Packed with attractions and nestled in East Tennessee at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, this fun-loving town is the state’s top family-friendly destination. There's no shortage of things to do in Pigeon Forge, from the famed Dollywood theme park to interactive adventures such as the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, Rockin’ Raceway Arcade, and Pigeon Forge Snow. For the grown-ups, moonshine distilleries, comedy clubs, and country western bars throw open their doors for a rollicking good time in Sevier County.
In summer the humidity is high, and the top things to do are packed full of visitors. Most area water parks, including Dollywood Splash, are open by June. In fact, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration starts in June and lasts through August. The Smoky Mountain Fishing Expo usually occurs in August.
Instead, visit the mountain town in spring or fall, when all the attractions are still open and much less crowded, too. Fall can be a beautiful time especially if you’re planning on driving through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Trees at higher elevations start to change the color of their leaves in late September. The best leaf peeping is usually in October.
Pigeon Forge in winter isn’t the worst, especially for families. Kids will love tubing at Rowdy Bear Snow Park and ice skating at Ober Mountain.
No matter where you’re headed, the best way to get around is by the Pigeon Forge Mass Transit Trolleys. The trolley service offers more than 100 stops around Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Wears Valley. An all-day ride pass (purchased at the Pigeon Forge Mass Transit office) costs less than US$3. If you have a car but don’t want to drive around the town, you can find free parking by some of the trolley pickup locations.
If you’re looking to take a break from the family-friendly attractions and find adults-oriented things to do in Pigeon Forge, visit Ole Smoky Moonshine at The Island and Tennessee Shine Co. on Teaster Lane. Both distilleries offer tastings, as well as tours at their nearby Gatlinburg and Sevierville locations. Their moonshine offerings include outlandish flavors, such as butter pecan, cotton candy, and jalapeño cornbread.
