Travel Guide for Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley, Townsend & Gatlinburg
Wiz through the mountains and watch the spring wildflowers fly by at Rocky Top Mountain Coaster. It’s the longest coaster in East Tennessee and you can even visit at night for a thrilling excursion on the vibrant, colorfully lit mountain side.
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
Climb, zip and swing through the treetops at Adventureworks on the Sevierville parkway. The ropes course is great for families and groups of all ages, and you'll find different degrees of difficulty for beginners and experts alike.
Adventureworks
Buckle up and get ready to race down the track! NASCAR SpeedPark is home to 8 go-kart tracks and a ton of other attractions. Start your engines and let your competitive side loose to find out who is the best driver and who just can’t keep up.
Nascar Speedpark
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and have died in military service for our country. We are surrounded by Civil War history in East Tennessee. In the heart of Pigeon Forge, the Old Mill stands as a reminder of the tumultuous past of our area. During the war, the historic gristmill powered several looms which produced cloth to make uniforms for local Union volunteers.
Memorial Day Weekend kicks off a long, hot summer in Pigeon Forge. The kids are out of school, temperatures are on the rise, and it is the perfect weekend to grab a raft and hit the water. Rafting trips begin on a day-to-day basis in March & April, with a full schedule of trips for most locations beginning in May.
Go RaftingMake a splash and take advantage of the warm spring weather at Smoky Mountain River Rat. Take the family on a tubing trip and enjoy a relaxing float down the Lower Pigeon River.
River Rat
Beat the heat and save some money on your vacation by booking a hotel with a water park. A hotel with a water park combines the comfort you want, with all of the entertainment they will need. Stress less about planning the perfect vacation, and enjoy your time floating down the lazy river.
Water Park Hotels
Spring is the time to get the whole family outside to enjoy the blossoming flora of the Smoky Mountains. We have picked spring hikes that are perfect for the entire family. Waterfalls, flowers & adventure await.
Go Hiking
Rivers and mountain streams offer guests a bevy of places to fish in the Smoky Mountains. There are two spots in Gatlinburg that are for children only. Mynatt Park and Herbert Holt Park which also offers a handicap accessible pier are both easy access trout fishing spots to teach your little one how to fish.
Go Fishing
Rise & dine at Pigeon Forge's Brick & Spoon, voted one of the top 10 breakfasts in the US by Travel + Leisure. The restaurant boasts a never-boring menu with traditional options to suit all ages, as well as a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar for brunch lovers.
Brick & Spoon
Sample some monstrous creations and freaky foods at MonsterMash Burgers. You’ll find uniquely themed burgers and hot dogs to satisfy your hunger including creations like a classic Squatch American Burger or a wild and crazy Yeti Doughnut Burger.
Monstermash
New to the Sevierville area, Knox Dough's edible cookie dough and rolled ice cream will satisfy any sweet tooth. Try classics like chocolate chip and Oreo or go for a specialty flavor like Tennessee Trash or White Chocolate Cheesecake.
Knox Dough
A tradition in the national park, the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage features professionally guided explorations throughout the Great Smoky Mountains. Pilgrims get the opportunity to study the region's rich natural resources, native wildlife, and cultural history. After nearly 70 years of this annual adventure, nature lovers of all kinds have come together to enjoy the outdoors and help build the national park's database with important information about the local environment and species that make up its habitat. Last year's pilgrimage - which included more than 800 people from more than 32 states - generated over 1,800 important observations for the park.
But the experience is much more than flowers; the 4 day event offers over 150 different programs for all interests, including photography & gardening workshops, bird sketching, salamander foray, nighttime bat walk & owl prowl, medicinal plant & edible mushroom walks, nature journaling, and more.
This event offers a rare opportunity for foresty scholars, average gardeners, botanists, professors, and anthophiles alike to come together and enjoy the outdoors while they also help advance the study and research of wildlife in our national park. [Event Info]
Pop culture jumps out of the magazines at Beyond The Lens with all kinds of interactive games, photo ops, exhibits and more to explore. Don’t miss the crowd favorite Alien Egg Pit: a ball pit that grown-ups and kids alike are meant to enjoy.
Beyond The Lens
Elephants, tigers and gibbons - oh my! Take the journey about 30 minutes down the road from Pigeon Forge to one of East Tennessee's premier family-friendly destinations: Zoo Knoxville. If you're visiting around Easter, be sure to check out the Big Egg Hunt event in April.
