One of our favorite things about vacationing Pigeon Forge is that once you get here, it doesn’t take much money at all to have a great time. In fact, there are a number of wonderful things to do in the Smokies that don’t cost a cent to enjoy! To help you make the most of your next getaway, Heritage Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to four of the best free activities in Pigeon Forge.
1. Explore The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a hugely popular shopping and entertainment area located off of the Parkway. While there are plenty of opportunities to spend money at The Island’s shops, attractions, and restaurants, 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 shop’s 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.
• Families with kids will love watching The Island’s show fountain, which features beautiful geysers of water that sync up to hit songs.
2. Go Hiking in the National Park
Located just a short drive from Pigeon Forge, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few national parks in the United States that doesn’t charge an admission fee. That means that the park’s 800 miles of gorgeous trails are completely free to enjoy. 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 hikes:
• Easy: Sugarlands Nature Trail, Gatlinburg Trail
• Moderate: Abrams Falls, Andrews Bald, Porters Creek Trail
• Challenging: Gregory Bald, Mt. LeConte, Rocky Top
3. Visit The Old Mill Square
The Old Mill Square is also home to a variety of free activities in Pigeon Forge. Here are some of the best things to do around this iconic area:
• Stop on by the Iron Mountain Blacksmith 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 around The Old Mill. 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!
Our properties are just a short drive from all of the best free activities in Pigeon Forge. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 9 bedroom cabins, we are sure to have the perfect accommodations for your getaway. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge!
