Top 10 Places to Go in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Right Now
Planning a trip to Pigeon Forge but aren’t sure what’s open and what you can do when you visit? We can help! There are plenty of shops, restaurants and attractions for you to enjoy in the area while still following social distancing guidelines and staying safe and healthy. To learn more, check out our list of the top 10 places to go in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg right now.
1. A Cabin Rental
For a place that you can call your own, head to a gorgeous cabin rental in the Smoky Mountains! A cabin provides a peaceful escape from home while you’re surrounded by the beauty of the Smokies. In fact, you can plan a trip to Pigeon Forge and never even leave your cabin! You can easily find a cabin that has everything you need for the perfect vacation, from hot tubs and full kitchens, to pool tables and other games. For extra entertainment, stay in a cabin with an indoor pool or a home theater! You’ll love being able to spend time with loved ones in the heart of the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
2. The Gatlinburg Trail
One of the best ways to explore the Smoky Mountains is to go for a hike! The Gatlinburg Trail is an easy hike that anyone in the family can do (including your dog!) and is close to town. This trail follows along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, offering beautiful views. You’ll also see foundations and chimneys of several old homesites along the trail. The hike is 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of Gatlinburg.
3. The Island in Pigeon Forge
One of the best places to go in Pigeon Forge right now is The Island! This entertainment complex has opportunities for shopping, dining and entertainment. For free, you can relax in a rocking chair and watch The Island Show Fountain. The fountain puts on a performance of water dance and light, choreographed to 14 pieces of music. You can also ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel or try some of the kid-friendly rides! Shops and restaurants at The Island are open for you to enjoy as well.
4. Crave Golf Club
Are you in the mood for mini golf? You’re in luck! Crave Golf Club is open and provides one of the best mini golf experiences in town. Choose to play their indoor course or their outdoor rooftop course! Each course offers 19 holes of family fun with a candy and sweets theme. Crave Golf Club also offers mini bowling and two escape games for even more entertainment!
5. Parrot Mountain
For a peaceful adventure outdoors, Parrot Mountain is one of the best places to go in Pigeon Forge. It’s nestled on 4 acres of landscaped gardens and is home to hundreds of tropical birds and thousands of flowers, plants and trees. You can walk through the Secret Garden and see toucans and other birds flying freely, or visit the nursery and see newly hatched parrots! You’ll be able to feed the parrots and even get a souvenir picture taken with one! Parrot Mountain is filled with stunning sights everywhere you turn.
6. Rowdy Bear Ridge
If you’re looking for non-stop fun, visit Rowdy Bear Ridge! This Pigeon Forge attraction is home to two of the city’s most exciting and unique experiences. You can try their tubing hill or take a ride on America’s first alpine flyer and laser gun coaster. The tubing hill is over 500 feet long, features a 70-foot drop and reaches speeds over 35 miles per hour! The laser gun coaster is a 2-seat suspended coaster that swings, dips and soars through the air. As you ride, you’ll be holding a laser gun and are challenged to see how many of the targets you can hit while you fly by them!
7. Sugarlands Riding Stables
Horseback riding is another great outdoor activity for you to do right now in Gatlinburg! Sugarlands Riding Stables is open and offering visitors guided horseback riding tours through the Great Smoky Mountains. You’ll have the chance to pass through wooded scenery, by mountain streams, and by wildlife! Horseback riding in Gatlinburg is perfect for beginners and experienced riders. It’s one of the best ways to get outside and enjoy the fresh Smoky Mountain air!
8. Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Restaurants
We know that one of the main things people love to do is visit the delicious Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg restaurants. When the weather’s nice, we recommend choosing a restaurant with an outdoor seating area so you can enjoy fresh air while you dine. The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe has tables outdoors in a beautiful area, and Loco Burro in Gatlinburg has rooftop seating that provides gorgeous views of downtown Gatlinburg! Some other popular restaurants that you can visit are Mel’s Diner, Local Goat and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.
9. The Old Mill
Don’t miss the chance to see one of the most photographed places in the country with your own eyes! The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge is one of the best places to go while you’re here. This historic mill was built in 1830 and was used to grind flour and meal. Today, The Old Mill Square is home to shops and dining for visitors to enjoy. The Old Mill Restaurant is one of the most popular spots in town and is known for its delicious Southern cooking. We recommend visiting for breakfast to get your day started off right!
10. Smoky Mountain Outdoors
While this place isn’t technically in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, it’s just a short drive away and worth every extra minute in the car! Smoky Mountain Outdoors offers white water rafting trips on the Pigeon River that are fun for the whole family. You’ll be able to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and have a fun time on the river! They have a lower river trip that’s perfect for families with young children, and an upper river trip that’s great for those who are looking for a little thrill. Both white water rafting trips offer tons of excitement in the great outdoors. You’ll have an experience you’ll never forget when you visit Smoky Mountain Outdoors.
More Places to Go in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
These are just some of the best places to go in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg if you’re visiting soon! The Smoky Mountain area is home to plenty of other options for fun as well, and we can’t wait for you to be able to experience it all! To learn more about what else you can find in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, check out more things to do in the area.
