Pigeon Forge is a prime destination for families looking to have fun and create lasting memories together. With a variety of outdoor activities that cater to all ages, this scenic town offers countless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
From thrilling adventures to relaxing natural settings, Pigeon Forge provides the perfect backdrop for a family getaway that's packed with activity. Here's a look at some of the best outdoor activities you can enjoy with your loved ones.
Anakeesta
Anakeesta offers a unique outdoor experience that caters to families looking for adventure and relaxation amidst the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains. This mountaintop park is accessible via a scenic Chondola ride, which lifts guests above the treetops, offering stunning views as they ascend to the summit.
Once at the top, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities. The Treetop Skywalk, the longest tree-based bridge in North America, allows guests to stroll through the canopy, providing a bird's-eye view of the forest below. Younger children often delight in the whimsical treehouse playground area, which encourages imaginative play in a safe, natural setting.
For adventure seekers, the Rail Runner mountain coaster offers a thrilling descent down the mountain, combining speed with spectacular scenery. Additionally, the Dueling Zipline Adventure lets family members zip side-by-side over lush forests and offers an optional controlled descent that brings a rush of adrenaline.
Aside from the thrills, Anakeesta also offers plenty of opportunities to relax. The Vista Gardens walk features beautifully landscaped paths with diverse plant life, sculptures, and, occasionally, live music performances. Families can unwind at the summit's dining options, which range from casual snacks to full meals, all while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Throughout the year, Anakeesta hosts various events that add to the festive atmosphere, making every visit memorable. This blend of natural beauty, engaging activities, and relaxing environments makes Anakeesta a standout destination for families visiting Pigeon Forge.
Rowdy Bear Mountain
Rowdy Bear Mountain offers a unique blend of adventure and scenic beauty, making it a top destination for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. This amusement park features a variety of attractions, but the most notable are the alpine coaster and the mountain glider.
The alpine coaster is a gravity-propelled ride that winds through the mountain terrain. Each cart is individually controlled, allowing riders to adjust their speed as they descend on a track that offers stunning views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains. This ride combines the thrill of speed with the enjoyment of natural beauty, suitable for children and adults alike.
Next to the coaster, the mountain glider stands out as an innovative attraction. It is the first of its kind in the world, incorporating elements of hang gliding and coaster rides into one. Safely harnessed, riders soar through the treetops, experiencing a feeling of flight. The course is designed to engage with the natural environment, providing a smooth, controlled adventure that mimics flying through the air.
Aside from these thrilling rides, Rowdy Bear Mountain also provides gentler experiences suited for younger visitors. The scenic surroundings are perfect for leisurely walks or picnics, allowing for a relaxing break between rides.
This location not only provides thrilling physical activities but also fosters a connection with nature, making it a memorable part of any family trip to Pigeon Forge. With safety as a priority, all attractions are designed to ensure a fun and secure experience for every age group.
Toy Box Mini Golf
Toy Box Mini Golf in Pigeon Forge offers a unique twist on traditional mini golf, perfect for family outings. This themed miniature golf course is designed around a giant toy box concept, featuring larger-than-life versions of popular toys and games that create an engaging and playful environment. The course is accessible for all ages, ensuring that everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, can participate and enjoy the game.
As players move through the 18-hole course, they encounter creatively designed obstacles and characters, ranging from towering robots to enormous building blocks. The vibrant, colorful setup not only captivates children but also brings a sense of nostalgia to adults, making it a delightful experience for the entire family.
In addition to mini golf, Toy Box Mini Golf includes other attractions such as a toy store and an ice cream shop, making it a full-fledged entertainment hub. The toy store offers a variety of games and toys, providing an opportunity to take a piece of the fun home. Meanwhile, the ice cream shop serves as the perfect spot to cool down and relax after a round of golf, with a range of flavors that appeal to all tastes.
The venue is also known for its clean facilities and friendly staff, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Its location in Pigeon Forge makes it easily accessible and a practical choice for families looking to fill their day with fun without the hassle of long travel times.
Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Visiting Soaky Mountain Waterpark makes for an exciting day out for families looking to beat the heat and enjoy some thrilling water-based activities. Spread over 50 acres, this state-of-the-art waterpark boasts a range of attractions suited to all age groups. For the little ones, the park features the Boomer's Bay area, which has smaller slides and water features that are safe yet fun, allowing kids to splash around under the watchful eyes of lifeguards.
Adventure-seekers will love Avalaunch, a watercoaster with high-speed twists and turns, and the Blue Mountain Mayhem, a white-water rafting experience designed to deliver a rush of adrenaline. The park's massive wave pool, Soaky Surge, simulates ocean waves and provides a perfect place to relax on a float or swim in the simulated currents.
