Top 4 Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Top 4 Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
One of the awesome things about a vacation to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge is that it can be incredibly affordable! You’ll not only find all kinds of unique and fun things to do that are easy on your budget but plenty of activities that don’t cost any money at all! It is no wonder why so many families love coming to the Smokies year after year to explore everything that the region has to offer! Here are the top 4 free things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge:
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few national parks that offer free admission, and you’ll find nearly 850 miles of hiking trails to explore! If hiking isn’t your thing, consider going on a scenic drive along Cades Cove Loop Road or stop to browse through one of the park’s excellent visitor centers! The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the iconic American black bear, as well as a fascinating collection of historical structures. While entrance to the national park is free, do keep in mind that a parking tag is required for all vehicles parking for more than 15 minutes at a time anywhere within the boundaries of the Smokies.
2. Show Fountain at The Island in Pigeon Forge
Another one of the top free things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is the Show Fountain at The Island in Pigeon Forge! This dazzling fountain show offers a spectacular presentation of water dance and light, all perfectly choreographed to 14 pieces of music! There are more than 89 nozzles that create the show’s performance, including a nozzle in the center of the fountain that projects water 60 feet into the air! While the show is impressive during the daylight hours, be sure to watch it again at night when a stunning array of colors is added to the presentation! After the show, stick around to browse through all of the unique specialty shops at The Island!
3. Walking Trail at Patriot Park
While driving among the seemingly endless shops, restaurants, and attractions along the Pigeon Forge Parkway, you’ll find a lovely oasis at Patriot Park! The park offers a pleasant walking path, which takes you along the Little Pigeon River where you’ll see flags from all 50 states and from branches of the armed forces. The central point of Patriot Park is a Patriot Missile, which was made famous during the first Gulf War. The park is also home to many special events throughout the year, including the Patriot Festival and Winterfest of Lights.
4. Recreational Facilities at Gatlinburg City Parks
The Gatlinburg City Parks are hidden gems that are often overlooked by visitors to the Smokies, but they offer a variety of excellent free recreational facilities! Herbert Holt Park is nestled alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River and features playground equipment, a children’s fishing stream, and picnic areas. Mynatt Park on Asbury Lane also features a children’s fishing stream, as well as walking trails, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and basketball courts. Finally, Mills Park in eastern Gatlinburg offers walking tracks, an 18-hole disc golf course, outdoor exercise equipment, a playground, and a state-of-the-art dog park.
Check out all of our Smoky Mountain vacation rentals today to stay close to these free things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! We look forward to welcoming you to the Smokies!
