Pigeon Forge Outdoor Activities
Get Outside in the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains surrounding Pigeon Forge provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors. Spend the morning hiking through the national park, cruise along a scenic mountain road, or turn up the excitement with ziplining, mountain coasters, off-road adventures, and water activities.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or an adrenaline-filled mountain experience, Pigeon Forge makes it easy to get outside and explore.
Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Just beyond Pigeon Forge, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the region's best opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and peaceful mountain exploration.
Hiking & Waterfalls
With hundreds of miles of trails, the national park has options ranging from short walks to challenging mountain hikes. Trails lead through forests, along streams, across historic areas, and toward waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Choose a trail based on your group's experience level, available time, weather conditions, and elevation gain.
Scenic Drives & Wildlife
You don't have to hike to experience the Smokies. Scenic drives provide an easy way to explore mountain valleys, historic communities, forests, and overlooks. Cades Cove is one of the area's most popular scenic destinations. The loop road passes historic structures and open fields where visitors may see wildlife such as white-tailed deer and black bears. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance and never approach or feed animals.
River Tubing
When temperatures rise, tubing offers a relaxing way to enjoy the mountain waterways. The Little River around Townsend is a popular destination for a leisurely summer float, with local outfitters providing equipment and transportation. Water conditions can change, so check current conditions and outfitter recommendations before entering the river.
High-Energy Mountain Adventures
For travelers who want more excitement, Pigeon Forge and the surrounding Smokies offer plenty of ways to experience the mountains at speed.
Ziplining
Zipline courses combine outdoor adventure with elevated views of the forest. Courses vary from family-friendly experiences to longer adventures featuring multiple lines and mountain terrain.
If you're booking a zipline tour, check age, weight, and other participation requirements before your visit.
Mountain Coasters
Mountain coasters put you in control as you travel along a track through the hills. Riders can typically control their speed, making the experience suitable for both visitors seeking a relaxing scenic ride and those looking for more thrills.
Some mountain coasters also operate after dark, creating a completely different experience.
Zorbing
For something completely different, try zorbing at Outdoor Gravity Park. Riders climb inside a large inflatable sphere and roll down a specially designed course.
It's an unusual Smoky Mountain experience that can be especially fun for groups and adventurous travelers.
Off-Road Mountain Adventures
ATV Tours
ATV excursions provide a different way to explore the Smokies. Guided rides can take you through wooded trails, hills, streams, and rugged mountain terrain while an experienced guide leads the way.
Options are available for different experience levels, but requirements vary by operator. Check age, driver's-license, and equipment requirements before booking.
Jeep & Off-Road Tours
Prefer to enjoy the scenery without driving? Guided Jeep and off-road tours provide an opportunity to explore mountain roads and backcountry areas with a local guide.
Along the way, you can learn about the area's history, geology, wildlife, and mountain communities while enjoying views that are difficult to experience from the main roads.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding offers a slower-paced way to experience the mountain landscape. Guided trail rides can take families, couples, and first-time riders through wooded paths and scenic areas.
It's a good option when you want an outdoor adventure without the speed of a coaster or ATV.
Water Recreation & Fishing
The Smoky Mountains aren't limited to hiking and mountain trails. Lakes and rivers throughout the region provide opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and other warm-weather activities.
Douglas Lake
Douglas Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and spending a day on the water. Visitors can explore the shoreline, enjoy mountain views, or arrange a boat rental for a relaxing day away from the Parkway.
Little Pigeon River
The Little Pigeon River runs through the Pigeon Forge area and provides opportunities for fishing and enjoying the scenery. Anglers should check current Tennessee fishing regulations and licensing requirements before heading out.
Waterparks
For families looking for a combination of water and adventure, nearby waterparks offer slides, pools, wave attractions, and relaxing water features. Dollywood's Splash Country is a popular summer option for visitors who want to spend part of their Smoky Mountain vacation in the water.
Scenic Mountain Experiences
Not every outdoor adventure needs to be physically demanding.
Cades Cove
Take a scenic drive through Cades Cove to experience mountain landscapes, historic buildings, open valleys, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Roaring Fork
The Roaring Fork area near Gatlinburg offers scenic roads, historic structures, streams, and access to hiking trails. It is a great choice for travelers who want to combine a drive with short walks and exploration.
Great Smoky Mountains Overlooks
Mountain overlooks provide some of the easiest ways to enjoy panoramic scenery without committing to a long hike. Sunrise, sunset, and fall foliage can create especially memorable views.
Outdoor Activities for Families
Traveling with children doesn't mean you have to stay indoors. Families can choose from a wide range of outdoor experiences, including:
- Easy nature walks
- Scenic drives
- Wildlife viewing
- Mini golf and outdoor games
- Mountain coasters
- Horseback riding
- Tubing
- Family-friendly zipline experiences
- Water activities
- Picnic areas
- Short waterfall hikes
Choose activities according to your children's ages, comfort levels, and experience with mountain terrain.
Tips for Exploring the Smokies
Start Early
Popular trails, scenic roads, and outdoor attractions can become busy during peak travel periods. Starting earlier can mean cooler temperatures, easier parking, and a more relaxed experience.
Check the Weather
Mountain weather can change quickly. Check conditions before leaving and bring layers, rain protection, and appropriate footwear.
Wear the Right Shoes
Even short mountain trails can include uneven surfaces, rocks, roots, and changes in elevation. Comfortable shoes with good traction are a much better choice than sandals or smooth-soled footwear.
Carry Water
Hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities can require more energy than expected. Bring enough water for your group and take regular breaks.
Download Maps
Cell service can be limited in parts of the national park and surrounding mountains. Download important maps and directions before leaving your cabin or hotel.
Respect Wildlife
Never approach, feed, or attempt to photograph wildlife from an unsafe distance. Give animals plenty of space and follow park regulations.
Leave No Trace
Help keep the Smokies beautiful by packing out your trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting natural and historic areas.
Plan Your Outdoor Adventure
From peaceful scenic drives and waterfall hikes to mountain coasters, ziplining, ATV tours, and river adventures, Pigeon Forge puts you close to some of the best outdoor experiences in the Smokies.
You don't have to choose between relaxation and adventure. Build a day around the experiences that match your travel style and discover a different side of the mountains beyond the Parkway.
Ready to explore?
Discover more things to do in Pigeon Forge and start planning your Smoky Mountain adventure.
Book a Cabin