For a more laid-back experience, families can drift along the Black Bear Rapids, a lazy river that meanders through scenic views of the surrounding landscape, complete with waterfalls and sprays that keep everyone cool and entertained. The park also offers plenty of seating areas and cabanas for rent, allowing families to take breaks and enjoy snacks or a meal in comfort.
With safety as a top priority, Soaky Mountain Waterpark ensures that all areas are well-staffed with trained lifeguards. The park's clean, well-maintained facilities make it a stress-free environment for parents, ensuring that a visit here is a delightful escape from the summer heat, filled with moments of joy and excitement for the entire family.
Xtreme Racing Center
Xtreme Racing Center provides a thrilling experience for families seeking a high-speed adventure. The center boasts some of the fastest go-karts on well-designed tracks that challenge both novice and experienced drivers. Guests can choose between three unique tracks, each offering different levels of difficulty and excitement. The tracks are engineered to enhance the racing experience with sharp turns and speedy straightaways that test your driving skills.
Children and adults alike can enjoy the rush of racing in safe, high-performance karts that reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour. The facility ensures that all karts are regularly maintained and meet safety standards, providing helmets and detailed safety instructions before each race. This attention to safety allows families to enjoy the thrill of the race without undue worry.
Additionally, Xtreme Racing Center offers a competitive edge with electronic tracking of lap times, allowing racers to monitor their performance and improvement throughout the day. This feature adds a fun, competitive twist to family outings as members can compare times and strive to beat their personal bests.
The center is also conveniently located near other Pigeon Forge attractions, making it easy to combine a day of racing with other activities. Whether you're looking to fill an afternoon with competitive fun or just want to experience the thrill of racing, Xtreme Racing Center provides an accessible and enjoyable option for family entertainment.
Big Rock Dude Ranch
Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa is an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors together in Pigeon Forge. One of the main attractions here is horseback riding, with well-maintained trails that wind through stunning landscapes, suitable for all ages and experience levels. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone.
Beyond horseback riding, the ranch features a variety of other activities. Visitors can try their hand at fishing in the stocked pond where poles and bait are readily available without any extra charge. The ATV rides offer a fun way to navigate the rugged terrain and see the scenic views of the Smoky Mountains.
For a slower-paced experience, families can explore the petting zoo, where children can interact with farm animals. The ranch also offers gem mining, where kids and adults alike can sift through dirt to find hidden treasures, turning the experience into a fun learning experience about different types of gems and minerals.
Ample picnic areas are available, allowing families to relax and enjoy a meal together in the serene natural surroundings. For those looking to capture memories, the ranch offers old-time photos, providing a fun way to commemorate the day spent in the outdoors.
GSM Railroad
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a unique adventure for families visiting Pigeon Forge. This scenic train journey takes passengers through the beautiful landscapes of the Smoky Mountains, providing a relaxing yet engaging experience. The train rides vary in duration and theme, ensuring that every family can find a trip that suits their interests.
One of the most popular options is the Nantahala Gorge Excursion, which covers 44 miles roundtrip, and includes a one-hour layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Here, families can enjoy the riverside views and even have a picnic. Another great choice is the Tuckasegee River Excursion, perfect for families who love film history as this route passes through the famous movie set of "The Fugitive."
The trains themselves are historic and have been meticulously restored, providing an authentic travel experience. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the vintage charm of the passenger cars. The railroad also offers special event rides throughout the year, such as the Polar Express during the holiday season, which transforms the train into a winter wonderland complete with a visit from Santa Claus.
In addition to the visual and historical appeal, the train rides offer educational commentary about the region's history and the natural environment, making it a learning experience as well. This makes the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad not just a trip through nature, but also a journey through the rich heritage of the Smoky Mountains.
Smoky Mountain River Rat
At Smoky Mountain River Rat, families can enjoy a delightful tubing experience and a relaxing day on the water. Situated near Pigeon Forge in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, this attraction invites visitors to float down the Little River, known for its cool, clear waters and scenic surroundings. The activity is suitable for children and adults alike, making it a great choice for family bonding.
Guests can choose between two distinct tubing routes. The first is a more leisurely path ideal for younger children and those looking for a calm float, while the second offers slightly more rapid waters, adding a bit of excitement without being too challenging. Both routes provide ample opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, with lush forests and occasional wildlife sightings.
Safety is a top priority at Smoky Mountain River Rat. All participants are provided with life vests, and staff are always on hand to ensure a safe experience for everyone. Additionally, the company offers a shuttle service that makes it easy to return to the starting point once your float is complete.
This activity not only offers a chance to unwind and cool off on a hot day but also allows families to enjoy the outdoors without the need for specialized skills or equipment. It's an affordable way to make lasting memories, with group rates available for larger families.