Traveling can be expensive, but we’re sharing some tips and tricks for making the most of a Smoky Mountain vacation on a budget. Here is a list of our favorite free things to do in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains:
(photo credit for cover art: Three Bears General Store)
Free Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
Visit Patriot Park
Patriot Park sits alongside the Little Pigeon River. A half-mile walking trail offers soothing sounds of the river and captivating views of the Smoky Mountains. The park has plenty of space for picnic blankets as well as a gazebo and a pavilion with picnic tables.
A visit to Patriot Park is a fun and educational experience. The walking trail features flags from all 50 states. Find your home state’s flag and snap a photo with it. Plus, the focal point of the park is a Patriot Missile used during the first Gulf War. Visitors will also find numerous veteran memorials in the park.
Feed the ducks, stretch your legs, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge.
See the Old Mill
The Little Pigeon River runs through Pigeon Forge, and the town‘s original gristmill still turns today. Nearly two centuries old, the mill spins with the flow of the river in historic Old Mill Square. It is one of the most recognizable and photographed spots in Pigeon Forge, and it’s free to see. The mill is adjacent to Mill Bridge Hard Cider Company, which offers free tastings and cider by the glass. This district also includes restaurants, shops, and a candy kitchen! No matter how you spend your time at the mill, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy the Fountains and Light Show at The Island
The Island in Pigeon Forge is one of the hottest spots in the Smoky Mountains. The attraction offers numerous stores, restaurants, activities, and overnight lodging. Plus, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel provides riders with the best mountain views in Pigeon Forge! It’s easy to spend an entire day seeing and doing everything at this attraction in Pigeon Forge. However, visiting The Island is totally free! Sit back and relax at the fountain and enjoy a free show of captivating and choreographed music and dancing water. Even better at night, the show is paired with lights!
Explore the Many Murals in the Smoky Mountains
Find vibrant murals throughout Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. This free and fun activity will guide you through some of the area’s most popular spots. For your convenience, we have organized mural tours for each city. View the tours here.
Meet the Stampede Horses
Dolly Parton’s Stampede is one of the top attractions in the Smoky Mountains. While tickets for the show and meal aren’t free, meeting the horses is! Bring the kiddos to the corral located in the parking lot of the theater. The show’s horses can be viewed except for showtimes.
Walk the Parkway
The Parkway in Pigeon Forge is the main thoroughfare through the town, and it’s where you’ll find most of the businesses and attractions. Walking the Parkway gives you a different perspective, so take a stroll to find unique shops and eateries along the way. Walking is a great way to get around Pigeon Forge, especially during peak traffic!
Have a Picnic
While the food isn’t free, the ambiance is! A picnic is a fun way to make a meal more affordable. Here are some meal ideas that can be enjoyed while tailgating at your favorite attraction, at Patriot Park’s picnic area, or in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Note: alcoholic beverages should be enjoyed only in the privacy of your overnight accommodation or at the establishments mentioned in these articles.
- Carryout, lunch specials, and other promotions from TGI Friday’s. This restaurant in Pigeon Forge also offers patio dining.
- Hard cider and charcuterie from Mill Bridge Hard Cider Company. Purchase for carryout or enjoy on the patio overlooking the Little Pigeon River and the Old Mill.
- Cheese plate and local wine from Mountain Valley Winery
- BBQ family packs from Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
Free Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
Pigeon Forge is one of the hottest vacation destinations in the country, but a trip here doesn’t have to break the bank. Along with these ideas, visit Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to enjoy the other free things to do in the Smoky Mountains!
Of course, hiking in the mountain is the top free thing to do in the area! Learn more about visiting our nation’s most visited national park here.
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Authored in Appalachia || Amy Morton
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