There are an incredible amount of fun things to do throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, including many activities that won’t cost you a dime! This means that your family can enjoy hours of entertainment for free, giving you more vacation money to spend on dining out, souvenirs, and travel expenses! Here are the top 5 free things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:
1. Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few national parks in the country that don’t charge an entry fee, thanks to a longstanding agreement with the federal government! This means that you can access hundreds of scenic hiking trails throughout the park, as well as some breathtaking drives through the mountains! You’ll find a convenient entrance into the park at the south end of Gatlinburg, where you can start your adventure at the Sugarlands Visitor Center!
2. Catch a Performance of the Island Show Fountain
Another one of the free things to do in Pigeon Forge is the Island Show Fountain at the Island in Pigeon Forge! This dazzling fountain show features more than 89 nozzles to create a spectacular presentation of dance and light, as well as a center nozzle that sprays water 60 feet into the air! While the show is impressive during the daylight hours, you won’t want to miss the array of colors during the nighttime presentations! The Island Show Fountain lasts for the duration of 2 songs and performs about every 30 minutes all day long!
3. Visit the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community
Did you know that Gatlinburg is home to the largest independent organization of artisans in the United States? Known as the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, this popular destination in the Smokies is a great place to browse through some amazing pieces of artwork, including pottery, paintings, woodwork, and much more! Along the 8-mile loop, your family can check out all the artwork and even sit down to chat with the talented artists. If you would like, they have plenty of amazing pieces for sale that you can take back home as souvenirs.
4. Enjoy People Watching on the Gatlinburg Parkway
When it comes to the top free things to do in Gatlinburg, you’ll love people watching on the Parkway! The “strip” through downtown Gatlinburg is a popular destination in the Smokies as it features arcades, miniature golf courses, haunted houses, museums, restaurants, souvenir shops, and more! This is a chance to experience everyone having a wonderful time as they enjoy their vacation in the Smoky Mountains!
5. Stroll Through Patriot Park
Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Park offers a peaceful oasis among all the amusements on the Parkway, making it the perfect place to stop for a short stroll! There is a half-mile walking trail that features the flags of all 50 states, so see if you can spot your home state along the path! Patriot Park is also the home to many activities throughout the year, including the 4th of July Fireworks, Patriot Festival, and the Winterfest of Lights!
Check out all of our cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains today to stay close to these free things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! We look forward to seeing you soon!
