Pigeon Forge is packed with fun things to do, but fun doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag!
Here are some top ways to spend time in Pigeon Forge without spending much.
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There are several different things to see around the popular Old Mill area. On busy days, parking is usually full, so get here early.
This is one of our favorite places to stop and take pictures.
Watch a working flour mill built in 1830 that is still used today. For an add-on, there are also guided mill tours ($8 for adults and $4 for kids) and some great breakfast at the Old Mill restaurant.
While you’re at the Old Mill, stop by The Old Mill Candy Kitchen for a free candy sample (though you may buy some after).
And a good final stop for the adults in the Old Mill area is Old Forge Distillery, which offers up to 10 free moonshine tastings!
The Mountain Mile is a newer area of shops, restaurants, and entertainment in south Pigeon Forge.
There’s a huge lawn area with games to play like chess and corn hole. You can also watch the thrill rides like the Mountain Monster, a huge swing ride that swings down through the giant towers in the picture above.
We can’t not mention why this area is so popular: the amazing national park just south of Gatlinburg.
With a short drive outside Pigeon Forge, you’ll find trailheads like the family-friendly Gatlinburg Trail or Laurel Falls Trail (a fairly easy trail but super crowded)- ideal for exploring the Smokies’ natural beauty.
Or just head south from Gatlinburg and find somewhere interesting to stop, like a picnic at Chimneys picnic area or Metcalf Bottoms.
The Island is a large entertainment center with plenty to do. This centrally located area in Pigeon Forge has shopping, rides, hotels, and restaurants.
But there’s enough to do where you can explore for a few hours without spending any money.
This dancing water fountain and light show starts every thirty minutes (on the hour and 30 minutes after the hour).
The display usually runs for 2 song lengths and is free to watch. There are even chairs around it to watch if you’re there early enough.
Just behind the fountains in the above picture is Ole Smoky Moonshine, which offers moonshine tasting (for adults) for a small fee.
There’s plenty more to see at The Island too, like Parrot Mountain’s store which has live parrots.
There’s no better way to see Pigeon Forge’s beauty than this four-mile paved stretch by the river – BYOB (bring your own bike) or look for local rentals.
The greenway covers most of the town too, and is accessible from places like The Island.
If you’ve never been to a Buc-ees, it’s worth a stop, especially if you’re already driving by. It’s just off the Sevierville exit to Pigeon Forge from I40.
But you'll spend money here on must-haves like beef jerky, candied pecans, and miniature Buc-ee stuffed animals.
Our scenic drives page lists some of our favorite drives, such as Cades Cove and Roaring Fork.
Roaring Fork is especially convenient to Gatlinburg, just a few minutes south of town.
Depending on the season, festivals offer family activities, live music, and craft vendors– many times with free admission! Here are just some of the more popular shows and conferences in 2024.
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