TSM Quick Take
Worth it for you?
Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains is a great stop for families looking for a mix of animal interactions, a fun coaster experience, and casual shopping. With activities like goat feeding, gem mining, and a mini golf course, it offers a variety of experiences suitable for all ages. However, it may not satisfy those seeking a large-scale theme park experience or major thrill rides, and additional costs for extras can add up quickly.
Quick decision
Should You Go?
Worth it for families?
yes, because it offers engaging activities for both young kids and teens.
Worth it for adults only?
maybe, as it provides a casual atmosphere but lacks high-intensity rides.
Worth it on a rainy day?
yes, since the coaster operates rain or shine.
Best time of day?
earlier in the day for shorter waits.
How long does it take?
1–2 hours for a practical visit.
Biggest downside?
add-on costs can stack up quickly.
Combo pass worth it?
Should you stay nearby?
yes, for convenience and ease of access.
Tickets
Ticket Strategy
Ticket pricing is reasonable for a family attraction, but confirm current pricing on the official site.
Single ticket
Around $15 for ages 13 and up, and $12 for ages 3–12.
Combo pass
Add-ons
Goat chow and gem mining are worth it for added interaction and fun.
Prices change — check official tickets before buying.
Duration
30-90 minutes (longer if doing multiple activities like coaster, gem mining, and extensive gift shop browsing)
Price
Free admission, $10 per person for coaster, additional costs for goat food and gem mining
Best For
Families with kids ages 4-12 • First-time Smoky Mountain visitors • Couples wanting quirky photo ops
Pro tip: Buy the souvenir goat food cup - it's refillable for just 99 cents on future visits and doubles as a sippy cup at home.
About Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains
Looking for something uniquely Pigeon Forge? Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains delivers exactly what its name promises - real mountain goats hanging out on an actual building roof. But there's much more to this family-friendly amusement center than its quirky namesake attraction.
The star experience is feeding the goats using a clever pulley system - you'll fill a tin can with feed, then crank it up to the roof where eager goats await. Pro tip: visit during morning hours when the goats are most active and before the summer heat sends them seeking shade.
The alpine mountain coaster stands out as another main draw, stretching nearly a mile through mountain terrain. Riders control their own speed up to 30 mph, making it exciting for thrill-seekers but manageable for cautious riders. At $10 per person, it's one of the more reasonably priced coaster experiences in the area.
What makes this spot especially appealing is the free entry - you only pay for the activities you choose. Kids love the gem mining station, where they can sift through bags of mining rough to discover genuine stones. The extensive gift shop offers local crafts and souvenirs, while the homemade ice cream provides a sweet finish to your visit.
While some activities like mini golf might not compete with dedicated courses nearby, the variety of entertainment options in one location makes this an efficient stop for families exploring Pigeon Forge. Most visitors spend 1-2 hours here, longer if riding the coaster multiple times or thoroughly exploring the gift shop.
Amenities & Features
- Mountain coaster rated as one of the best in the Smokies with fast-moving lines and enthusiastic staff
- Interactive goat feeding experience that kids especially love
- One-stop convenience with multiple attractions (coaster, mini golf, gem mining, gift shop) eliminating the need to visit multiple locations
- Extensive gift shop with wide selection of souvenirs and apparel in all sizes
Insider Tips for Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains
Insider tips
Visitors most often point to Live Goats on the Roof, Alpine Mountain Coaster, and Gem Mining Experience. Free parking available right in front of the building on Wears Valley Road.
Wear comfortable shoes for the coaster and walking around outdoor areas. Cash and cards accepted for activities and gift shop purchases.
Before you go
Plan around 30-90 minutes (longer if doing multiple activities like coaster, gem mining, and extensive gift shop browsing) unless you are only stopping in briefly. Current price guidance on this page is Free admission, $10 per person for coaster, additional costs for goat food and gem mining.
A website is linked here for direct confirmation of current details.
Highlights
Don't Miss
experience
Live Goats on the Roof
Real goats roam freely on the building's rooftop - it's not just a gimmick! You can feed them using a hand-powered pulley system that sends treats up in a tin can while the goats watch and wait.
ride
Alpine Mountain Coaster
Nearly a mile of single-rail track with speeds up to 30 mph that you control yourself. The 7-minute ride winds through the landscape and consistently gets praise as one of the area's best coasters.
activity
Gem Mining Experience
Old-style water sluice gem mining that keeps kids engaged for 20-30 minutes. Staff members help identify finds and the buckets usually yield enough gems to make kids feel successful.
experience
Goat-Cycle Feeding System
The hand-powered bicycle mechanism that sends food up to the roof is half the fun. Kids love pedaling while watching the tin can travel up to deliver treats to the waiting goats above.
shopping
Massive Gift Shop
One of the largest souvenir shops in the area with everything from home décor to those adorable metal goat figures. The homemade fudge and ice cream counter is worth a stop too.
experience
Free Admission Browsing
You can walk around, see the goats, and explore the gift shop without paying anything. It's refreshing to browse and decide what activities interest you before committing money.
Upgrades & extras
Add-ons: Worth It or Skip It
Goat chow / goat feeding
WORTH ITThis add-on allows for interaction with the rooftop goats, enhancing the experience for animal lovers.
Gem mining
WORTH ITA fun activity for families, allowing kids to sift for gems and take home a souvenir.
Mini golf / Jurassic Tymes mini golf
CHECK OFFICIALA dinosaur-themed mini golf course is mentioned, but current pricing and availability need verification.
Plan the arrival
Parking Strategy
Best option
Use public Pigeon Forge parking — confirm the closest garage on the official site.
Walkable from a hotel
Walking-from-hotel option if applicable
Worst arrival times
peak summer Saturdays and holiday weekends
Family tip
Consider stroller accessibility when planning your visit.
Know Before You Go
- Free parking available right in front of the building on Wears Valley Road
- Wear comfortable shoes for the coaster and walking around outdoor areas
- Cash and cards accepted for activities and gift shop purchases
- Visit during cooler morning hours for more active goats on the roof
- The pulley bike system is adult-sized, so small kids may need help operating it
Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains
Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Goats on the Roof?
Hours vary by season and aren't listed on their website. We recommend calling ahead or checking their Google listing for current daily hours before making the drive out to Wears Valley Road.
How much does Goats on the Roof cost?
Admission is free! The alpine coaster is $10 per person (including kids), goat food costs extra, and gem mining is sold by bucket size. Prices tend to be higher during summer months.
Do I need reservations for Goats on the Roof?
No reservations needed. This is a walk-up attraction where you pay for individual activities as you go. Just show up and start with feeding the goats or head straight to the coaster.
How long should I spend at Goats on the Roof?
Most families spend 30-90 minutes here. If you're doing the coaster, feeding goats, gem mining, and browsing the gift shop, plan for about an hour.
Is Goats on the Roof good for kids?
Absolutely! Kids love feeding the goats and operating the pulley system to send food to the roof. The gem mining is perfect for ages 4-12, and the coaster seats adults with small children.
Is there parking at Goats on the Roof?
Yes, there's free parking in a surface lot right in front of the building. It's typical roadside attraction style - easy to access from Wears Valley Road.
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