Zoo Knoxville
Enjoy a high energy show and root on your team of jacks over at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show on the Pigeon Forge parkway. You’ll witness competitive lumberjack sports in action, including axe throwing, chopping, sawing, speed climbing, log rolling and mor
Lumberjack FeudSchool is out and hot, sunny summer days are ahead. It is the perfect time to take a trip to Pigeon Forge! Come beat the heat in the Smoky Mountains with ziplining excursions, afternoons at the swimming hole, sweet treats and more. There will be also plenty of fun events to take part in throughout the summer months including 4th of July festivities, the synchronous fireflies display and the Summer Jams Concert Series at the Island. There has never been a better time to take a summer vacation to Pigeon Forge!
New Adventures
Stop by this thrilling show and adventure park and experience The Flying Ox zipline roller coaster, a lumberjack themed ropes course, and the all new Timber Towers, featuring two unique 80 foot free fall jumps.
More InfoDo It Yourself
Kick it into four-wheel drive with Smoky Mountain Jeep Rentals and explore the outdoors.
More Info
Relax with your toes in the water as you float down the river in Townsend, or kick things up a notch with some whitewater rafting. You'll enjoy the Smoky Mountain views as you cool off in the water.
Read More →
Lace up your sneakers or hiking boots and hit the trails this summer with these hiking trails for kids. They are on the shorter side and feature hightlights that will keep exploring children engaged.
Kid Hikes →
When it is hot, these waterfalls will cool you off and leave you breathless. Check out these beauties we picked as our top waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains. They are delightfully magical.
Call To Action →Featured Hike
Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and take a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Shady trails at a higher elevation provide a much needed break from the heat and a chance to explore what makes the area so special. If you are looking for a quieter trail and have some experience, a hike to Charlies Bunion may be just what you are looking for. It is a moderately challenging hike with steep drop-offs, uneven and rough terrain and lots of uphill climbing. It isn’t for the inexperienced or families with children, but taking it on provides a chance to get away from the crowds and enjoy some of the best views in the Smokies.
We took this hike mid-week and it was the perfect option. It wasn’t overrun by hikers, and it provided a challenging trek with beautiful, rewarding views. You’ll start at the Newfound Gap parking area and take two separate trails to reach the top. You'll pass the crossing for Sweat Heifer Creek Trail adter about 1.7 miles and The Boulevard trail at about 2.7. Along the way, we stopped for snack breaks and to enjoy stunning mountain views, wildflowers and bird sightings. It took around an hour and a half for us to reach the top at a steady pace. Near the end, we were greeted with a warning sign to watch your children before climbing further. This is a great opportunity to remind the clumsier members of your group to watch their step! Charlies Bunion is a large rock outcropping, and there is little forgiveness if you lose your footing.
To get on top of Charlies Bunion, you’ll have to do a little bit of easy climbing. It is worth it when you stand up and see the views in front of you. It’s easy to feel like you are on top of the world with the mountains sprawling out for miles in front of you, and the clouds resting just above your reach. Breathing in the fresh mountain air and listening to the birds chirping provides a moment of relaxation unlike any other. You won’t want to turn around, but take heart in knowing there are beautiful views all the way back down the mountain to guide you home.
Whether you grab a bucket of fried chicken or bring all the fixings for a bar-b-que, you will love one of these top picnic spots in the Smokies. Just don’t let Yogi or Boo Boo steal your picnic baskets.
Picnic Spots →
A cool rushing breeze in your hair. The sounds of the zipping lines and you glide. The view of the treetops and mountains that are usually only for a bird’s eye. Let your senses soar with a zipline adventure in the Smoky Mountains.
Start Soaring
Cool off this summer in one of nature’s top swimming spots. These swimming holes in the Smoky Mountains are fed by the fresh waters of mountain rivers and streams and treat visitors to a refreshing retreat during the hottest parts of summer.
Go Swimming
A cold treat is just what you need after a hot day of fun in Pigeon Forge. Rita’s Italian Ice serves up all the fun with their fresh made Italian ice, custard and gelati. Your tastebuds will be dazzled by their fun flavors.
More About Rita's
Created to showcase the seasonal beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee Mountain Tours' Trees Of Many Colors fall excursion brings visitors to a secret destination for premium autumn leaf-peeping. Don't worry about wading through onlookers; escape the hustle and bustle of touristy areas and seize the chance to take in some spectacular fall views.
Book Tour →Easier than most, this trail winds through a spruce-fir forest & opens to acres of grassy meadows and panoramic views. It's long enough to escape the crowds but short enough for the whole family to enjoy.
Hiking →
While you're on the open road, stop right off Newfound Gap Road and catch the sweeping views of fall scenery among Tennessee & North Carolina.
Overlooks →
From Gatlinburg to Cherokee, this 33 mile road climbs over 3,000 vertical feet through the center of the National Park. Pullouts along the way reveal expansive scenic views.
