Travel Tennessee The 15 Best Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Plan a family-friendly trip to this Appalachian gem. By korrinbishop.com." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Korrin Bishop Korrin Bishop Korrin Bishop is a freelance writer and editor with publications in Fodor's Travel, U.S. News & World Report, Sierra Magazine, and Adventure Journal, among others. She loves to write about the beauty of her own backyard in East Tennessee, and specializes in the great outdoors, hidden gems, lesser-told stories, and small town living. In July 2023, she completed hiking every trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She has also logged hundreds of miles by kayak through the backcountry of Everglades National Park, a favorite winter escape. You can learn more about her work at: korrinbishop.com. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on June 21, 2024 Close Photo: Courtesy of The Dollywood Company The drive into Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a sight to behold. The six-lane parkway bustles with visitors from across the country, magnetized toward the locale by Great Smoky Mountains National Park and hometown star Dolly Parton. The Smokies tower at the end of the parkway in a rolling mountainscape of blues and greens; but the path there is lined with light-up signs, fun zones, year-round Christmas stores, more pancake houses than you can count, and unexpected structures like a two-story museum shaped like the Titanic and King Kong scaling a skyscraper. Pigeon Forge is a destination filled with delights for nature-lovers, thrill-seekers, and family-focused travelers alike. To help plan your trip to this lively Southern gem, we’ve rounded up some of the town’s best attractions, restaurants, shopping, and lodging. 01 of 15 Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster Prepare for scenic thrills on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster in Pigeon Forge. 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 02 of 15 The Island Take a ride on The Island's Ferris wheel for views of Pigeon Forge and the Smokies. The Island in Pigeon Forge 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 03 of 15 Dollywood Catch a musical or theater performance at Dollywood. The Dollywood Company 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 04 of 15 Riverwalk Greenway The Pigeon Forge Riverwalk Greenway follows a four-mile paved path. Korrin Bishop 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. 05 of 15 The Old Mill Restaurant Enjoy Southern favorites at The Old Mill Restaurant. The Old Mill 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 06 of 15 Lil Black Bear Cafe Dine like the locals do at Lil Black Bear Cafe in Pigeon Forge. 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 07 of 15 Junction 35 Kitchen & Bar Try a Bubbletini at Junction 35 Kitchen & Bar. Korrin Bishop 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 08 of 15 Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction Make sure to come hungry to Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction so you'll have room for a four-course Southern feast. Korrin Bishop 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 09 of 15 Boot Factory Outlet Come for one pair and leave with three at Pigeon Forge's Boot Factory Outlet. Jessica Spencer 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 10 of 15 A Long Story Short Company A Long Story Short is one of Pigeon Forge's most unique shops. Katie Ratliff/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 11 of 15 Smoky Mountain Cat House The dream store of all cat lovers is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. 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 12 of 15 Riverstone Resort & Spa Book a condo and stay for the spa services at Pigeon Forge's Riverstone Resort & Spa. 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 13 of 15 Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge Stay at Camp Margaritaville for convenience and an outdoorsy vibe. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Lodge Pigeon Forge 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 14 of 15 Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort Fuel your stay in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with all things Dolly. Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge and 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 15 of 15 Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud & Adventure Park Enjoy playful competition from the grandstands at Paula Deenâs Lumberjack Feud Supper Show. Paula Deenâs Lumberjack Feud Supper Show 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 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit