26 Best Things to Do in Pigeon Forge TN [Bucket List]

Melanie Haiken

The Smoky Mountain locale is known for its amazing landscape and an assortment of exercises. Despite being very popular and at its busiestness, the ambiance still remains tranquil – perfect for unwinding – without breaking the bank. Explore 23 free things to do in Pigeon Forge, TN in paddling perfection and 180+ Things To Do Across Tennessee, And Use Tennessee As The Perfect Vacation Destination For Both Adventure And Our newly published tranquility-focused classifiers.

Travel Insights

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Check out Tours by Tour Pass Tennessee

And if your plans are to visit a good number of those attractions, then consider getting a pass that bundles up some sights for a bargain. As well qualified in Tennessee:

  • Smokey Mountain Christmas Morning Sightseeing Pass
  • Nashville Guided Tours And Day Trips
  • Nashville Sightseeing Pass

So each pass would have different advantages and rates and therefore it is worth comparing them to see which package will suit you best.

Don’t forget to pack coins to put in pressed penny machines along the way The pennies are great mementos.

The Best Times To Travel To Pigeon Forge

The most popular times the weather is the most pleasant is alternately Spring to Summer depending on what you like to do, spring and fall are also the best times to come view the beautiful fall foliage. Winter and summer are the aforementioned windows of savings for those on a budget that can bring with it discounts on lodging and area attractions.

Revisiting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is almost 5 miles away from Pigeon Forge. From the north, take exit 407 off I-40 and follow the signs to Pigeon Forge. The place is littered with things to do, and a myriad of restaurants, attractions, and brick-a-bracks along the Parkway. Gatlinburg versus Pigeon Forge Gatlinburg is tranquil, while Pigeon Forge is entertaining.

Stay at the Eagle Nest Campground for a relaxing retreat just beyond the excitement but close to conveniences and just a short drive back into the hustle and bustle of Pigeon Forge. Take a drive to Asheville, North Carolina for a day of enlightenment at The Biltmore Estates, a historic site.

23 No-Cost Things to Do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The Island in Pigeon Forge: This is a fun area for visitors to explore. It comes equipped with a Paula Deen restaurant, Margaritaville hotel, and an amazing fountain that is doing multiple light shows per day. The Island also offers a lot of rides and even more shopping. Don’t forget to taste the free moonshine samples at Ole Smoky Moonshine which will be one of the big highlights of your visit.

Explore The Smoky Mountain Knife Works: Home to the World’s Largest Smoky Mountain Knife Works This is one of those educational entertainment venues that appeals to all ages. There is also an interesting museum on site.

Have fun at Patriot Park: A wonderful place to relax and enjoy nature. Families can feed the ducks, or walk along the flag path that displays a flag for all the states and find some tranquility.

Old Mill and Old Mill Square: Built in 1830, the Old Mill is almost two hundred years old. Visitors can walk through the mill for a short course on how it works, shop in the little shops nearby, or watch fudge and other treats being made, although just sitting beside the river can be serene.

Smoky Mountains National Park: You can take a sword of activities in the park from hiking to waterfall viewing as well as even camping and wildlife spotting. This is the perfect spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Guide To A National Park Adventure: Free Activities In Pigeon Forge

Touring Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains: If you have a couple of hours, take an 11-mile scenic loop around Cades Cove which functions as an open-air museum in the Smoky Mountain National Park. Grab a self-guided map before you head in (because there is basically no cellular service) and take a minute to read about the historic community that used to live and work here in the visitors center.

Meet the Horses and Trainers at the Dixie Stampede: The Dixie Stampede attraction itself charges admission for the show, but you can visit with the animals, including the horses and their trainers, every day for free outside the main show facility.

Check out the Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail: Travel this 8-mile trail to watch local craftsmen create their works of art in the mountains of Gatlinburg. It is free to watch them carve, as well as to see how crafts are made in the area.

