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
This quirky roadside attraction has captivated visitors for years with its famous roof-dwelling goats. Guests can feed the goats using a hand-powered pulley system that sends treats up in a tin can - a delightfully unique experience that never gets old.
The alpine mountain coaster stands out as one of the area's best attractions. Stretching nearly a mile long, riders control their own speed up to 30 mph as they wind through the mountain terrain.
Entry to the attraction is completely free - visitors only pay for activities like the coaster ($10 per person) and goat food. The gem mining activity keeps children entertained while adults explore the extensive gift shop filled with local treasures.
A helpful tip for visitors: on particularly hot days, the goats tend to retreat to shaded areas and show less interest in the food sent up via pulley. The cooler morning hours typically offer the best goat-feeding experience.
Children consistently leave with pockets full of gems and lasting memories of sending food up to those famous roof goats. The homemade ice cream serves as the perfect treat to cap off the visit.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsGoats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Pigeon Forge, it's a solid choice for the area.
Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains 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.
Can I take loose items on the mountain coaster?
No, you can't bring goat food cups or loose belongings on the coaster ride. You'll need to leave items in your car or ask the counter staff to hold them.
Will the goats always come out on the roof?
The goats are more active during cooler parts of the day. In hot weather, they stay in the shade and may not venture onto the sunny roof areas even with food incentives.
You May Also Like
More great places in Pigeon Forge
We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Pigeon Forge, it's a solid choice for the area.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
1341 Wears Valley Rd Pigeon Forge TN 37863
1341 Wears Valley Rd Pigeon Forge TN 37863
Pigeon Forge
Get Insider Tips
Sign up for local deals, hidden gems, and travel guides.