Pigeon Forge is one of the most attractive towns in the Great Smoky Mountain area, with stunning vistas and appealing mountaintops. The breathtaking views make you feel like you’ve entered a realm of imagination. In addition, the majesty of snow-capped mountains during winter and the lush-green trees during spring and summer makes you fall in love with nature’s splendor.
Being one of the most popular tourist attractions, Pigeon Forge hosts more than 10 million visitors each year. So, if you’re visiting with a group of friends, look forward to beautiful surroundings, plenty of activities, shopping excursions, luxury accommodations, and having loads of fun.Â
Here are eight fun things to do in Pigeon Forge with your friends.
1. Try Ziplining
If you’re into ziplining, you’ll fall in love with Pigeon Forge! You can challenge your friends to a round of ziplining at Smoky Mountain Ziplines, Adventure Park Ziplines, and Wears Valley Zipline Adventures. The height of the Smoky Mountains and the fabulous view of lush-green mountaintops makes the ziplining experience unique and adventurous. Sliding down the treetops at an amazing speed of over 40 kilometers an hour makes ziplining a fun-filled adventure and an unforgettable experience. You can witness the ravishing colors of Smoky Mountain foliage and feel the trees brushing your feet as you move through the zipline. Don’t miss out on this exciting experience; keep it at the top of your list when you visit Pigeon Forge with your friends this year.
2. Group Shopping
Like the town, the Pigeon Forge shopping experience is unique and exciting. Even in a small town of 6,000 people, there are over 300 stores where you can purchase one-of-a-kind handcrafted products, Smoky Mountain souvenirs, memoirs, unique pottery, metal sculptures, and hand-made dolls. For the best experience, you can visit the Pigeon Forge Outlet Mall, a popular shopping mall boasting a wide selection of factory outlet stores and brands, including Big Dog Sportswear and Osh Kosh.
3. Enjoy Scenic Landscapes on a Fun Railroad Trip
Head to the platform with your friends to enjoy a memorable ride to The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This round-trip train ride is an excellent way to explore phenomenal sites inaccessible by vehicle. This 53-mile railroad trip is especially beautiful in mid-summer and fall. You can relish delectable menus while enjoying breathtaking panoramas of mountains and valleys. You’ll fall in love with the mesmerizing views as you pass over the bridges and tunnels and move past lakes, streams, and waterfalls.
4. Take a Bike Ride in Cades Cove
Do you love biking? There are plenty of places to try mountain biking with friends. Cades Cove offers the longest round-trip biking track around the high-altitude mountains of Pigeon Forge. Cades Cove brings the excitement to another level as you witness natural water bodies, wildlife, and stunning foliage. There’s nothing more exhilarating than having a bike ride on the mountain routes while surrounded by your friends on mountains and wide fields. You can rent mountain bikes early in the morning each Wednesday and take a fun and adventurous bike ride with friends.
5. Go Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
Pigeon Forge is densely packed with long hiking trails, and it’s easy to discover one close to you. The hiking trails are crowded with visitors all year long. Some hiking trails are easier for trekking, while others challenge your hiking abilities. Summer is the ideal time of year to go trekking, while in early fall, you can enjoy Mother Nature’s amazing display of colors. As you climb through the pavement, you can visit remnants of ancient farmhouses and churches and come across common wildlife species like white-tailed deer, elks, chipmunks, and more. Try Porters Creek Trail, Laurel Falls, Grotto Falls, Ramsey Cascades Trail, and the famous Appalachian Trail for a hiking adventure with your friends.
6. Visit the Titanic Museum
Do you want to witness the majestic size and over 400 original artifacts in 20 galleries valued at over $4 million? Get your tickets for the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge today! You’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to touch a growing iceberg and imitate the drowning scene by swimming in 28°F water. Enjoying steering the ship that is a half-scale representation of the original titanic ship. You’ll also explore the galleries and learn about the world-famous marine tragedy.
7. Get glamorous with a trip to the Island.
Looking for a perfect combo of fun, adventure, glamour, food, and shopping? There is no better place than visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge. It is one place that offers free entry and permission to bring pets and, of course, your friends! The Island is always dazzling with colorful lights, displays, and dancing fountains. You can ride the gigantic Ferris wheel and view the spectacular mountaintops. Feast on local and continental cuisine while shopping to your heart’s content. The expanse of the Island gives the impression of a city within a city. It’s difficult to explore every corner of the Island in a single trip unless you’ve planned to stay for a week or more. The Island is stunning to watch, especially when viewed from the outside.
8. Treat Yourself to Scrumptious Food and Live Performance
Nothing beats the pleasure and enthusiasm of a group dinner with a live performance. Check out various dinner shows and theaters like Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Hatfield and McCoy’s Dinner show, and many others.Â
Dolly Patron’s Stampede offers a delectable four-course meal while diners watch live acrobats and musical plays. The performance then proceeds to the arena, where the true magic happens. Dolly Patron’s Stampede is a great place to hang out with friends and feast on delicious food.
The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner show started in the late 19th century, and the legacy continues to date. The show begins with a traditional supper with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and coleslaw. You can enjoy a show full of laughter, wild jokes, and live performances as you relish the mouthwatering supper. Combining comedy, acrobatics, and live music with traditional food provides a memorable experience for friends.
Final Thoughts
There is no better place to visit with friends than the Great Smoky Mountain area. Pigeon Forge has everything you need for a pleasant and unforgettable trip with friends, including breathtaking foliage, a quiet ambiance, a vibrant display of nature, and plenty of options for fun and adventure. To ensure a smooth trip, we recommend that you book your reservations and schedule your transportation ahead of time. If you want to explore the entire area, you must plan a 10-day trip. We hope the above list will assist you in better planning your visit and buying your tickets in advance to avoid long lineups on the day of your visit.