12 Free Things to Do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee (And Still Have Fun!)

In the stunning state of Tennessee you will find the picturesque Smoky Mountains. Both Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Gatlinburg, Tennessee are great places to visit for some fantastic indoor and outdoor fun! A vacation in the Smoky Mountains is also perfect, because there are so many things to do in the Smoky Mountains. Even better, there are so many FREE things to do in the Smoky Mountains!

The natural, outdoor charm of the Smoky Mountain destinations of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is easy to understand. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as their backyard, these two vacation destinations allow guests to discover what they’ve been missing…refreshing, pure natural fun!

1. cades cove: This is a great area for a scenic drive! There’s an 11-mile one-way loop that winds around the valley, complete with wildlife, camping, bike rentals, spectacular fall foliage, and horseback riding facilities.
2. Sugarlands Visitor Center: A free 20-minute orientation film offers an in-depth look at the Smokies and the enormous diversity of plant and animal life in the park. Natural history exhibits include mounted specimens of park animals in recreations of their habitats, as well as reproductions of journals written by early park naturalists. Ranger talks and slide shows are presented daily from spring through fall. You’ll also want to visit Laurel Falls, a beautiful waterfall located on Little Rover Road near the Sugarlands Center.
3. mills park: Located in Gatlinburg, this park’s facilities include a softball field, horseshoe pits, playground, tennis courts, soccer field, and basketball court. It’s a great place for families to enjoy the outdoors!
4. Mynatt Park: A beautiful park complete with riverside picnic area, BBQ grills, and recreational opportunities such as baseball and basketball.
5. Tennessee Heritage Trails: Our Heritage Trails unite the attractions in three categories: History, arts and crafts and Music – to showcase the distinctive character and talents of Tennessee’s trails and connect both the familiar and unknown attractions under a common theme.
6. Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Community: The largest group of independent artisans in North America. This 8-mile historic loop has been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail. Established in 1937, these artisans create unique and treasured pieces.
7. newly discovered path: The 33-mile drive from Gatlinburg to Cherokee North Carolina along Newfound Gap Road is the only route that completely traverses Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trip offers a unique opportunity to enjoy an abbreviated experience of all the Park has to offer, without necessarily walking far from your car.
8. Hiking: Enjoy a hike on any of the more than 800 miles of trails through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. With over fifty trails available to hike, you’ll discover a new treasure every time you explore.
9. douglas lake: Beautiful Douglas Lake extends its 33,000 lake acres and 513 miles of shoreline to the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, attracting nearly 2 million visitors each year. Favorite activities on Douglas Lake include fishing, boating, rafting, swimming, camping, and bird watching.
10. Shopping in the Smokies: Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are a shopper’s dream and cost nothing to look at! There are several Outlet malls, such as the Belz Factory Outlet Mall, as well as hundreds of unique stores to explore.
11. festivals: Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are a festival paradise. Many of these, like Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival, have free tickets and concerts!
12. More in doll woodyou can get your next day FREE if you arrive at the park after 3 pm!

With so much to see and do in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, you and your family are sure to have the vacation of a lifetime. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Gatlinburg, Tennessee are miles apart from each other, so you can easily experience both cities on the same trip.