10 Reasons to Visit Pigeon Forge

Top 10 Reasons You Should Visit Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Now

Top Ten Reasons to Visit Pigeon Forge- right now!

There is truly never a bad time to visit the Smoky Mountain foothill town of Pigeon Forge (there IS a real forge there too!), but as the summer greenery has given way to the bright yellows, reds and orange leaves of fall, and the air has that fresh apple crispness, now is the time to head for the hills and that Tennessee town that winds alongside the Little Pigeon River. So, we compiled a list! Check out our Top Ten Reasons to Visit Pigeon Forge Now:

Because the drive is awesome. Whether you are headed from the frostier north or the more humid south (seriously, 90F today, folks!), you will experience the breathtaking shift of seasons through the mountains. We recommend the ride to Cherokee and up over the mountains (US 441) through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Pigeon Forge, but if the mountain drive makes you dizzy, try the scenic Wears Valley Road (US 321).
Driving through Wears Valley to Pigeon Forge
To experience Dollywood. This laid-back Smoky Mountains theme park is a family favorite. Lots of live music, mountain crafts like candle making, pottery, iron working, and good country cooking. Mix that with rides from thrilling roller coasters to a country carnival and you have family fun for everyone. Check out our Dollywood favorites here.
Catch the wind on the wooden roller coaster at Dollywood.
For a downhill alternative adventure. If you love rollercoaster thrills, try the original Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster: 1 mile of downhill fun in Pigeon Forge. You’ll want to go again. And again. And again! Read about it here.
Experience the downhill thrills of the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster in Pigeon Forge.
To test gravity.If going down mountains is your thing, check out the innovative Orbs at Outdoor Gravity Park, where you roll down the mountainside in a ball in a ball. Seriously. Check it out here.
Make like a hamster at Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge!
Because watching TV while eating dinner is just too boring. Of course, you will eventually have to eat, so why not dinner and a live show? Munch down on a roast chicken meal while listening to foot-stomping music and watching world-champion acrobats compete against each other. Entertaining, fun and good food all at once at Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Adventures.
To show up your kids on a track. Bring the competition to family level and challenge your own kids to a race at one of multi-level go-cart tracks along the Parkway. Be sure to check height requirements before purchasing tickets, though if your child doesn’t make the height, they can usually ride along with you.
To get lost in a maze. Mazes are cool. Didn’t someone write a whole book series about one? You certainly won’t be finding your inner zen though, with mirrors, lights, and effects to distort your adventure. We tried the one at the Magi Quest on the Parkway. For the brainiacs among you, try solving the puzzles and riddles of the Pharoah in The Tomb. You get stuck in a pyramid with a group and have to solve puzzles in order to progress and escape the wrath of the pharaoh.
Odyssey Maze at the Magi Quest in Pigeon Forge
To go shopping. Check out the eclectic shops around the historic Old Mill District. Free Parking at adjacent Patriot Park, and walking distance to the shops and galleries around the Old Mill. Be sure to check out The Old Mill itself (there’s a good restaurant in there too), the forge (yes, of Pigeon Forge!) and the Pottery House. Check out our take on the area here.
The historic Old Mill in Pigeon Forge
To eat pancakes. This side of the Smoky Mountains is pancake-obsessed, with breakfast eateries lining the Parkway, like Flapjacks, Log Cabin Pancake House, Red Rooster Pancake House, Smoky Mountains Pancake house and more. So pop into one of these breakfast-only establishments and try the hotcakes. We like the Cinnamon Bun Pancakes at Flapjacks. Fill up on a hearty breakfast, snack lightly for lunch and catch a dinner show!
Eat Pancakes! Start your day with a hearty Smoky Mountain breakfast!
To explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Everyone should visit this incredible National Park at least once in their lives. Take a driving tour or stop along the way and check out the waterfalls, creeks, streams and scenic misty mountain vistas. Chimney Tops Trail was our favorite hike. Check out our Top Ten Reasons to Visit The Smoky Mountains National Park here.
Saving the best for last: Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park