The 15 Best Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

The Smokies region is ripe with alpine coasters, unique bobsled-like rides that use the area’s hills and hollers for gravity-fueled trips down the mountainsides. The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster in Pigeon Forge was the first built in Sevier County, Tennessee, and remains one of the best. The ride ascends via a cable pull through a scenic forested hillside and reaches a maximum speed of 27 miles per hour on its descent, covering a little over a mile of track during 7 to 8 minutes of fun.

smokymountainalpinecoaster.com, 867 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

The Island

The Island is a free-entry amusement park and shopping mall that centers around Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville in the heart of Pigeon Forge. It boasts a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel, a multi-tiered show fountain with water that “dances” to a variety of hit songs, carnival rides, moonshine tasting, an immersive movie-driven flight across America, and much more. It offers plenty of free parking and is located along a trolley stop, making it an easy stop for a day of entertainment.

islandinpigeonforge.com, 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Dollywood

No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without a day at Dollywood. The country diva’s namesake theme park boasts scream-inducing roller coasters and kid-friendly rides, Southern dining, ample shopping, and musical and theatrical entertainment. You’ll also find a replica of the two-room cabin Dolly Parton grew up in and an interactive multi-building Dolly Parton Experience that walks visitors through her life and career.

dollywood.com, 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Riverwalk Greenway

While Pigeon Forge is filled with indoor entertainment and outdoor thrills, it also has areas where you can find some peace and quiet in nature. Take a walk on the Pigeon Forge Riverwalk Greenway, a paved four-mile path along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. It travels from Patriot Park on its southern end to Old City Park at its northern end, passing through the heart of the town and by popular attractions like The Island and the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. As you walk by the LeConte Convention Center, look across the river to see one of the area’s most beautiful Smoky Mountain murals.

The Old Mill Restaurant

For Southern-style classics head to The Old Mill Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Located in Pigeon Forge’s historic Old Mill district, the family-style restaurant still channels the adjacent Little Pigeon River through the water wheel of a 200-year-old gristmill to grind the grains that make its breads and sweets. Show up early to get your name on the waiting list and prepare for large portions and hearty country sides.

old-mill.com, 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Lil Black Bear Cafe

Located just off Pigeon Forge’s main parkway, Lil Black Bear Cafe is a hole-in-the-wall diner ripe with local hospitality. Make sure to order its fan-favorite, inch-thick pancakes and enjoy bottomless coffee from one of its cozy tables. This family-owned restaurant is kid-friendly with a “Color the Bear Club” to keep the little ones happy and the cafe’s walls decorated.

lilblackbearcafe.com, 3068 Veterans Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Junction 35 Kitchen & Bar

Junction 35 is both a restaurant and a distillery. Before your meal, pop over to its tasting area to sample its moonshine flavors and other spirits and peruse its merch. You can then order from a robust list of craft cocktails made from its in-house liquors, including fun options like a watermelon vodka martini topped with a smoke bubble. Grab something to eat from its lunch or dinner menu, such as shrimp and grits, a strawberry fields salad, or a fried green tomato smash burger.

junction35spirits.com, 2655 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction

For dinner and a show, grab tickets to Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction. From arena-style seating, you’ll watch slapstick comedy, pyrotechnics, horse riding stunts, aerial acrobatics, and more while enjoying a four-course meal. You can get a discount on the admission price if you have a Dollywood season pass or are staying at one of the Dollywood properties.

dpstampede.com, 3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Boot Factory Outlet

With so much to do in Pigeon Forge, you'll want to be looking your best! Stop by the Boot Factory Outlet for its famous “But One Pair, Get Two Pair Free” sale on more than 20,000 in-stock boots from western and work styles to hiking and fashion. It’s a great way to outfit the whole family or splurge on your shoe fetish.

twofreeboots.com, 4135 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

A Long Story Short Company

Located in Pigeon Forge’s Old Mill historic district, A Long Story Short is a unique local business with whimsical gifts and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Walking through the door is like stepping into a storybook land. You’ll find vintage and used books, fossils and crystals, rustic home and garden decor, local art, and more.

facebook.com/alongstoryshortco, 3336 Old Mill St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Smoky Mountain Cat House

Calling all cat people! Smoky Mountain Cat House is a quaint shop in the Old Mill historic district of Pigeon Forge established in 1985 by cat lovers, Cheryl and Phil Anderson. It weaves the glory of felines through all its offerings. You’ll find cat-themed pajamas, tops, leggings, and socks. You’ll spot cat-shaped earrings, necklaces, and keychains. You’ll glimpse cat-adorned mugs, clocks, and rugs. And you’ll be able to bring some treats home for your kitty, too, with a large selection of cat treats and toys.

To top it off, the store is also home to some fluffy friends, including Mountain Molly, Sir Fathead, Luna, Patches, Mo, Bella, and Ziggy, who might just come out to say hello.

smokymountaincathouse.com, 3327 Old Mill St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Riverstone Resort & Spa

For a relaxing time in Pigeon Forge, book your stay at Riverstone Resort & Spa in one of its log cabins or modern condos. You’ll have everything you need, from a fully equipped kitchen to a private balcony. The property also boasts a lazy river, indoor pool, game room, jump pad, playground, and gym. And whether or not you’re staying at the resort or somewhere else in town, treat yourself to some deluxe spa services—from facials and massages to manicures and pedicures. 

riverstoneresort.com, 212 Dollywood Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge

Camp Margaritaville is the perfect Pigeon Forge stay for both RV campers and outdoor-minded travelers alike. Only a two-minute drive to the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the property offers five RV site types as well as a lodge with king, double, queen, and deluxe rooms. In addition to its convenience to the national park and other Pigeon Forge attractions, a stay at Camp Margaritaville comes with fun vacation amenities like a pool, lazy river, hot tub, pickleball courts, onsite restaurants, an arcade, duckpin bowling, and live entertainment.

margaritavilleresorts.com/camp-margaritaville-rv-resort-lodge-pigeon-forge, 149 Cates Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort

We can’t blame you if you want to keep the Dolly Parton theme going as much as possible on your trip to Pigeon Forge. Consider making Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort your basecamp. Arrive at its 4,000-square-foot, four-story atrium lobby with a stone fireplace and lantern-inspired windows before resting into one of its 302 rooms and suites, many of which come with your own private balcony. You’ll also find indoor and outdoor pools, six dining locations, and complimentary trolley service to the Dollywood theme parks.

dollywood.com/heartsong, 1210 Dollywood Resorts Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud & Adventure Park

In climate-controlled grandstands, Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud invites travelers to an action-packed show that comes with a side of barbecue, coleslaw, and baked beans. You can watch as lumberjacks compete in ax throwing, log sports, and playful comedy. Pair your supper show ticket with a pass to the adjacent Adventure Park for an 80-foot freefall jump, high ropes course, zip line roller coaster, and plenty of lumberjack-related games.

lumberjackfeud.com, 2530 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863