Free things to do in Pigeon Forge

While Pigeon Forge is known for its many attractions and entertainment options, there are also plenty of free things to do in the area. Here are some of the top free activities in Pigeon Forge:

Visit the Little Pigeon River Greenway

This peaceful trail offers scenic views of the Little Pigeon River and is a great place to take a walk or go for a picnic.

Take a scenic drive along the Pigeon Forge Parkway

This popular road is lined with attractions, shops, and restaurants and offers beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains. There’s plenty of fun things to see as you drive along and a great way to get some orientation to the area. If you catch the Parkway during one of the many car shows (Hot Rods, Jeep Invasion, Poniacs) you’ll sure find some fun entertainment seeing all the unique vechicles.

Bigfoot’s Country Barn Selfie Park, along the Parkway

Bigfoot’s Country Barn has built a peculiar selfie park and city art installation in their back lot behind their gift shop. They’ve got a lot of interesting things that you can look at and purchase (of course), but if you walk all the way through their shop to their selfie park behind the barn, you’ll see a ton of art installations, murals, and great opportunities to take a few selfies with your crew. It’s located right on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge

Check out the Cooter’s Museum in Pigeon Forge

Check out the Dukes of Hazard memorabilia at this free Cooter’s Museum. It’s free to see the exhibits, but there are some photo opportunities or gift shop items that they do charge for.

Explore the local farmers markets

Pigeon Forge has several farmers markets, offering a variety of fresh produce, handmade goods, and other local products.

Gatlinburg Farmers Market in the Great Smoky Arts and Craft Community at 849 Glades Road. Open mid-May to mid-October.

Sevierville Farmers Market open every Friday from 8am to 1pm (food trucks come on the 1st Fridays) at 133 Bruce Street

Walk around the Pigeon Forge community center

This community center offers a variety of recreational activities, including a walking track, indoor pool, and fitness center.

Stroll through the Pigeon Forge Art District and Check out the Old Mill

This small and charming section of Pigeon Forge features a variety of galleries, studios, and artisan shops, offering a more relaxed and cultural atmosphere. The Old Mill is a historic grist mill built in 1830 by Isaac Love and his sons. It’s one of the oldest operating grist mills in the country and is an important part of East Tennessee’s heritage (see directions). See one of the best views, walk across the bridge on Old Mill Ave, over the Little Pigeon Forge river.

Drive & Walk up Kuwohi (formerly Clingman’s dome)

Kuwohi, (formerly Clingman’s Dome) is the highest point in Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Appalachian Trail. It’s located on the state line of Tennessee and North Carolina at 6,643 feet. You can drive up (see directions) and walk up the paved, curved observation deck to take in the incredible views. Or check out one of the many spectacular hikes in the Smoky Mountains.

Visit the Buffalo at The Brown Buffalo Farm

This hidden gem is worthy of a visit…plus it’s free! When you need a break from the crowds, hop in the car and drive the 15 scenic minutes through the Arts & Crafts Loop to have some time watching several of these magnificent, wild animals. Click here for more info and click here for directions.

Ober Gatlinburg

While not free, Ober Gatlinburg is a fun amusement park with lots to do and 360° mountain views. Instead of taking the gondola up, you can drive up yourself and park for $5. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon, strolling through the shops and vendors.

Play lawn checkers at Mountain Mile

As one of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee’s most unique shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations, there is something for everyone. While there’s plenty to spend money on here (thrill rides, shopping, restaurants, etc.) they do have a large lawn with outdoor chairs as well as lawn games like checkers and corn hole. It is a fantastic way to spend the afternoon in good weather.

Swimming holes

The Sinks is a natural wonder where the Little River rushes through a narrow gorge and plunges into a deep pool. It’s a great spot for picnicking and photography with the family.You can access this scenic location via car on Little River Road, just East of Townsend (Click here for directions). Also in Townsend, you’ll find the Wye (known by locals as the Y), this is a great swimming hole for families on a hot summer day (Click here for directions). There’s also Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion, which is another swimming hole to splash around and wade in the water. Closer to Gatlinburg, there is Greenbriar swimming hole, next to Greenbriar Cove on the Little Pigeon River (Click here for directions). It’s a peaceful stream for swimming and sunbathing on large rocks. As a bonus, it’s lesser known by tourists.

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Watch the fountain show at The Island in Pigeon Forge

This beautiful and tranquil fountain show is free to watch and a great place to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the water.

Picnic in Patriot Park

Patriot Park is home to many events and festivals in Pigeon Forge year-round. It’s a prime area to watch the fireworks for 4th of July. It’s an expansive park with ample parking. Unfortunately there’s no playground for the kids, but it’s a great cost-saving option to forgo paid parking at Dollywood and take the Trolley in instead. (See directions)

Sevierville Family Aquatic Center

Although it’s not free, it’s only $5 admission, The Family Aquatic Center in Sevierville is a fantastic alternative to Soaky Mountain Waterpark. It boasts a fully-renovated 25-meter outdoor pool and 2 fun slides with a plunge pool and a splash pad to entertain kids of all ages!

Mountain Bike in the trail network of Vee Hollow

Further out West lies the little town of Townsend, and Vee Hollow offers 14 miles of bike trails free to use. It has trails made for bikers from beginner to expert.

Dark Island Swinging Bridge

Just outside Townsend is this little gem to walk across the Dark Island Swinging Pedestrian Bridge overlooking the Little Rriver. You may see some geese, fish or and likely several tubers from River Rat Tubing and Rafting.

What are your favorite, FREE things to do in Pigeon Forge? Comment below!