Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States, offers a diverse landscape of forested ridges, home to a rich variety of plants and animals. Explore its designation as a wildflower preserve, with over 1,500 flowering plants blooming throughout the year. Discover a range of activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, bicycling, horseback riding, and auto touring, all within the breathtaking scenery of the Smokies.

Cades Cove, a popular destination within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Explore the valley floor, a haven for wildlife such as black bears, deer, and elk. Discover preserved structures dating back to the 1700s, including original mountain homes, a grist mill, churches, and barns, all offering a glimpse into the area's rich past. Once a Cherokee hunting ground, Cades Cove later became home to early settlers, and their legacy is preserved throughout the area. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the stream that still powers the mill today.

Dollywood, a 150-acre theme park nestled in the foothills of the Smokies, is a premier Pigeon Forge attraction and one of the nation's most popular. Imagined by Dolly Parton and the Herschend family, Dollywood offers over 50 rides and attractions, including thrilling coasters like Wild Eagle and Mystery Mine. Enjoy live entertainment featuring talented musicians, dancers, and skilled craftspeople demonstrating traditional techniques. For a refreshing escape, visit Dollywood's Splash Country water park, offering a variety of water rides and attractions to beat the summer heat.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies houses 10,000 sea creatures spanning over 350 species. Among the attractions in store are the tropical rainforest, shark lagoon, gallery of the seas, penguin playhouse, coral reef, touch-a-ray bay, ocean realm, stingray bay, systems control, and the discovery center. Underwater tunnels give visitors the feeling of truly being in the water with the fascinating creatures, and dive and feeding shows are equally as interactive.

Featuring locally made wines from fresh apples, grapes, and other fruits, Apple Barn Winery is a great place to sample unique wines. Their prices are very reasonable, and they are more than happy to let you sample all of their wines. Make sure to pick up some wine glasses while you're visiting.

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, named for its cascading mountain streams, offers a scenic 6-mile loop through the Great Smoky Mountains. Discover historic sites along the route, including old grist mills, preserved log cabins, and other charming structures. The trail's highlights include picturesque mountain streams, the majestic Rainbow Falls, and a vibrant display of wildflowers.

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is the area’s top haunted house. Live actors and world-class frights are all in store. It doesn’t have to be Halloween to experience state-of-the-art fun and scares, so bring family, friends, and yourself to Ripley’s Haunted Adventure! Children under six are not permitted.

The Gatlinburg SkyLift offers breathtaking panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Ascend 1,800 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain and experience the thrill of the SkyBridge, a 700-foot span stretching across a deep valley. Enjoy daytime views of the national park's lush forests and majestic peaks, or visit at night to witness the dazzling lights of downtown Gatlinburg. A gift shop provides souvenirs, snacks, ice cream, and frozen drinks.

The effervescent Parrot Mountain and Gardens is located just outside Pigeon Forge and is a must for families, friends, locals, and visitors. The four acres harbor hundreds of tropical birds and thousands of trees, plants, and flowers. Guests are given the opportunity to interact directly with the beautifully plumed birds, petting and feeding them in the designated area. There is even a nursery where guests are welcome to hold the baby birds. Overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains is the deck, where lunch from the deli may be enjoyed while the birds serenade. A secret garden is lush with birds flying freely and pathways that display all of the gorgeous flowers.

Pigeon Forge Gem Mine, located just minutes from Dollywood and Gatlinburg, offers an interactive experience for treasure seekers. Mine for your own gems, then have them cut, polished, and transformed into beautiful jewelry. Afterward, explore the free museum of rocks and fossils, where you can learn about the fascinating world of geology and discover specimens from around the globe.

Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf offers a fun miniature golf experience with an archaeological twist. Explore a course filled with waterfalls, ill-fated airplanes, and mysterious caverns as you putt your way to victory. This family-friendly attraction provides an engaging way to unwind after a day of exploring Pigeon Forge.