Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are two cities that sit right next to each other just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re looking for a mountain vacation destination with plenty to do, this area will not disappoint you. From incredible views to delicious food to fun activities, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have it all.
I will say that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have tons of great things to do, some of which I’ve never experienced. This blog post is full of only the things that I’ve done personally and enjoyed!
Anakeesta Theme Park
Anakeesta is an outdoor theme park located in Downtown Gatlinburg, or actually, above it. It’s accessible by the Chondola (ski lift) or by Ridge Rambler (passenger truck).
I don’t really like heights, but we took the Chondola anyway. It provided scenic views on the way up, and we even saw a baby bear in the woods!
Once you get to the top, there are several little shops and restaurants in the Firefly Village. We got ice cream at Pearl’s Pie in the Sky.
Don’t miss the amazing mountain views when you get to the top! You can also stroll through the Vista Gardens and even climb to the top of AnaVista Tower for a 360 view.
We decided not to go to the top of the tower since it was evening and would’ve been dark by the time we reached the top. Instead, we headed to the Treetop Skywalk.
This network of hanging bridges is the longest tree-based skywalk in North America. It was fun to walk on it in the dark with all the lights, but I suspect you’d get better views during the day time. When you look down you can’t see anything but darkness at night. If you go during the day you’ll be able to see the forest floor 50 feet below, so if you’re afraid of heights, nighttime might be better!
One of our favorite views was the city of Gatlinburg at night as we came back down on the Chondola.
The price of admission includes all-day access to the Chondola, the AnaVista tower, Treetop Skywalk, and the kids’ play areas. It does not include the other activities such as ziplining and the Rail Runner mountain coaster. Our tickets cost $25 each, but you can check more prices here.
Country Tonite Theatre
I’ll be honest with you. I don’t really like country music, so I wouldn’t have gone to this show. But I won two tickets from Mobile Brochure, so I decided to give it a try. And I actually did enjoy this show! It was funny, and they have some very talented singers and musicians in the show.
I also enjoyed the fact that the second half of the show was Christmas themed since we visited in November. This is a good family-friendly show that even people who don’t like country music will enjoy. Of course, if you do like country music, you’ll probably love this show!
Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa
Another prize that I won from Mobile Brochure was a gem-mining and fishing experience at Big Rock Dude Ranch. This ranch right outside of Pigeon Forge is a nice place to ride horses, but we didn’t have time the day we visited. We just stuck with our gem mining.
Yeah, it’s probably a kid’s activity, but we still had a good time. They give you a big bag of gravel and you dump it into these trays and sift out the gems and quartz and such. It’s fun to see what you can find!
We also went fishing in their catch-and-release stocked pond. They supply the rod, reel, and live bait. Yes, I baited a hook with a worm, and it was gross haha.
Unfortunately, we didn’t catch anything (probably because we were too impatient), but again, we had a good time!
Ripley’s Aquarium
I haven’t been able to visit Ripley’s Aquarium in downtown Gatlinburg in a few years, but I do remember being impressed when I did go. My favorite part was the 340 ft. underwater tunnel. You can walk beneath sharks, sea turtles, and more!
If sea life is your thing, you don’t want to miss this aquarium. It’s one of the best I’ve visited!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Very near to both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a vast, beautiful area of mountains and forests. You could probably explore this park for days just by taking the scenic drives and hiking on the mountain trails.
This national park has so many amazing little spots along the roads that are perfect for taking photos, hiking, or just stopping to enjoy the view.
If you’re in the area, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can’t be missed. The park is open 24 hours a day and charges no admission fee.
See more photos and read about how I saw the best parts of the park in just one day in this blog post: Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 24 Hours.
The Old Mill
The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge is a working gristmill that is nearly 200 years old. It has a few quaint shops like the Old Mill General Store and Pigeon River Pottery, and it has a couple of restaurants to choose from as well. However, my reason for visiting was the candy store.
The Old Mill Candy Kitchen has hundreds of freshly made treats such as candy apples, peanut brittle, and more. My favorite was the fudge!
We bought a few different flavors, which were all delicious, and snacked by the creek in Chimneys Picnic Area. The one in my hand is red velvet, and I think that was my favorite!
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Dolly Parton’s Stampede is another attraction that I haven’t been able to see in a while, but it’s well worth a visit! This dinner show is great for all ages, showcasing over 30 horses and their talented riders. Even though it’s been years for me, I still remember how yummy the four-course feast is!
The impressive horse-riding stunts and exciting music and entertainment make this a show you won’t want to miss!
Cade’s Cove
Cade’s Cove is one of the best places in the Smokies to see wildlife such as deer, turkey, and bears. It’s not a guarantee to see animals, but this place is probably your best chance.
Cade’s Cove is a valley surrounded by the mountains of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The scenic drive loops through the cove taking you past gorgeous scenery and historic buildings.
Since Cade’s Cove is part of the national park, I included it in my blog post about exploring the Smokies. Check out more photos of this beautiful place here!
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have something for everyone. Whether it’s for a girls’ road trip, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, the mountains of the Smokies are an amazing place to visit any time of year!
Recommended:
Day Trip to Flat Rock, North Carolina
Day Trip to Franklin, Tennessee
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