Are you trying to figure out what to do in Pigeon Forge? Do you feel like you’ve done everything there is to do in your past visits? Well, there is ALWAYS more to do in the greater Pigeon Forge area! Down below we have the ultimate bucket list of 10 things you need to do in Pigeon Forge at least once. We promise, there is definitely something on this list that you have never done.
1. Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island
Imagine an attraction where you could see the Smokies from 200 feet in the air and ride one of the tallest attractions in the Southeast. Actually, you don’t have to imagine it, the Wheel at The Island in Pigeon Forge meets those expectations. Not only that, but this attraction is also wheelchair accessible so everyone in the family can join the fun. If you are scared of how Ferris wheel seats normally rock back and forth, don’t worry! The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel has all-glass gondolas that seat up to 8 guests. With sturdy structure and great stature, there is no wonder why this attraction is a favorite among guests.
2. Ride an Awesome Mountain Coaster
Do you have a need for speed and a great love for the beauty of nature? If yes, then one of the mountain coasters in the Pigeon Forge area would be perfect for you. Explore the winding hills and heights of the Smokies all while riding on a track that lets you control your speed. Ride alone or take a passenger with you. Listed below are some of our member businesses with mountain coasters:
The Wild Stallion at Skyland Ranch
Ski Mountain Coaster at Ober Mountain
The Rail Runner at Anakeesta
3. Ride a Chairlift to get Greater Views of the Smokies
Every bucket list should include an unconventional method of transportation, and this one includes chairlifts. Drift above the heights and get breathtaking views of the Smokies in a chairlift at one of our member businesses.
Take a chairlift at SkyPark to see the famous Skybridge and brave the glass-bottom section in the middle.
The chairlift at Anakeesta leads you to an amazing park full of delicious food, fun rides, and the new Astra Lumina night-walk experience.
Hit the slopes at Ober Mountain after you take the chairlift up and then reward yourself with some goodies, snow tubing, and ice skating.
If you like a more Western flair, the chairlift at Skyland Ranch will take you up the mountain where you can shop for a hat, a belt, and then you can find some livestock to live out your cowboy dreams.
4. Explore All Parts of the Old Mill
One of Pigeon Forge’s most famous sites and a favorite of many, the Old Mill is full of history. Make sure to enjoy some food at the Old Mill Restaurant or the Pottery House Café. After your meal, get dessert at the Old Mill Creamery or the Candy Kitchen. Then, walk off those calories as you look around the General Store, Pigeon River Pottery, and the Farmhouse Kitchen. Make sure to buy some of the famous jams and jellies to take a taste of the Smokies home with you.
5. Get a Bird’s-Eye View and Fly Over the Smokies
If you want to see the Great Smoky Mountains from a whole new perspective, try getting a little higher. Scenic Helicopter Tours offers rides that focus on lakes & rivers, mountains & valleys, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They also offer some night flights and romance packages to create the perfect date night.
6. Go Ziplining
If you enjoy speed and heights, ziplining in the Smokies is the perfect adventure for you. From adventure parks to ziplining businesses and more, there are plenty of attractions in the Pigeon Forge area for you to choose from. Make sure to grab your GoPro and capture the memories so you can share them with others. View our ziplining member businesses below:
Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park
7. Paint with Penguins!
Who doesn’t want to hang out with Penguins? Go to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies for the opportunity to have a penguin encounter or even paint with the penguins! Guests get to take home an 8×10 painting they helped create with one of the African-Penguin artists. This is a truly unforgettable experience, and it should be on everyone’s bucket list. These experiences are for guests ages 4 and up, and chaperones must be present for ages 4 to 7.
8. Tackle Rough Terrain in an ATV or UTV
Whether you want to race your friends with your own vehicle or ride side-by-side with someone else, we have all the options for you to explore the Smokies in a way that’s off the beaten path. Drive through the mud, creeks, and get real up close and personal with nature with any of our member businesses that offer these rides. Choose from any of the great options below:
Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park
Ridge Riders Adventure Rentals
Smoky Mountain Adventure Tours
9. Hike Mt. Leconte
This task is difficult, but it is so worth it. Hikers will climb 2,763 feet to reach the 6,593-foot summit. The views are spectacular, and you will be able to see the lodge that is the highest guest lodge east of the Mississippi River! This hike takes 6 to 9 hours on average. The Alum Cave Trail is one of the most popular routes taken to reach the summit. If you want to start preparing for a big hike, A Walk in the Woods is the perfect place to start your journey into the world of hiking and the great outdoors.
