Our Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Adventure Guide

If you are looking for family fun in the Tennessee, USA area, this is the article you need to read. Here we provide you with a summary of some of the things to do in Pigeon Forge at the main attractions the city has to offer. We also provide you with some essential tips that can help you during your stay. Don’t miss it!

Evan Nichols (Virtua…, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Our Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg: Top Things You Can’t Miss

Dollywood Day with the Family

Dollywood is a famous theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, known for its combination of thrill rides, live entertainment, and the Smoky Mountains. It attracts nearly 3 million visitors each season with more than 40 attractions including roller coasters, family rides, and themed areas.

Highlights include Lightning Rod, the world’s fastest wooden roller coaster; FireChaser Express, the first dual-launch family roller coaster in the United States; and Big Bear Mountain, the park’s newest and longest roller coaster with multiple launches and turns.

Dollywood celebrates four major annual festivals: the Food & Flower Festival, the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, the Harvest Festival, and the Smoky Mountain Christmas. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance to avoid long lines and ensure access during peak season.

Hike the Smoky Mountains Trails

Exploring the breathtaking natural beauty on the trails of Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the things to do in Pigeon Forge. With more than 1287km of trails, there are options for all skill levels such as easy hikes and challenging mountain routes.

Alum Cave Trail is one of the busiest trails. It leads to the top of Mount LeConte, with spectacular views and interesting geological features. Grotto Falls Trail takes you to a beautiful waterfall where you can walk behind the water. It is ideal for families and offers a stunning natural setting.

Before visiting, check the park website or visitor center for updated maps and trail conditions, especially in rainy or snowy seasons. Use appropriate hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks. Keep the trail clean, follow park rules, and respect local wildlife.

I, Brian Stansberry, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fun Times at The Island in Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge is an outstanding entertainment destination in the city’s heart. The most iconic attraction is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which rises 61 meters and offers breathtaking panoramic views. The area is home to more than 60 specialty stores, restaurants, games, live entertainment, and activities for the whole family.

The Island hosts events throughout the year, including music festivals in the summer, the Harvest Festival in the fall, and dazzling holiday decorations during Winterfest.

There is a free streetcar system that runs throughout the area, so it is easy to access the various attractions. There are also well-maintained hiking trails. Within the complex is the Margaritaville Island Hotel, a convenient place to stay while exploring The Island and its surroundings.

Hands-On Fun at WonderWorks

For science lovers, exploring WonderWorks is one of the things to do in Pigeon Forge. This amusement park is an innovative space that combines education and entertainment through more than 100 interactive exhibits that invite you to explore science in a fun and exciting way.

At WonderWorks, you can enjoy interactive exhibits such as Hurricane Shack, Bubble Lab, Astronaut Training Gyro, Bed of Nails, and others. It also offers an indoor ropes course, laser tag, and a 4D motion theater. If you buy tickets online you save $2 per ticket. Discounts are available for groups of at least 15 people and special day promotions.

Scenic Drive on Roaring Fork Trail

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a beautiful scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here you have the opportunity to enjoy nature without long hikes. This 9 km trail is a one-way road that winds through a dense forest with streams and historic structures.

Noah “Bud” Ogle Place offers a self-guided tour that showcases a historic farmhouse with a unique handmade plumbing system. During the tour, you can see several historic cabins and buildings, such as the Jim Bales cabin and the Ephraim Bales cabin. Place of a Thousand Drips is a spectacular spot where water cascades over the rocks, especially after heavy rains.

The trail is open from late March through early December but may be closed during the winter. We recommend you purchase a brochure at the beginning of the trail that details the points of interest along the way.

Meet Marine Life at Ripley’s Aquarium

Discovering marine life at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is another great thing to do in Pigeon Forge. This expansive aquarium has an impressive variety of sea species, including sharks, sea turtles, rays, and penguins. Here you can enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride over the shark habitat and participate in interactive feeding shows.

Highlights include the clear underwater tunnels where you see sharks and other marine animals up close. In the Discovery Center and the Touch-A-Ray Bay, you can touch stingrays and jellyfish, and the daily penguin parade at 1:15 p.m.

Ride the Smoky Mountain Coaster

The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is a thrilling attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This coaster stands out as the first of its kind in the Smoky Mountains and is known for being the longest in the United States.

The track is 1,200 meters long and the ride lasts between 7 and 8 minutes. Each car has manual brakes that allow you to control your speed during the descent. In addition, the coaster has a magnetic brake system to ensure your safety.

Consider visiting early in the morning or in the evening to avoid crowds. The nighttime experience is especially magical because the coaster is illuminated with more than 300,000 LED lights. The attraction is safe even in adverse weather conditions, so you can enjoy it year-round.

Photo by Jeremy Thompson, CC BY 2.0, on Flickr

Ride Thrills at Rowdy Bear Ridge

Exploring the rides at Rowdy Bear Ridge is another activity do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This park is known for its combination of outdoor activities and unique experiences. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Among its main attractions are Alpine Coaster, which winds through the forest; Mountain Glider, the world’s first single-rail aerial coaster; Tubing Hill, Tennessee’s longest and fastest outdoor tubing hill; and Outdoor Axe Throwing, where you can test your aim by throwing axes.

Wander Parrot Mountain & Gardens

Parrot Mountain & Gardens is a unique attraction that combines the natural beauty of landscaped gardens with a fascination for exotic birds. This park spans 1.6 hectares and is located near Dollywood and Splash Country, making it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers.

There are hundreds of species of tropical birds, including macaws, cockatoos, and toucans. Here you have the opportunity to interact with the birds, feed them, and, in some cases, hold them. The gardens have paved paths, waterfalls, and rest areas, with a serene environment and a “secret garden” full of flying birds.

It is open from March to November and we recommend you spend at least 2 hours to fully explore the park. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture special moments with the birds and the beautiful scenery.

Get a View from Gatlinburg’s Space Needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is an iconic landmark. This observation tower rises 124 meters and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. Admission prices range from $12.95 to $7.95.

Enjoy a unique experience as you ride the glass elevators, which offer thrilling views as you ascend. At the top, there are information panels detailing the mountains visible, and free viewfinders can be used to get a closer view. The platform is ideal for taking pictures and enjoying the scenery.

Arcadia is a center that offers many video games and options to win prizes, making it a fun place for the whole family.

Photo by Valerie Everett, CC BY-SA 2.0, on Flickr

Expert Tips for Visitors

Avoid Peak Seasons: The busiest times are during major holidays, summer weekends, and special events such as the Spring and Fall Rod Runs. For a more relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting during the mid-season (late spring or early fall) or on weekdays.

Traffic: Pigeon Forge is notorious for traffic congestion. To avoid delays, plan your commute around peak times and use alternate routes such as Teaster Lane and Veterans Boulevard.

Dollywood: This iconic theme park offers a mix of thrill rides, live entertainment, and arts and crafts. Don’t miss the Lightning Rod roller coaster and the Chasing Rainbows museum dedicated to Dolly Parton.

The Island at Pigeon Forge: A popular destination with stores, restaurants, and attractions such as The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. It’s a great place for families with activities such as a ropes course and arcade games.

Plan: Popular restaurants can have long waits. Make reservations or eat during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.

Local Flavors: Don’t miss the opportunity to sample local specialties such as moonshine at several Pigeon Forge distilleries. It is advisable to eat beforehand to fully enjoy the tasting experience.

Use Public Transportation: Pigeon Forge’s streetcar system is an affordable way to get around the area without parking. It connects major attractions and is especially helpful during busy seasons.

Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes because many attractions require walking or standing for extended periods. This is especially important when exploring natural areas like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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