5 Reasons To Visit Pigeon Forge Tennessee With Your Family
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is the ultimate destination for a jam-packed, fun-filled getaway. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, this picturesque town offers many attractions. From the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to the mouth-watering southern cuisine, Pigeon Forge is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone in your family. If you are looking for more reasons to visit Pigeon Forge, read on:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a dream destination for nature lovers. Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, it covers a whopping 522,427 acres of stunning natural beauty. From prehistoric Paleo Indians to 19th-century European settlers, the mountains have a rich history of human habitation. Considering the sheer volume of visitors (over 10 million annually), it is undeniably one of the most famous national parks in the country. And best of all, the entry is free!
Take a scenic drive to Cades Cove or along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, or pack a picnic and hike to the stunning Abrams or Rainbow Falls. The Cades Cove Loop is closed to cars on Wednesdays from May through September, making it ideal for cyclists. If you are interested in history, check out the historic gristmill and Cable Mill at the Cades Cove Visitor Center. If you want to further elevate your experience by diving into the past, you don’t need to look up the “hotel Pigeon Forge TN” just consider staying at The Lodge at Five Oaks, one of the best hotels in town, and you will get the experience you need.
The best times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the summer and fall. July is the busiest month of the summer, while October weekends draw crowds of leaf-peepers in search of spectacular autumn foliage. Keep in mind that the park’s elevation ranges from 875 feet to over 6,000 feet, so temperatures can vary by up to 20 degrees from the base to the mountaintop. So, pack layers and a rain jacket, no matter when you visit.
Dollywood
Dollywood boasts some of the best roller coasters in the country, including the first wing coaster in the United States, the Wild Eagle. To get the full thrill, you need to ride the part of this coaster where the cars are floating in the air without a track below them. Famous roller coasters include the FireChaser Express, the Tennessee Tornado, and the Lightning Rod. If you want a bit more low-key, Dollywood also offers family-friendly rides like the Dollywood Express.
But Dollywood is not just about the rides. With over 30 shows taking place daily, you will be spoilt for choice. From guitar-shredding performances to the wild beats of Wild Roots Band, everybody is sure to get an entertainment dose. Be prepared to laugh and clap. Plus, with a mix of folk and Americana music throughout the year, you will get a taste of the Smoky Mountain culture. The food at this theme park has stood the test of time. From Southern-style biscuits and gravy to chicken and waffles, Dollywood has it all.
Hollywood Wax Museum
Are you ready for a journey through the world of fame and fear? Look no further than the Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge! When you step inside, you will be greeted by the towering presence of King Kong, ready for a photo-op that will make all your friends envious.
But that is just the beginning. As you go through the museum, you will be face-to-face with some of the biggest names in sports, movies, and more. Each wax figure is an intricate masterpiece, crafted to perfection with every detail, right down to the freckles.
If you are looking for a real thrill, you do not want to miss Outbreak: Dread the Undead. In this game, you will have to navigate through the lab, morgue, and basement, all while keeping the zombies locked in. With live actors and realistic sights, this adventure promises to be a heart-pounding experience you will never forget.
Titanic Museum
Visit the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge to learn about the history of one of the most famous ships in the world. This impressive museum boasts a 30,000-square-foot space filled with 20 galleries and hundreds of authentic Titanic artifacts. As you enter the museum, you will be given a boarding pass with the name and story of a real-life Titanic passenger. The individual stories told through the displayed objects will captivate visitors of all ages and make learning about history fun.
One of the museum’s highlights is the Grand Staircase, a breathtaking replica built from the ship’s original blueprints and hand-carved in Florida. The staircase features a bronze cherub, a rotunda of backlit milk glass, 24-karat gold leafing, and an Austrian crystal chandelier. The museum even makes it available for proposals, weddings, and vow renewals. For a more immersive experience, guests can purchase an audio tour for an additional $6 per person.
Little Pigeon River
The indigenous Cherokee people named this lovely river in honor of the vast numbers of migrating wild passenger pigeons. Although the passenger pigeons are unfortunately extinct, the Little Pigeon River still offers a plethora of avian delights for bird-watching buffs. It is a nature lover’s paradise with various species of songbirds, woodpeckers, and even the occasional eagle soaring overhead.
Little Pigeon River is the ideal vacation spot, thanks to its pristine waters and breathtaking scenery. It is a great place to cool off with a relaxing float, fish for trophy trout, or just soak up the sun on a massive boulder.
The river branches into three smaller rivers, each with unique characteristics. You can see the beautiful mountain scenery from East Prong. Many people visit the Middle Prong to swim and have picnics. And the West Prong is home to the Riverwalk Greenway, a tree-lined walking path with benches to take in the beautiful scenery.
Conclusion
Looking for a city that combines excitement and relaxation? Then pack your bags and head on over to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. From thrilling attractions to peaceful nature walks, you will never run out of things to do in Pigeon Forge. Confused about where to get started? Stop stressing and explore the destinations covered in this blog to make the most of your trip.
