Pigeon Forge Tennessee Map
If you’re planning a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, you’re in for a treat. This charming town in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains offers something for everyone. From outdoor adventures to cultural immersion, Pigeon Forge has it all. In this travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more.
Top Attractions
One of the main draws of Pigeon Forge is its proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This stunning park offers endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Some of the most popular hikes include Abrams Falls, Alum Cave Bluffs, and Clingmans Dome. If you’re not up for hiking, take a scenic drive along the Newfound Gap Road or the Cades Cove Loop Road.
Another must-see attraction in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood, the theme park owned by country music superstar Dolly Parton. This park features thrilling rides, live entertainment, and delicious food. Be sure to catch one of the daily shows, like the Festival of Nations or the Great American Summer.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, check out the Old Mill Square. This historic complex features a working grist mill, a pottery shop, a candy kitchen, and several restaurants. You can even take a guided tour of the mill and learn about the milling process.
Another hidden gem in Pigeon Forge is the Island in Pigeon Forge. This entertainment complex features a Ferris wheel, a ropes course, a mirror maze, and several shops and restaurants. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with the family.
Food Scene
Pigeon Forge is known for its southern comfort food. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and sweet tea. Some of the best restaurants in town include The Old Mill Restaurant, Mama’s Farmhouse, and The Local Goat.
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, check out The Peddler Steakhouse. This restaurant has been serving up delicious steaks and seafood since 1976.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Pigeon Forge can be a budget-friendly destination if you know where to look. One of the best ways to save money is to take advantage of the many free activities in town. For example, you can hike in the national park, visit the Old Mill Square, or explore the Island in Pigeon Forge without spending a dime.
Another way to save money is to book your accommodations in advance. Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts for early bookings.
Outdoor Adventures
If you love the great outdoors, Pigeon Forge is the place for you. In addition to the national park, there are several other outdoor attractions in town. For example, you can go zip-lining at Legacy Mountain Zip Lines, white-water rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors, or horseback riding at Walden Creek Stables.
For a more laid-back outdoor experience, check out Patriot Park. This park features a picnic area, a playground, and a walking trail that follows the Little Pigeon River.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of activities in Pigeon Forge to keep them entertained. In addition to the theme park and the Island, you can take them to the Titanic Museum, the WonderWorks interactive museum, or the Hollywood Wax Museum.
Another fun activity for the whole family is miniature golf. Pigeon Forge has several miniature golf courses, including Crave Golf Club, Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf, and Hillbilly Golf.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, check out the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. This coaster takes you on a thrilling ride through the mountains, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Another off-the-beaten-path experience in Pigeon Forge is the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show. This interactive show combines comedy, drama, and mystery for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Natural Wonders
Pigeon Forge is surrounded by natural beauty, from the national park to the local waterfalls. One of the most popular waterfalls in town is Laurel Falls, a 80-foot waterfall that can be accessed via a moderate hike.
Another natural wonder in Pigeon Forge is the Great Smoky Mountains Wheel. This Ferris wheel takes you 200 feet in the air for a breathtaking view of the mountains and the town below.
Vibrant Nightlife
If you’re looking for some nightlife in Pigeon Forge, head to the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery. This distillery offers tours and tastings of their moonshine, as well as live music and a patio with a great view of the mountains.
Another fun spot for nightlife is the Comedy Barn Theater. This theater features family-friendly comedy shows, as well as live music and variety acts.
Local Markets
If you’re looking for some local flavor, check out the Gatlinburg Farmers Market. This market features fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts from local vendors. It’s a great place to stock up on snacks for a hike or a picnic.
Another local market in Pigeon Forge is the Smoky Mountain Farmers Market. This market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, as well as jams, jellies, and other homemade goodies.
Beaches and Mountains
Pigeon Forge may not have a beach, but it does have several water parks and swimming holes. One of the most popular water parks is Dollywood’s Splash Country, which features water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.
Of course, the main attraction in Pigeon Forge is the Great Smoky Mountains. These mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Cultural Immersion
If you’re interested in learning about the local culture, check out the Smoky Mountain Opry. This theater features live music, comedy, and dance shows that showcase the best of southern Appalachian culture.
Another cultural attraction in Pigeon Forge is the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This museum honors the pioneers of southern gospel music, and features exhibits and memorabilia from some of the biggest names in the genre.
Art and Music Scene
Pigeon Forge has a thriving arts and music scene. One of the best places to experience this scene is the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. This theater hosts concerts, plays, and other performances throughout the year.
If you’re interested in visual arts, check out the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. This school offers workshops and classes in a variety of crafts, including pottery, woodworking, and fiber arts.
Walking Tours
If you want to explore Pigeon Forge on foot, there are several walking tours available. One of the most popular is the Pigeon Forge Historic Walking Tour, which takes you through the town’s rich history and architecture.
Another fun walking tour is the Pigeon Forge Self-Guided Walking Tour. This tour takes you through some of the town’s most popular attractions, like the Old Mill Square and the Island in Pigeon Forge.
Architectural Marvels
Pigeon Forge is home to several architectural marvels, including the Titanic Museum and the Hollywood Wax Museum. These attractions offer a unique glimpse into some of the most iconic buildings and landmarks in the world.
Another architectural marvel in Pigeon Forge is the Old Mill. This historic grist mill has been grinding grain since 1830, and is still operational today. You can take a guided tour of the mill and learn about the milling process.
Historical Sites
If you’re a history buff, Pigeon Forge has plenty of historical sites to explore. One of the most interesting is the Bush’s Beans Visitor Center. This center tells the story of the famous Bush’s Baked Beans, and features exhibits and artifacts related to the company’s history.
Another historical site in Pigeon Forge is the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum. This museum tells the story of the logging industry in the Great Smoky Mountains, and features exhibits and artifacts related to the industry.
Biking Routes
If you’re a cyclist, Pigeon Forge has several great biking routes. One of the most popular is the Cades Cove Loop Road, a 11-mile loop that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the national park.
Another great biking route is the Townsend Bike Trail. This trail follows the Little River for 9 miles, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate, Pigeon Forge has several wellness retreats to choose from. One of the most popular is the Spa at RiverStone Resort, which offers a variety of massages, facials, and other spa