Discovering Pigeon Forge, TN: A Gateway to Smoky Mountain Adventures and Southern Hospitality
Curated By
Gillian Spatz
Curator’s statement
Welcome to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a charming mountain town nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Known for its scenic beauty, thrilling attractions and warm Southern hospitality, Pigeon Forge offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and family-friendly entertainment. Join us as we explore the natural wonders of the Smokies, experience the excitement of Dollywood and discover the rich cultural heritage of this beloved destination in the foothills of the Appalachians.
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Things to do Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Visit Dollywood: Experience the magic of Dollywood, one of the country's top theme parks, featuring thrilling rides, live entertainment and a celebration of Appalachian culture and heritage.
Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Discover the natural beauty of the Smokies with a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike scenic trails, spot wildlife and take in panoramic views of the mountains.
Take a Scenic Drive: Enjoy a leisurely drive along the picturesque roads of the Smoky Mountains, such as the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail or the Newfound Gap Road, offering stunning vistas and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge: Explore The Island, a popular entertainment complex featuring shops, restaurants, attractions and the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Attend a Dinner Show: Experience Southern hospitality and entertainment at its finest with a dinner show in Pigeon Forge, such as the Dixie Stampede or the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud.
Go Ziplining: Soar through the treetops on a zipline adventure with companies like Smoky Mountain Ziplines or Adventure Park Ziplines, offering exhilarating experiences for all ages.
Visit Titanic Museum: Step back in time at the Titanic Museum Attraction, where you can explore full-scale replicas of the Titanic's interior, artifacts from the shipwreck and interactive exhibits detailing the famous voyage.
Go Whitewater Rafting: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River with outfitters like Rafting in the Smokies or Smoky Mountain Outdoors, offering guided trips for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Explore the Old Mill: Visit the historic Old Mill Square, home to the iconic Old Mill, a working gristmill dating back to the 19th century, as well as shops, restaurants and galleries showcasing local crafts and cuisine.
Enjoy Dinner with a View: Dine with panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains at restaurants like The Peddler Steakhouse or The Smoky Mountain Brewery, offering delicious meals and stunning scenery.
Go Mini-Golfing: Have fun with the family at one of Pigeon Forge's many mini-golf courses, such as Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf or Crave Golf Club, featuring themed courses and interactive elements.
Visit the Hollywood Wax Museum: Pose for photos with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum, where you can explore themed galleries and interactive exhibits showcasing Hollywood's biggest stars.
Day Trips:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore the natural wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located just a short drive from Pigeon Forge. Spend the day hiking along scenic trails, picnicking beside cascading waterfalls and wildlife watching in one of America's most visited national parks.
Gatlinburg: Venture to the nearby mountain town of Gatlinburg, nestled at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stroll along the bustling Parkway, visit the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle for panoramic views of the Smokies and explore attractions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.
Cades Cove: Take a scenic drive through Cades Cove, a picturesque valley nestled within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Explore historic homesteads, churches and cabins dating back to the 19th century, enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Places to eat & drink Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The Old Mill Restaurant: Enjoy Southern comfort food in a historic setting at The Old Mill Restaurant, known for its hearty meals, made-from-scratch biscuits and iconic corn chowder.
Local Goat: Indulge in modern Southern cuisine with a twist at Local Goat, where you can savor dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, craft cocktails and an extensive selection of beers on tap.
The Apple Barn Restaurant: Feast on homestyle dishes featuring apples and other seasonal ingredients at The Apple Barn Restaurant, located on a historic farmstead with scenic views of the surrounding orchards.
Mama's Farmhouse: Experience Southern hospitality and all-you-can-eat comfort food at Mama's Farmhouse, where you can enjoy family-style meals of fried chicken, country ham and delicious sides served in a charming farmhouse setting.
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen: Delight in Southern classics with a modern twist at Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, where you can enjoy family-style dining and signature dishes like fried chicken, collard greens and banana pudding.
The Peddler Steakhouse: Treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at The Peddler Steakhouse, known for its hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood and salad bar, all served with stunning views of the Little Pigeon River.
Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que: Savor authentic Tennessee barbecue at Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que, where you can enjoy slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork and other BBQ favorites in a casual and family-friendly atmosphere.
The Pottery House Café and Grille: Dine in a charming setting at The Pottery House Café and Grille, located within the Old Mill Square, offering delicious Southern-inspired dishes, homemade desserts, and pottery-themed decor.
Timberwood Grill: Enjoy a casual meal at Timberwood Grill, where you can feast on burgers, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas, as well as a variety of craft beers and cocktails, in a rustic lodge setting.
The Alamo Steakhouse: Indulge in hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood at The Alamo Steakhouse, a Western-themed restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere, generous portions and top-notch service.
Mellow Mushroom: Dive into creative pizzas, hoagies and salads at Mellow Mushroom, a funky pizzeria chain known for its psychedelic decor, craft beer selection and laid-back vibe.
Smoky Mountain Brewery: Sample craft beers brewed on-site and enjoy pub fare at Smoky Mountain Brewery, where you can watch sports on big-screen TVs, play arcade games and relax with friends and family in a casual atmosphere.
Travel Advisor
Gillian Spatz
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Tennessee.