Outdoor enthusiasts, active families, hikers, and nature lovers visiting the Smoky Mountains
Best Outdoor Activities in Pigeon Forge & the Smokies
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most biodiverse temperate regions on the planet, and the outdoor activities surrounding Pigeon Forge take full advantage of this remarkable natural setting. From world-class hiking trails to gravity-powered mountain coasters, zip lines through forest canopies, and mountaintop vistas that make you feel genuinely small and awed — outdoor adventures are the heart of any Smokies vacation for those willing to explore beyond the Parkway.
Top Picks
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Dollywood
Theme Park4.9
$$$All ages (best for 3+)
- Home to multiple award-winning roller coasters including the Lightning Rod
- Authentic Appalachian craft demonstrations and cultural experiences
- World-class live entertainment and seasonal festivals throughout the year
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Anakeesta
Outdoor4.8
$$$All ages (best for 5+)
- Scenic chondola (chairlift + gondola) ride to the mountaintop for stunning panoramas
- Treetop Skywalk with multiple suspension bridges through the forest canopy
- AnaVista Tower offers 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains
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Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park
Coaster4.6
$$7 and up (varies by ride)
- Smoky Mountain Snowtubing with real snow on an outdoor slope
- The Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster — a gravity-powered alpine coaster with mountain views
- Laser tag, gem mining, and other family activities on site
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The Island in Pigeon Forge
Outdoor4.5
$All ages
- Free to enter — pay only for rides and attractions you choose
- The iconic 200-foot Great Smoky Mountain Wheel with stunning views
- Nightly dancing fountain show with lights and music
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Clingmans Dome
Outdoor4.7
$All ages (strenuous hike for seniors)
- Highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet above sea level
- Iconic spiral observation tower with 360-degree views on clear days
- Above the clouds experience — literally walk through the clouds on misty mornings
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Laurel Falls Trail
Outdoor4.8
$All ages
- Most visited waterfall in the most visited national park in America
- Fully paved 2.6-mile round-trip trail accessible even for young toddlers
- Gorgeous 80-foot two-tiered waterfall as the dramatic payoff at trail's end
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Chimney Tops Trail
Outdoor4.6
$8 and up (strenuous)
- Twin rocky pinnacles provide some of the most dramatic views in the entire park
- 4-mile round trip hike with significant elevation gain — a genuine challenge
- Rocky summit scramble at the top for adventure seekers
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SkyBridge Gatlinburg
Outdoor4.7
$$5 and up
- North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge at 680 feet
- Glass-panel floor sections that let you look straight down into the gorge below
- Accessed via a scenic chairlift ride from downtown Gatlinburg
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Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Outdoor4.7
$$All ages
- Classic chairlift ride up Mount Harrison provides memorable views even before you arrive
- Home to North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge at 680 feet
- Stunning views of downtown Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountain ridges
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Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Coaster4.6
$$7 and up (weight/height restrictions apply)
- 3,400-foot stainless steel track winding through beautiful mountain forest
- Riders control their own speed with a hand brake — fast or leisurely, your choice
- Stunning Smoky Mountain scenery throughout the entire thrilling ride
🎭
Lumberjack Feud Adventure Park
Show4.6
$$All ages
- Live 90-minute lumberjack competition show with two rival teams battling it out
- Professional lumberjack athletes perform jaw-dropping feats of strength and agility
- Guests choose a team and cheer their lumberjacks on throughout the show
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Ober Mountain
Outdoor4.5
$$All ages
- The only ski resort in the Smokies with slopes for all skill levels in winter
- Aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg provides a scenic ride to the summit
- Wildlife Encounter featuring black bears, river otters, and native Appalachian animals
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Dollywood's Splash Country
Water Park4.6
$$$All ages (best for 5+)
- High-speed multi-person water slides for teens and thrill-seeking adults
- 12-acre wave pool with rolling waves that feel like the ocean
- Lazy river provides a relaxing float for all ages and ability levels
Pro Tips
- 1.Download the AllTrails app before hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park — it has offline maps, trail conditions, and crowdsourcing reviews that are invaluable in the backcountry.
- 2.Spring (April–May) and fall (October–early November) are the finest seasons for outdoor activities — wildflowers carpet the park in spring and fall foliage creates a spectacular color show.
- 3.Arrive at popular trailheads like Laurel Falls and Chimney Tops before 8 AM in summer to guarantee parking — the lots fill completely by 9–10 AM on busy days.
- 4.Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster and the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster are best in the afternoon when any morning mist has cleared and views are most dramatic.
- 5.Always carry rain gear on mountain hikes — afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and temperatures drop rapidly with elevation gain in any season.
Where to Eat Nearby
Old Mill RestaurantCalhouns RestaurantAlamo Steakhouse