Fall Drives →
Experience the many colors of Autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains from Gatlinburg’s award winning outdoor family theme park this October. Enjoy seasonal food and drinks, games, and live entertainment. Beginning at sunset, thrill seekers can take a haunted ride on the Rail Runner mountain coaster. Join us on the weekends for a nighttime zipline experience as you fly through darkness 200’ above the forest floor. Bring the family to relax around the new fire pit or grab a bag of popcorn to watch a Halloween movie.
Anakeesta →Sit back and take in the splendor of fall in the Smoky Mountains from your private Smoky Mountain cabin. Quiet and serene, there is nothing better than watching the sun glimmer off of the reds, oranges and yellows of the fall foliage.
Cabins With Mountain Views →
Businesses in Pigeon Forge take decorating for fall pretty seriously. Beginning in September, many locations in the Smokies & along the parkway decorate their properties with the most amazing and creative fall displays. This tradition brings out friendly competition among businesses but also gives guests photo opportunities at every turn. Hop on the Pigeon Forge trolley and take a trip down the parkway to see the array of pumpkins, mums, and more!
Change things up on your vacation this year with a luxury camper rental. Got S'mores RV Camper Rentals gives you the camping experience without all the work. You'll have everything you need at a great nightly rate, and they will even deliver the camper to the campground of your choice.
RV Rentals →This October, hop onto Tennessee's scariest mountain coaster ride at Rocky Top Mountain Coaster. These Halloween-themed night rides are not for the faint of heart.
Event Info →
Stunning autumn scenery and loveable llamas make up this unique hiking experience with Smoky Mountain Llama Treks. You won't regret booking one of their three excursions this fall.
Llama Treks →
We guarantee that you've never seen the Great Smoky Mountains like this before. There are 5 magnificent fire towers (also known as lookout towers) scattered across the Smokies, and the hikes to reach them are worth the trek. Start with something easy like Look Rock, or dive into the hard stuff with a hike to the summit of Mount Cammerer.
Fire Towers →
With five different wineries and countless flavor selections, the Rocky Top Wine Trail is an essential to-do for those over the age of 21. Your passport allows you to stop by each of the wineries for free tastings, unique activites and snacks.
Wine Trail →A great way to experience fall colors, horseback riding at Big Rock Dude Ranch is a thrilling activity for all ages. There's plenty of things to do: gem mining, a petting zoo, a fishing pond and more.
Big Rock Dude Ranch →
Puckett's To Go Packs feature customizable family meals with cherry wood-smoked BBQ & Southern sides and feed 4-6 people for just $49. They come fresh & ready-to-eat; no cooking required. Add on sweet tea or homemade cobbler of the day. Order online here.
Puckett's →Voted Best Fried Chicken in the Smokies, Mama's Farmhouse is now offering chicken buckets to go. Make a day of it and head out to one of your favorite picnic spots in the national park. Browse their menu here.
Mama's Farmhouse →
Spice up your season with some specially flavored moonshine. Smith Creek’s cinnamon flavored moonshine has a great kick, and their apple pie flavor will have you reminiscing about Grandma’s old recipe. More →
Made with apples grown on the property, The Apple Barn's white wine collection will remind you of the first bite into a freshly picked, crisp apple. Apple wines infused with raspberry, strawberry, & peach add a twist to sweeten up your visit. More →
Mix well and pour over ice. Garnish with a fresh apple slice and cinnamon stick.
A spectacular 3-day event for any car enthusiast.
More →
A 12 week celebration of the fall season, kicking off with the annual chili cookoff.
More →
Carve out some time for fall's biggest event in the southeast.
More →
Celebrate Autumn in the Smokies with fall colors, crafters, entertainers, activities and more.
More →
Enjoy a howling good time at this creepy Gatlinburg attraction.
More →
A month long festival featuring Bavarian-style food, drink and music.
More →
Pigeons In Flight At the north and south ends of the parkway, you'll be welcomed by these friendly avian displays.
Pigeon Forge Welcome Sign Lit up in Winterfest lights, this friendly and familiar marker will get you in the holiday spirit as you set off down the parkway.
Forging Winter One of the largest displays in the area (110 feet long & 21 feet tall), this structure is a tribute to Pigeon Forge's founding fathers.
12 Days Of Christmas As you drive down the parkway, you can find this visitor favorite between traffic lights #3 (partridge in a pear tree) and #7 (12 drummers drumming).
Winterfest Express You can find this intricate and colorful display right in front of the Mountain Breeze Motel, across the parkway from Crave Golf Club.
Fairytale Fantasy Just after the drummers drumming on the parkway, you'll find some familiar childhood characters like Mother Goose & Humpty Dumpty in animated displays between traffic lights #7 and #10.
