Experience Pigeon Forge Without Spending A Dime: 10 Must-Do Free Activities

What’s In This Article

Pigeon Forge is packed with fun things to do, but fun doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag! Here are some of the top ways to spend time in Pigeon Forge without spending much

Free Things To Do In Pigeon Forge

#1 Old Mill

Old Mill In Pigeon Forge — Old Mill in Pigeon Forge

There are a few different things to see around the popular Old Mill area. Parking here usually is full on busy days, so get here early.

This is one of our favorite places just to stop and take pictures.

Watch a working flour mill built in 1830 that is still used today. For an add-on, there are also guided mill tours ($8 for adults and $4 for kids) and some great breakfast at the Old Mill restaurant.

#2 Old Mill Candy Kitchen

While you’re at the Old Mill, stop by The Old Mill Candy Kitchen for a free candy sample (though you may end up buying some after).

#3 Old Forge Distillery

And a good final stop for adults in the Old Mill area is Old Forge Distillery, which offers up to 10 free moonshine tastings!

#4 Mountain Mile Shops

The Mountain Mile is a newer area of shops, restaurants, and entertainment in south Pigeon Forge.

There’s a huge lawn area with games to play like chess and corn hole. You can also watch the thrill rides like the Mountain Monster, a huge swing ride that swings down through the giant towers in the picture above.

#5 Explore The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

We can’t not mention why this area is so popular: the amazing national park just south of Gatlinburg.

With a short drive outside Pigeon Forge, you’ll find trailheads like the family-friendly Gatlinburg Trail or Laurel Falls Trail (a fairly easy trail but super crowded)- ideal for exploring the Smokies’ natural beauty.

Or just head south from Gatlinburg and find somewhere interesting to stop, like a picnic at Chimneys picnic area or Metcalf Bottoms!

Picnic Area Smoky Mountains — Picnic Area in the Great Smoky Mountains

#6 Explore The Island

The Island is a large entertainment center with plenty to do. This centrally located area in Pigeon Forge has shopping, rides, hotels, and restaurants.

But there’s enough to do where you can explore for a few hours without spending any money.

This dancing water fountain and light show starts every thirty minutes (on the hour and 30 minutes after the hour). The display usually runs for 2 song lengths and is free to watch. There are even chairs around it to watch if you’re there early enough.

Just behind the fountains in the above picture is Ole Smoky Moonshine, which offers moonshine tasting (for adults) for a small fee.

There’s plenty more to see at The Island too, like Parrot Mountain’s store which has live parrots.

#7 Bike The Greenway

There’s no better way to see Pigeon Forge’s beauty than this four-mile paved stretch by the river – BYOB (bring your own bike) or look for local rentals.

The greenway covers most of the town too, and is accessible from places like The Island.

#8 Visit The World’s Largest Buc-ees

If you’ve never been to a Buc-ees, it’s worth a stop especially if you’re already driving by. It’s located just off the Sevierville exit on the way to Pigeon Forge from I40.

But you may spend money here on must-haves like beef jerky and stuffed miniature Buc-ee the beaver animals.

#9 Take a Scenic Drive

Some of our favorite drives like Cades Cove and Roaring Fork are listed on our scenic drives page. For another option, drive along the Foothills Parkway, the start of which is less than 20 minutes from Pigeon Forge.

#10 Attend a Pigeon Forge Festival

Depending on the season, festivals offer family activities, live music, and craft vendors– many times with free admission! Here are just some of the more popular shows and conferences in 2024.

PIGEON FORGE APRIL 2024

Music in the Mountains Spring Parade (Apr 13)
- Description: Features marching bands, character balloons, and local entertainment.
- Location: Pigeon Forge Parkway
Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run (Apr 18-20)
- Description: A major car show featuring classic cars and trucks.
- Location: LeConte Center Pigeon Forge
- Phone: 865-687-3976

PIGEON FORGE MAY 2024

Grand National F-100 Show (May 16-18)
- Location: LeConte Center
- Website

PIGEON FORGE JUNE 2024

Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge Classic Car Show (May 29 – Jun 1)
- Location: LeConte Center
- Website
Annual A Mountain Quiltfest (Jun 3-6)
- Description: Offers over 60 quilting classes and vendors.
- Location: LeConte Center At Pigeon Forge

PIGEON FORGE JULY 2024

4th of July Patriot Festival and Fireworks (July 4th)
- Description: Celebrate the 4th of July with a festival and fireworks display.
- Location: Patriot Park

PIGEON FORGE AUGUST 2024

Smoky Mountain Fishing Expo
- Location: LeConte Center
- Website
Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion (August 22-24)
- Description: An expo for Jeep enthusiasts
- Location: LeConte Center

PIGEON FORGE SEPTEMBER 2024

Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run (September 12-14)
- Description: A large car show featuring classic cars and trucks.
- Location: LeConte Center Pigeon Forge