Newfound Gap Road Driving: For those wanting to drive it Newfound Gap Road starting in Gatlinburg and driving through the Smoky Mountain National Park all of the way to Cherokee, North Carolina is a must-do! Route Scenic beauty Wildlife sightings Frequency of sightings

Moonshine Gatlinburg Distilleries: Discover the art of making moonshine with complimentary tours at the Smoky Mountain Moonshine, Sugarlands Shine, and Doc Collier Moonshine. Uncover the artistry behind two of the world’s most iconic spirits.

Taking a Gatlinburg Trolley Ride: during the peak season only, the Gatlinburg Trolley is a free service that you can use to see the area, visit local attractions, or just people-watch.

Bush Baked Beans Visitor Experience: Films & exhibits that tell the story of Bush Baked Beans If you need a meal, they have an eatery on offer as well.

Shopping: Pigeon Forge has a wide range of shopping from theme outdoor malls to local artisan shops.

Local Festivals and Events: Throughout the year, Pigeon Forge hosts several events such as its well-known Christmas celebration and a BBQ and bluegrass festival.

Yearly Travel Calendars for National Park Enthusiasts: Tick Off Every Day With a Travel Calendar That Showcases Scenes from National Parks, Oceans & International Modes and Get a New Perspective Yearly on Well-Esteemed Travel Sites. If you love beautiful landscapes or are looking to give a truly thoughtful gift then these calendars will be ideal.

Fun Adventures and Historical Sites In And Around The Smoky Mountains

Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains: Clingman’s Dome At the highest point in the Smoky Mountains, Clingman’s Dome involves a strenuous hike, nearly a half-mile straight uphill from the parking area. It is a hard walk (I had to stop several times) but the views from the top are worth it

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Similar to Cades Cove, this 6-mile one-way loop will take visitors by historical sites like the Noah house, Roaring Forks cemetery, and one of the early settlement villages in the area.

Exploring Gatlinburg’s Oldest Cabin: Located just off the main entrance to Gatlinburg, the historic Ogle Cabin provides a glimpse of pioneer life in the Smoky Mountains more than 200 years ago. Originally built in the area which has since become the new location of the Ripley’s Aquarium, the Arc, Bauta said, has been moved near the welcome center to preserve it.

Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum: learn the history of steam logging in the Smokies Outside, however, visitors get a feel for the area’s industrial history – with a vintage caboose and a portable Frick steam engine parked in the lot.

Fall Leaf Peeping: The Smoky Mountain National Park turns into one of the most spectacular gardens of vibrant colors attracting hoards of leaf peepers during the fall season.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail: A portion of the famous trail travels through the Smoky Mountains with some segments easily available for a day hike. We are checking out a part of this massive trail system and getting to appreciate being out in nature.

Discover State Parks: A Discovery Journal

State Park Adventure Books: Designed for the adventurer who can also use a planner/journal to document their journeys. Each book contains an alphabetical listing of state parks for ease in finding your next adventure. National Parks Of Each State section with beautiful photographs This section includes an extensive list of all the parks in each state.

Sugarlands Visitor Center: Sugarlands Visitor Center is totally a free place to visit at the park. Guests can view a 20-minute movie about the park, and tour the museum. For all ages, a junior ranger program is offered and children can work towards also receiving a junior ranger badge.

Great Smokies Flea Market: Located near Interstate 40, this place is helpful for those who are seeking bargains on almost everything, you can find thrifting, varieties of food items, and a lively farmers market.

Complimentary Child Admission: On that note, being rather family-friendly in general, admission to a number of local attractions and shows in the area is free for kids

Day Tripping in Knoxville: Venture farther afield with a trek to Knoxville, which serves up 25 fun options at no charge.

For a family escape that is filled with activities that do not cost anything then Pigeon Forge should be your first consideration. In addition to its many free attractions, the town also offers favorites like Dollywood and The Titanic Museum, as well as a lot of shopping and dining, and many outdoor activities. Or spent time in Pigeon Forge? What was your highlight?

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