Not everything you do while you’re visiting the Smokies has to cost a fortune! There are so many free things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg everyone in your group will love. Look at these top 5 free things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:

1. Picnic in the Park

picnic next to a riverThere’s a park in Pigeon Forge called Patriot Park where you can take your family on a picnic! The Little Pigeon River runs next to the park, making it a great place to lay out your blanket. There are usually ducks in the river you can watch while you eat. You can always grab groceries to make sandwiches or you can grab food from one of the restaurants, such as Bennett’s Bar-B-Que Pit, that offers family meals. You’ll have fun eating together in the park, and then you can walk around the track!

2. Visit The Old Mill Square

Right next to Patriot Park is Old Mill Square, which is a great place to spend time and not money. This area is named after the grist mill next to the Little Pigeon River that still works! There’s also the Old Mill Restaurant that has delicious southern food, and across the street, there’s another restaurant called Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Grill. Some of the other shops are the General Store, the Creamery, and Pigeon River Pottery.

3. Go Through Arts and Crafts Community

The sign for the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.One of the unique free things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is making your way through the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community. The loops is over 8 miles long, and you’ll see all kinds of talent such as paintings, wood work, jewelry making, homemade soap, and so much more. There are also a ton of great local restaurants in this area you won’t want to pass up! Sometimes the artisans offer classes you can take to learn their craft, which might cost extra, but would be a great experience to have!

4. Visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center

If you want to learn more about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you should visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg. It’s open every day except for Christmas Day. This visitor center has a 20-minute video about the national park, and there are even exhibits on the park and nature. You can browse through the gift shop too. Around this visitor center, there are a few hiking trails you can enjoy!

5. Hike in the National Park

Sun over the Smoky MountainsSpeaking of hiking, another great free thing to do is hiking in the national park! There are over 850 miles of hiking trails, and there are all kinds of varying difficulty. Some of the closest hiking trails to Gatlinburg include the Gatlinburg Trail, Cataract Falls, and Twin Creeks Trail. Unlike many other national parks, there is no fee to get into The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so anything you want to do is totally free!

You have so many options for free things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! While doing things that are free can be fun, don’t be too stingy with your money! Check out these other fun attractions in the Smokies you’ll want to do!

Need a place to stay? Check out these cabins near the Parkway in Pigeon Forge so you can easily get to all the fun things you want to do!