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5 Reasons You’ll Love Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud in Pigeon Forge TN

lumberjack feud pigeon forge
October 6, 2025

Are you looking for one of the best shows in Pigeon Forge for kids? The whole family will have a great time at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud! Not only is this attraction the first permanent outdoor lumberjack show in Tennessee, but also the only year-round outdoor show in the Smokies! Keep reading for all the details about why you’ll love Lumberjack Feud in Pigeon Forge TN:

Brief History of the Pigeon Forge Lumberjack Show

When the original Lumberjack Feud opened in 2011, it was an immediate success. Featuring two teams of ESPN lumberjack athletes, the Dawson family and the McGraw family, the thrilling show included several traditional logging events, such as tree climbing, ax swinging, chainsaw carving, and log rolling.

lumberjack feud sign in pigeon forge

In 2015, Dolly Parton acquired Lumberjack Feud and renamed it Dolly Parton’s Lumberjack Adventure. This short-lived show featured more aerial feats, acrobatics, and special effects, rather than classic logging competitions. Ultimately, Dolly and her team decided to scrap the lumberjack theme and completely redesign the show in 2017, which became known as Dolly Parton’s Celebration at Smoky Mountain Adventures.

Meanwhile, Paula Deen’s restaurant opened at The Island, and Paula herself went to see one of the lumberjack shows and fell in love with the experience! As a result, Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud opened in the summer of 2018 in a brand-new outdoor theater just down the Parkway from the old attraction, which is now the location of Pirate’s Voyage Dinner & Show!

Reasons to Visit Lumberjack Feud in Pigeon Forge

1. Paula Deen Inspired Southern Supper

Before the show, you can dig into an all-you-can-eat buffet that includes juicy BBQ pulled pork, mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, hot rolls, dessert, and more! You’ll also want to try the exclusive Lumberjack Lager or Paula Deen’s Buttercream Soda, and there are also additional snacks and drinks available for purchase during the show at Logger’s Landing, a beer garden viewing experience even closer to the action on stage!

2. Exciting & Unique Experience Year-Round

The large outdoor amphitheater features stadium-like seating that is climate-controlled, so you and your family can enjoy the show and be comfortable, regardless of the weather. And don’t worry, the Jacks and Jills are tough and can handle any weather conditions! You certainly won’t find another show like this one anywhere in the Smokies, so don’t miss out on one of the most unique experiences during your trip.

3. Exhilarating Lumberjack Competition

lumberjacks from lumberjack feud in pigeon forge chopping wood

The Dawsons and McGraws battle it out on stage by competing in over a dozen challenges and competitions. These aren’t just actors or performers, but rather professionally trained athletes who have competed and won in real-life loggersports events! Some of the logging competitions you can expect to see at the lumberjack show in Pigeon Forge include sawing, axe throwing, speed climbing, and log rolling!

4. Engaging Audience Participation

From cheering on your team to winning a log “cookie”, you won’t have any trouble staying entertained. You will even have the chance to participate in the lumberjack show! Volunteers from the audience will come up on stage to try their hand at simulated lumberjack activities, like axe throwing, and during intermission, there will be a special event just for kids! Be sure to stick around after the show for a meet and greet with the lumberjacks and lumberjills!

5. Seasonal Events

Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud joins in on the autumn celebrations with their own fall festival, Jack-toberfest! Think of it as a lumberjack’s take on Oktoberfest…Bavarian-inspired food, delicious beer, limited-time souvenirs, and fun activities like pumpkin painting and beer stein holding competitions! They also have one of the best Pigeon Forge Christmas shows, with a holiday menu and merch, winter-themed beer, appearances by Santa, and more festive family fun!

Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge

When you stay with Heritage Cabin Rentals, you will be just a short drive away from Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud in Pigeon Forge TN! With everything from 1 to 9-bedroom cabins to 1 to 3-bedroom condos, we are sure to have the ideal accommodations for your getaway. To start planning your Smoky Mountain vacation, browse our selection of Pigeon Forge vacation rentals!

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