Ready for a vacation, but don’t want to break the bank? You’ve come to the right place. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is full of great things to do without spending a dime. From nature walks to craft and gift shops to tasty treats and more, there are plenty of Free Things to Do in Pigeon Forge that are sure to keep the whole family entertained.
Some of these activities you’ve likely heard about, but others may surprise you. Did you know that you can go whitewater rafting for free? Or that there are free demonstrations of traditional Appalachian crafts like chair-caning, blacksmithing and pottery-making? It’s true! With all these activities on offer, you’ll never run out of things to do in Pigeon Forge.
In this article, we’ll show Free Things to Do in Pigeon Forge. Read on for some great ideas on what to see and do in this charming little town — absolutely free.
Free Things to Do in Pigeon Forge – Don’t Miss Out!
Enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains
Free Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most stunning natural environments in the United States, and it’s totally free to explore them. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or an adventurous hike, you’ll find something to suit your needs in Pigeon Forge. Hit the trails at Cades Cove, where wildlife roams and gentle riverside paths provide a serene escape from modern life. Or, if you’re feeling more daring, test your limits on the iconic Clingmans Dome tower or conquer Old Smoky trail. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the natural beauty of Tennessee.
Hiking Trails to Explore in Pigeon Forge
Free Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
Are you looking for a way to experience the Smoky Mountains without spending a fortune? An awesome way to do it is by taking advantage of the extensive hiking trails in Pigeon Forge. Not only are there plenty of trails throughout the town, but many of them are completely free!
Hiking is an easy and enjoyable activity that anyone can dabble in. The best part? You don’t need any special gear or skills to have fun and make amazing memories while exploring some of the most stunning nature spots in Pigeon Forge.
Here are just a few of the free trails you can explore while visiting Pigeon Forge:
-Little Greenbrier Trail: A 1-mile loop trail that passes through a quiet, peaceful forest.
-Gatlinburg Trail: A 3-mile roundtrip trail located on the former railroad bed and is easy for all level hikers.
-Ober Gatlinburg Nature Trail: A 0.7-mile loop nature trail located near Ober Gatlinburg amusement park with beautiful views of Little Pigeon River.
No matter what your favorite outdoor activity is, you’ll find something to suit your hiking needs in Pigeon Forge! So grab your walking shoes and hit the trails—it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Take in the Local Sightseeing Spots
When you’re in Pigeon Forge, don’t miss out on the opportunity to take in the local sightseeing spots and experience them all for free! Many of Pigeon Forge’s attraction areas, such as downtown and The Island, offer freeviewing of the local scenery. Here are just some of the things you can do to get a free view of Pigeon Forge.
Take a walk downtown
The downtown area of Pigeon Forge is full of vibrant shops, restaurants, and entertainments spots. Take a stroll through the area and take in the sights! You’ll find unique boutiques selling clothes, gifts, and souvenirs to remind you of your trip. You may even catch a show by street performers or catch snippets from shows held at established theaters downtown.
Hit up The Island
The Island offers so much more than shopping and dining. Catch breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains while strolling around, or take pictures at any of the many free viewpoints. Check out The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel for an incredible experience all year round: during summer months you can get an unbeatable view at night with fireworks every Thursday!
Explore nature at Cades Cove
A great way to explore nature without breaking your budget is by visiting Cades Cove inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can enjoy an 11-mile loop drive or bike ride that takes you past incredible waterfalls, wide open meadows full of wildlife, and towering mountainsides–all for free!
Unmissable Art and Entertainment
If you’re looking for some culture, Pigeon Forge has a lot to offer. The most iconic place for art in the city is the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, which is home to over 100 art galleries and studios showcasing everything from watercolor paintings, ceramics and jewelry. You can find something that’ll suit your style—or pick up a unique piece as a souvenir of your trip.
Aside from shopping for art, you can experience some great entertainment too. Grab a drink at the Comedy Barn Theater or experience some of the great live music at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery or Blaine’s Grill & Bar—both venues are free to enter and they have plenty of great music options. Plus, if you’re looking for family-friendly events, there’s always something going on at The Island—like nightly shows with firework displays!
Fun Events and Activities to Visit
Pigeon Forge is a great place to visit, and there are loads of fun activities that are totally free. Whether you’re looking to take in some culture with a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center or keep the kids busy at The Island, there’s something for everyone.
But those aren’t the only free options in Pigeon Forge! Here are some more great activities:
- Walk through Old Mill Square and take in the sights of a historic gristmill, original waterwheel and plenty of art galleries.
- Catch some live entertainment with tributes to Elvis Presley or Dolly Parton at the Smoky Mountain Opry Theater.
- Explore the Forge Cinemas for free special events like movie nights and drive-in movies.
- Visit Patriot Park for its walking trails, gazebo, attraction signs from around the US and plenty of picnic areas.
- Get up close with local wildlife at Wearwood Nature Park, which also offers trails and impressive views of Wearwood Valley.
- Have a little fun with mini-golf at The Island’s Adventure Golf Course—totally free on Wednesdays!
- Head over to nearby Sevierville and enjoy some fresh air amid 44 acres of nature trails at Muddy Creek Greenway Park.
As you can see, Pigeon Forge is full of amazing things to do—for no cost! So no matter what your budget is, you can still have an unforgettable time here in Pigeon Forge.
Sample Free Food and Drinks
Free Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
Another great thing about Pigeon Forge is that there are plenty of opportunities to sample free food and drinks. From brewery tours to free samples at local wineries and distilleries, you won’t have to spend a dime to get a taste of all the deliciousness that Pigeon Forge has to offer.
You can start with the classic Pigeon Forge staples, like moonshine tastings and many varieties of whiskey tastings. Then work your way through locally made wines, craft beers and even handcrafted sodas. You can find some great deals on samples and tastings at local distilleries and breweries; some even offer discounts on bottles if you purchase them afterward.
If you’re looking for something sweet, then make sure to check out the fudge tastings at one of the local establishments like Old Mill Fudge Factory or Sweet Willy’s Fudge Factory. Not only will you get to sample some delicious treats but they also have amazing gift shops where you can buy handmade souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to enjoy Pigeon Forge or just want to take advantage of all the free samples, make sure you take some time out of your trip to experience the delicious food and drinks that this city has to offer!
Conclusion: Free Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
In short, Pigeon Forge is absolutely full of fun and free activities. From exploring the beauty of the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park to catching the show at the Hollywood Wax Museum, there is something for everyone. And if that isn’t enough, there are plenty of free activities to keep even the pickiest of travelers entertained.
It’s easy to save money and still have an amazing time in Pigeon Forge, so don’t miss out on all the free activities available; make it your mission to explore the great outdoors and the many free attractions that make this city so special. And while you’re at it, enjoy the gorgeous landscape, the food, and the friendly people you meet along the way.
