Located minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the city of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is famous for its outdoor activities. Visitors come from all over the country to enjoy some time immersed in the majesty of the mountains. To help you make the most of your vacation, Top Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to five of the best outdoor things to do in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smokies.
1. Hike to a Waterfall
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a number of breathtaking waterfalls. These gorgeous falls are accessible via scenic trails that range between ¾ mile round trip and 5.4 miles round trip. While there are many wonderful trails in the Smokies, waterfall hikes are some of our favorites because they all have a beautiful destination to look forward to. Here are the most popular waterfalls in the national park:
- Laurel Falls – 2.6 miles round trip
- Rainbow Falls – 5.4 miles round trip
- Grotto Falls – 2.6 miles round trip
- Baskins Creek Falls – 3 miles round trip
- Cataract Falls – ¾ mile round trip
2. Have a Picnic
Picnicking is another one of our our favorite outdoor things to do in Pigeon Forge TN. Dining al fresco is a great way to soak up all of the area’s beautiful scenery without any strenuous activity. If you’re looking for a picnic spot that is convenient to the heart of the city, consider having a meal at Patriot Park. Located right next door to The Old Mill Square, this park offers a large grassy field where you can put down a blanket and enjoy some tasty food. For dessert, you can head over to The Old Mill Candy Kitchen or The Old Mill Creamery to pick up a sweet treat!
Of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park also features a number of lovely picnic areas. Some of the best locations include:
- Cades Cove
- Metcalf Bottoms
- Greenbrier
3. Go Tubing
When the weather gets warm in the Smokies, river tubing is the perfect way to cool off! One of the best spots for tubing in the national park is Metcalf Bottoms, which rests along the Little River. This section of the Little River is ideal for tubing because the flow of the water isn’t too fast, but it’s still deep enough so you don’t bump your bottom on any rocks as you make your way down the river. There are a number of stores in the area where you can pick up inflatable tubes, including GSM Outfitters.
4. Take a Scenic Trail Ride
A trail ride through the foothills of Pigeon Forge is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the area’s beautiful scenery. When you stay with Top Cabin Rentals, you will receive one free horseback riding voucher for Jayell Ranch Riding Stables. Located minutes away from Dollywood, Jayell Ranch features 260 acres of pristine Smoky Mountain scenery to explore on horseback. Jayell Ranch is home to a variety of horses, so you’re sure to find the perfect four legged friend for your trail ride.
5. Enjoy a Zipline Adventure
Ziplining is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have in the Smoky Mountain area. Top Cabin Rentals provides guests with one free zipline voucher to Adventure Park Ziplines, so you can have an unforgettable canopy tour during your vacation. With ziplines ranging from 450 to 2,000 feet long, you will have plenty of adrenaline fueled fun at Adventure Park.
When you stay with Top Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of the best outdoor things to do in Pigeon Forge TN. Our cabins come with the very best amenities, including stunning mountain views, soothing hot tubs, fully furnished kitchens, fun game rooms, and awesome home theater systems. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of cabins in Pigeon Forge!
