March 06, 2020

Top 7 Outdoor Things to Do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

When you visit the Smoky Mountains, you want to spend time outside. You’ll find there are all kinds of outdoor things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg you will want to try. Spend some time at a theme park or out in the woods with all these great activities! Here are the top 5 outdoor things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:

1. Dollywood

Dollywood is great if you’re looking for something fun to do outside! You’ll walk around the park, but there are plenty of indoor spaces too! You guys will love riding roller coasters, carousels, carnival rides, and much more. There’s also all kinds of restaurants and snack carts where you can grab a bite to eat. Want to take a break from the heat or cold? Step into one of the indoor theaters to watch one of the amazing shows! Plus, Dollywood almost always has a festival going on, so you can add even more fun to your day at the theme park!

2. The Island in Pigeon Forge

At The Island in Pigeon Forge , you’ll find all kinds of fun things to do outside! You can walk around the shops and enjoy the nice weather. Take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, or climb the 4 story outdoor ropes course. Your kids will want to ride the bumper cars or try the trampolines. Need to take a rest? Sit in the rocking chairs beside The Island Show Fountain and enjoy watching the water and lights dance to the music. If you end up getting hungry, you can always sit on a patio of one of the restaurants. You’ll love spending time outside at The Island!

3. The Track

Another outdoor thing to do in Pigeon Forge is The Track . Your whole family will love riding go karts at this adventure park. You can ride the Wild Woody, which takes you up three stories on the track. Small kids will have fun on the kiddie karts, while older kids will want to race on the Super Track. Play a round or two of mini golf, and then knock into each other on the bumper boats. Little kids will love being on the train and Spin Tops. After you’re done outside, head inside to play games in the arcade!

4. Smoky Mountain Ziplines

Smoky Mountain Ziplines is a great way to see the beauty of the woods in the area. Adventurers will love racing through the trees at top speeds. You’ll all enjoy riding from platform to platform while the sun shines down on you. You’ll even see beautiful mountain views while you’re ziplining. This zipline tour is the longest zipline canopy in the area, so your trip will be a little longer than other ziplines!

5. Anakeesta

Anakeesta is a great place to be if you’re looking for outdoor activities. Ride to the top of the mountain on the chair lift or a jeep for a little tour. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be able to shop in the stores or just enjoy the mountain views from rocking chairs. Plant enthusiasts will love walking through the Vista Gardens. Kids will want to play on the playground and go on the bridges that are suspended in the trees. You can pay a little more to ride the mountain coaster or do the dueling ziplines. Anakeesta is the perfect place to play and relax!

6. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

If seeing beautiful mountain views is important to you, you should definitely go to the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park . You’ll ride to the top of the mountain on the Gatlinburg SkyLift. When you get off on the SkyDeck, you’ll find sweeping mountain views you can’t find anywhere else. There are plenty of spots where you can take pictures in front of the mountains, as well as sit and enjoy the views. There’s a bar in the upper level of the SkyCenter where you can also enjoy mountain views. People can walk across the SkyBridge and face their fears by walking across three glass panels on the bridge!

7. Rowdy Bear Ridge

Rowdy Bear Ridge has an outdoor mountain coaster you will definitely want to try. The carts are propelled by gravity, and you get to control how fast or slow you go! Adults can ride with their kids, or you can ride separately. You are also able to ride even if it’s snowing or raining. Another cool activity at Rowdy Bear Ridge you’ll want to try is the Mountain Glider. It’s like a roller coaster in the air. You’re suspended while being strapped in from the top. This ride provides the sensation of free falling with hang gliding for a truly unique experience.

There are so many fun outdoor things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. For even more great activities, look through our Freedom Fun Pass. You’ll receive these free and discounted tickets when you book one of our cabins!