Things to do in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge

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Cades Cove which includes tranquil scenes and mountains

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.

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Cruises & boat tours

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The Best Whitewater Rafting

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Shows & concerts

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Pigeon Forge: Country Tonite Show Admission Ticket

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Attractions

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Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge

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Adventure & outdoor

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Thundering Streams and Falls of the Smokies Guided Hiking Tour

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Wine Me, Shine Me, Dine Me - Must do tour

Recommended things to do in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge

Number of things to do	120
Things to do from	$10
Cheapest thing to do	Full Day Private Audio Guided Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Top 5 things to do	Enjoy the Magic in the Mountains of Beautiful Anakeesta Pigeon Forge: Titanic Museum Advance Purchase Ticket Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge 25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle Pigeon Forge: French Broad River Helicopter Tour
Under $25	Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove Self-Driving Bundle Tour... Smoky Mountain Tour: Self-Guided Drive Ticket pass to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (Self-Guided Tour) Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour
With kids	Enjoy the Magic in the Mountains of Beautiful Anakeesta Pigeon Forge: Titanic Museum Advance Purchase Ticket Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge The Smoky Mountain Sightseeing Flex Pass Beyond The Lens Interactive Museum Admission Ticket

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:

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge on a sunny day?

Enjoy the clear weather (and give your legs a stretch at the same time) with some of these outdoor activities:

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?

You’ll find lots of fantastic experiences here that are perfect if you’re watching your budget:

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

Discover the most popular places to visit in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge

Dollywood

This amusement park owned by country singer Dolly Parton lures fans with its roller coasters and children’s rides, museums and live music and theater shows.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

America’s most visited national park offers blue mountain ridges, forested hiking trails, a variety of wildlife and bits of Southern mountain history.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

From sharks and stingrays, to penguins and octopus, get close to a colorful collection of tropical sea creatures at this walk-through aquarium.

University of Tennessee

Explore the campus of University of Tennessee, a top college in Knoxville. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.

Titanic Museum

Explore the exhibits at Titanic Museum, a favorite museum in Pigeon Forge. Stroll along the riverfront in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Island at Pigeon Forge

When you visit Island at Pigeon Forge, a popular shopping spot in Pigeon Forge, you can search for that perfect souvenir. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed theater scene.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters is just one of the places to see in Gatlinburg, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park

Bring the family to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park and enjoy the excitement of this theme park in Gatlinburg. Wander the riverfront or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Cades Cove

Spot colorful wildlife and enjoy the delightful natural landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via scenic drives and hikes.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge

Chalet Village

4.5/5(46 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Chalet Village, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park are top sights worth seeing.

Chalet Village North

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

While Chalet Village North isn't home to many top sights, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Trappers Ridge

4/5(1 area review)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Trappers Ridge and surrounding area, you can visit Goats on the Roof and Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster.

Little Creek Falls

4/5(1 area review)

Little Creek Falls might not have many top sights, but Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and Next To Heaven are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Reagantown

While Reagantown might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Dollywood and Titanic Museum.

Deerfoot Park Estates

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Deerfoot Park Estates and surrounding area, you can visit Cosby Picnic Area and Wildwater Adventures.

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