Things to do in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge

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An aerial view of a town with a large parking lot, a river, and surrounding mountains.
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Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge Attractions

Situated just 6 miles (10 km) apart, the small towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge lie in the foothills of Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg draws an endless stream of outdoor enthusiasts with its location on the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while Pigeon Forge has established itself as a country music capital with attractions like Dolly Parton's Dollywood theme park and the Dixie Stampede Theater. Beyond these claims to fame, though, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge also play host to a rich variety of museums and adventure activities, offering plenty of ways to fill up your vacation. Prepare to be impressed by everything these neighboring Tennessee towns have to offer, all in the midst of eastern Tennessee's Appalachian splendor.

Things to do


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Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge must see attractions

1. Dollywood

From adrenalin-pumping roller coasters to kiddie rides, seasonal festivals to live music , museums and historic buildings, find boundless fun for the entire family at the Dollywood theme park. Opened in 1986 by legendary country singer Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the highlight of the trip to Pigeon Forge for many people. It attracts over 2 million visitors per year.
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A Dollywood sign with a red roof and festive decorations.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The beauty and diversity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park explain why it is the most visited of the U.S. national parks. Enjoy nature, wildlife and the quiet peace of endless forests.
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A waterfall cascading over rocks in a forested area.

3. Island at Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge is a one-stop shop for fun, food, shopping and entertainment in this popular vacation destination in Tennessee. Ride the rides or just relax at Ole Smoky Moonshine, with an onsite still and tastings in multiple flavors. Check the daily schedule for shows, live music and special events, like festivals for St. Patrick’s Day and chalk art drawings. Forty retail shops and 20 eating spots round out the offerings.
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A Ferris wheel, a water fountain, and a building with a sign that reads "Ole Smoky Moonshine".

4. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Experience a spectacular aquatic adventure at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, where 10,000 sea creatures represent over 350 species. Explore a tropical rain forest or walk through an underwater tunnel, watch live feeding shows and get face-to-face with tropical animals. Since opening in 2000, the aquarium has become one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions and welcomes about 1 million visitors per year.
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An underwater aquarium with a large fish tank, rocks, and coral.

5. Titanic Museum

The Titanic Museum is a fascinating tribute to the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. One of the most luxurious ships of its time sank on April 15, 1912, after hitting an iceberg, claiming the lives of more than 1,500 people. Step into the past to experience the opulence and grandeur that characterized the Titanic's brief existence and learn about life on board during that ill-fated voyage.
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A grand staircase with ornate railings and a large stained glass window above.

6. Gatlinburg SkyPark

Gatlinburg Sky Lift is a 1950s chairlift that transports you from downtown Gatlinburg to a lookout point at the summit of Crockett Mountain. From an elevation of 1,800 feet (549 meters) you can enjoy picnics while taking in the views of the Smoky Mountains and the pretty town below.
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A town nestled in a valley with autumn-colored trees, surrounded by mountains.

Recommended things to do in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge

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Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
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Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge

Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's a snap to entertain yourself in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge without spending a penny.

Cooter's Place - Take the whole family and go on an intriguing adventure through history together.

Old Mill - If you want to explore the region's history through its landmarks, put this one on your travel itinerary.

Island at Pigeon Forge - Find out for yourself why locals and travelers alike are enchanted by the unique vibe of this place.

Baskins Creek Falls - Spend some time close to the water to rest and restore your energy.

Cupids Chapel of Love - Throw some spirituality into your vacation with a stop at this sacred site.

Quiet Walkways - Bring along your camera and let nature stimulate your imagination.

Herbert Holt Park - Arrange a picnic date and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the interesting plants.

 

Areas & Neighborhoods in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge

Thanks to their close proximity to one another, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge can be easily explored in a single trip. And no matter which town you choose to stay in, you're never more than a few minutes away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

 

Gatlinburg

Though it's best known as the gateway to the national park in its backyard, Gatlinburg is also home to Ober Gatlinburg-Tennessee's only ski area-as well as popular destinations like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Hollywood Star Cars Museum.

Pigeon Forge

Just a few miles away from Dolly Parton's hometown of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge bears the legacy of the beloved country superstar. The town's Parton-owned attractions include the Dollywood theme park, Dollywood's Splash Country waterpark, and Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most visited national park in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over 500,000 acres (202,342 ha) of forest-covered peaks, sprawling valleys, hiking trails, and fish-filled waters. At historic Cades Cove, preserved buildings and homesteads offer a snapshot of the area's early settler days.

Things to See in Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge

In addition to the grandeur of the Great Smoky Mountains and the country-loving allure of Dollywood, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge boast fascinating museums for you to discover. Get swept up in the tragic story of the RMS Titanic at the Titanic Museum, the world's largest permanent museum devoted to the legendary ocean liner, or enter the wonderfully weird world of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium. Movie buffs can pay tribute to their favorite stars of the silver screen at the Hollywood Wax Museum or the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, which houses over 40 cars featured in iconic movies and TV shows. At Alcatraz East, interactive displays and artifacts chronicle the intriguing history of crime in the United States.

Sightseeing in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge

The list of things to do in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area is an extensive one. Embark on an under-the-sea adventure at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, whose massive collection of marine critters spans playful penguins to giant stingrays and sharks. Outdoor lovers can take advantage of opportunities for adventure in the forests and rivers of the Great Smoky Mountains. Take in the lush scenery as you whiz through the treetops on a zipline canopy tour, or conquer the churning rapids of the Pigeon River on a whitewater rafting trip. For a dose of family-friendly entertainment, don't miss the Smoky Mountain Opry Variety Show, the area's largest musical variety show complete with dazzling costumes, state-of-the-art special effects, and high-flying musicians.

Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge with Kids

There's fun for the whole family wherever you roam in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can do together that'll make your getaway a blast:


 

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Frequently asked questions

What to do in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge on a sunny day?
What to do in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge on a rainy day?
A Pigeon Forge Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center is a perfect indoor activity to try if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
What is Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge famous for?
Dollywood lives up to its reputation as a local icon that you just can't miss.
What should I not miss in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge?
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is one sight you won't want to jump back on that plane without spending some time at.
Are there cheap things to do in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge?
What can you do in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge for free?
You'll barely have time to take your wallet out of your bag with so many fantastic free things to do:

  • Island at Pigeon Forge
  • Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
  • Cades Cove
  • Tanger Outlets

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