includes singing, dancing, and audience participation. The meal includes fried chicken, BBQ pork, and all the fixings.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show: Join Captain Blackbeard and his crew for an action-packed adventure on land and sea, with acrobatics, live animals, and a thrilling pirate battle.
Explore the Titanic Museum Attraction
Step back in time at the Titanic Museum Attraction, one of the most unique and educational experiences in Pigeon Forge. This half-scale replica of the Titanic allows visitors to learn about the ship's history and its passengers.
Interactive Exhibits: As you enter, you'll be given a boarding pass of an actual Titanic passenger. Explore over 400 artifacts from the ship and learn about the lives of the passengers and crew.
Touch an Iceberg: One of the most memorable features is the chance to feel the icy temperature of an iceberg and understand the harsh conditions passengers faced.
Grand Staircase: The museum also includes a recreation of the Titanic’s Grand Staircase, perfect for an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Go Horseback Riding
Experience the Smoky Mountains on horseback with a guided tour through the lush forests and scenic trails around Pigeon Forge. Several stables offer horseback riding adventures suitable for all skill levels.
Smoky Mountain Riding Stables: Located just outside the national park, this stable offers one-hour guided trail rides with views of the mountains and surrounding wilderness.
Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa: In addition to horseback riding, this ranch offers other family-friendly activities like ATV rides, fishing, and a petting zoo.
Pigeon Forge Snow
For a unique experience, check out Pigeon Forge Snow, the country’s first indoor snow tubing park. Open year-round, it’s a great way to cool off in the summer or enjoy winter fun no matter the season.
Snow Tubing: The indoor slopes offer real snow for tubing, with runs available for all ages.
Snow Play Area: There’s also a snow play area where kids can build snowmen and enjoy the snow at their leisure.
Explore the Old Mill Square
The Old Mill Square is a historic landmark in Pigeon Forge, dating back to the 1830s. The Old Mill still operates today, grinding grain and offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s past.
The Old Mill Restaurant: Enjoy a meal at one of Pigeon Forge’s most beloved restaurants, featuring Southern classics like chicken and dumplings, country-fried steak, and freshly baked bread from the mill.
The Old Mill General Store: Pick up freshly ground cornmeal, flour, and other goods from the mill, or browse local crafts and souvenirs.
The Old Mill Pottery House Café: Relax with a cup of coffee or a homemade dessert while admiring the unique handmade pottery on display.
Mini Golf, Go-Karts, and Arcade Fun
Pigeon Forge is known for its family-friendly activities, and there’s no shortage of entertainment in the form of mini golf, go-karting, and arcades. A few popular spots include:
Rockin’ Raceway Arcade: A retro-themed arcade offering classic and modern games, along with electric go-karts for high-speed racing.
Crave Golf Club: Play a round of mini-golf at this candy-themed course, complete with vibrant colors, sweet treats, and interactive challenges.
The Track: This attraction offers a range of family fun, including multiple go-kart tracks, mini-golf, bumper boats, and a sky-high ropes course.
Conclusion
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers a wide array of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains, entertainment at Dollywood and dinner shows, or simply a relaxing time taking in the beauty and charm of this mountain town, you’ll find plenty of things to do. With its blend of natural wonders, thrilling attractions, and family-friendly experiences, Pigeon Forge is the perfect destination for a memorable getaway. Regarding booking of accommodations, get in touch with Rent By Host. It will get a vacation rental home, equipped with all the modern facilities and amenities, within the range of your affordability.