Mill Scene This recreation of Pigeon Forge's classic Old Mill incorporates over 6,000 sparkling lights, a spinning waterwheel, & a flowing river.
Dolly Parton's Stampede The 40 foot tree outside of Dolly Parton's Stampede takes 5 days to put up and decorate. This year promises some of the most lights ever.
The Island You can spot the 200 foot Great Smoky Mountain wheel lit up in red, green, and white from the Pigeon Forge parkway.
The Old Mill One of the oldest businesses in the area, The Old Mill welcomes you to Winterfest under the cascading string lights hung over the adjacent bridge.
Patriot Park The Americana themed displays at Patriot Park make up the largest collection of lights in the area.
Wonderworks You can't miss the upside-down house as you're traveling down the parkway. Wonderworks will be festively decorated and aglow with it's columns wrapped in bright red ribbons.
Santa & the most beautiful Christmas tree make a great backdrop for your next family photo at Ripley's Aquarium.
Get your holiday sugar fix at Crave Golf Club. The courses are turned into candy wonderlands for the season.
There are three bridges with light displays you don't want to miss: Jake Thomas Rd., Old Mill Ave., & Dollywood Ln.
The Incredible Christmas Place is in the holiday spirit year-round, but you can't miss their special winter lights.
Beginning in November, the Titanic Museum Attraction will be decked out in glittering lights & festive decor that is guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. [ Tickets + Info ]
Celebrating its 46th year, this festival benefits the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and showcases beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. [ More Info ]
Whether you love music, comedy, or a good ol' fashioned spectacle, these Christmas shows have something for everybody. This year you'll find a special celebrity appearance, a brand new magic show, a live nativity featuring real camels, and plenty of visits from Santa Claus. [ Tickets + Info ]
LeConte Lodge sits upon an open glade just under Mt. LeConte's summit. At an elevation of about 6400 feet, it is the highest guest lodge in the eastern US. The only way to get there is on foot (there are 5 hiking trails), as there are no roads leading directly to the lodge, but the trek through the Smokies is worth it - you'll find some of the most spectacular views in all of the park. The lodge has been around since 1925 and is actually fifteen years older than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself. The team of caretakers at the lodge operate the website and blog High On LeConte, where they provide trail information, interesting tidbits, and gorgeous photos. This photo is one of our favorites from Christmas of 2017.
During the winter, waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains create magnificent ice sculptures from the frozen rivers and streams. Leafless trees make for unobstructed views and the absence of crowds make for a peaceful experience. Bundle up and enjoy a winter hike in the Smokies. [ + Read More ]
Roads & facilities in the National Park close from time to time due to unsafe conditions & repairs. Know before you go: NPS.gov.
Look but don’t touch! Do not stand on, go beneath or try to break off the ice from frozen waterfalls. They are slippery, unstable and can be very dangerous.
During an extended frozen spell, this 80 ft. waterfall creates an impressive and unique ice formation. Its beauty is breathtaking and creates the centerpiece for a magical winter wonderland. [ Waterfalls ]
If the wintry outdoors are a little too chilly for your liking, consider making the lodging portion of your holiday trip to the Smokies part of the vacation in itself. Here are our top picks for where to stay this winter.
More than just video games, arcades in Pigeon Forge are full entertainment centers with laser tag, indoor mini golf, & virtual reality. You will stay toasty & dry indoors when the weather turns. [ Arcades → ]
Don’t tell the kids, but Pigeon Forge has many learning opportunities. By combining education & entertainment, many museums in Pigeon Forge take a fun approach to science & history. [ Museums → ]
While there are many theories on the origin of Valentines Day, one thing we can all agree on is that is a time to celebrate love, friendship, and the joy of having other people in our lives. It’s a day of flowers, candy, and sharing time with those you cherish. For years, couples have flocked to the Smoky Mountains to share their love, celebrate their marriage, or rekindle their relationship. There’s something about these mountains that bring two people together.
Sink into relaxation and retreat from the busyness of life with a tranquil couple’s massage. Let the therapists at Riverstone Spa treat your senses and rejuvenate your body.
Enjoy a wine tasting at one (or all!) of the five wineries of the Smoky Mountain wine trail. Purchase a bottle to enjoy with your love on the deck of your cabin in Pigeon Forge.
Grab a cup of coffee and warm up to watch the sun rise. With an elevation of 6,643 feet, it is the perfect spot to watch the day begin with the one you love.
Take your valentine on a romantic dinner date. Whether it's pizza for two or a candlelit dinner overlooking the river, just taking a moment to share time together is what Valentines is about.
Restaurants
