One of our favorite things about inexpensive Smoky Mountain vacations is that once you get here, it doesn’t take much money at all to have a great time. In fact, there are all kinds of free stuff to do in Pigeon Forge that don’t cost a cent to enjoy! To help you make the most of your next getaway, here is a quick overview of some of the best free activities in Pigeon Forge.
1. Visit Old Mill Square
The Old Mill Square is home to a variety of free activities in Pigeon Forge, from browsing the Old Mill shops to enjoying free samples. Plus, Patriot Park is next door, a great area for the kids to run and play for a while. Here are some of the top free and cheap things to do in the area:
- Stop by the Iron Mountain Metal Craft Shop to watch a master blacksmith forge a knife right before your eyes.
- The Old Mill Candy Kitchen frequently offers free samples of their delicious sweets.
- Your children will love feeding the ducks and geese that live in the Little Pigeon River. A bag of duck food costs a dollar at The Old Mill General Store, or you can get a good handful for a quarter.
- Located just a short walk from The Old Mill, you will find the Smoky Mountain Cat House. Visitors to this unique store can play with the owner’s friendly cats for free!
2. Experience The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a popular shopping and entertainment area known for the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, thrilling rides, and immersive activities for all ages, and it doesn’t cost a thing to park and walk around the giant complex. While there are plenty of opportunities to spend money at The Island’s restaurants, shops, and attractions, there are also quite a few free things to do:
- For some great live music, head on over to the Ole Smoky Moonshine Barn to listen to the talented bluegrass band.
- If you’re looking for a snack, you can try some free fudge at the Big Rock Candy Kitchen or sample a variety of sauces, dips, and salsas at Pepper Palace and other items at specialty food shops.
- You will also love watching The Island’s show fountain, which features beautiful geysers of water that sync up to hit songs.
3. Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Located just a short drive from Pigeon Forge, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the only national parks in the United States that doesn’t charge an admission fee. That means driving through the park’s winding roads and scenic routes is completely free to enjoy. Trying to decide on a scenic drive? Some of our top recommendations include:
- Cades Cove Scenic Loop: the most popular area of the national park for a reason, with historic buildings, wildlife, mountain views, and a picnic area.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: a beautiful route filled with roadside waterfalls, historic sites, wildlife viewing, and more (closed seasonally).
- Upper Tremont Road: an underrated area of the Smokies, this hidden gem offers plenty of gorgeous scenery and views, without the traffic!
If you want to park your vehicle and hike one of the trails, you’ll need to purchase a parking tag, but the minimal cost goes directly into the upkeep of GSMNP! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or you like to spend most of your free time on the couch, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect trail for your family. Here are a few of our favorite family-friendly hikes:
- Easy: Cataract Falls, Old Sugarlands Trail, Gatlinburg Trail
- Moderate: Abrams Falls, Andrews Bald, Porters Creek Trail
- Challenging: Gregory Bald, Alum Cave, Charlies Bunion
These are just some of the free things to do in Pigeon Forge while you stay at one of our cabins! Want to plan the most affordable getaway to the mountains? Check out all of our Pigeon Forge cabin deals for discounts, special rates, and the best price on cabins in the Smokies!
