Pigeon Forge has a population of about 6,000 people, but the town welcomes more than 10 million visitors every year! With a history dating back to 1830, Pigeon Forge claims its place perched in the Smoky Mountains.
Looking for a Smoky vacation? You will find heaps of Pigeon Forge attractions for adults up in the Smokies, but you need to pick wisely to make the most of your time.
Let’s look at Pigeon Forge attractions before your trip!
Natural Pigeon Forge Attractions for Adults: Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the second-most-visited national park in the U.S. in 2021. Its trails and mountains played host to 14.1 million people that year. This forest haven sits between North Carolina and Tennessee, forming a Southern Appalachian landmark that you must visit!
You will find a diverse array of wildlife in the ridged forests. Black bears abound here, caring for their cubs and foraging in the undergrowth. These bears have been known to wander into Pigeon Forge itself at times!
Hiking with a ranger is advised, but many people choose to go it alone. Camping, hiking, and bonding with nature are the Pigeon Forge attractions here. You can follow winding trails to waterfalls, epic views, and ancient forested peaks.
Visit the Historic Old Mill
Pigeon Forge’s Old Mill is the town’s main landmark. Businessman Isaac Love built the Old Mill to grind corn, oats, and wheat for the townsfolk in 1830. The mill is famous all over Tennessee, home to many shops and restaurants for you to enjoy.
Have you thought about how Pigeon Forge got its name? Issac Love built the town’s iron forge in 1817 on the Little Pigeon River. Few people have had such a great impact on this part of the Smokies.
Go exploring in a UTV
Utility task vehicles (UTVs) are like beefed-up all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with a roll cage, but they can fit two to six people and take you anywhere. It is hard to find better outdoor activities in Pigeon Forge, but ATV tours come close. Unlike ATVs, though, UTVs have space for equipment, so you can pack for a fishing trip, hike, or camping expedition with ease.
Drive your road-legal UTV to spots like Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, and the Roaring Fork Nature Trail. You have to admit, that last one has a cool name! Find out more about UTV routes and rentals here.
Get a Bird’s Eye View of Pigeon Forge
Okay, so you’ve reached Clingman’s Dome on your new UTV. Now, it’s time to soak up the ultimate vista of Pigeon Forge. The observation tower at Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 feet!
Sat atop the third-highest mountain east of the Mississippi River, you can gaze 100 miles into the distance on a clear day. Take in 360° views of spruce-fir forests, mountain peaks, and lush lowlands to the horizon. Pack for a chill as Clingmans Dome’s altitude makes it cooler than the rest of Pigeon Forge.
Be Childish at Dollywood
We know this article is about Pigeon Forge attractions for adults, but we all need to relive our childhood days at times! Dollywood Theme Park spans 160 acres and has over 50 exhilarating rides, vibrant entertainment, and diverse dining options. It is famous for its friendly, fun-loving atmosphere.
You can buy single or multi-day tickets at any time of year. Harvest Festival is a popular event in fall with pumpkins galore. In winter, Dollywood sparkles with over 5 million Christmas lights!
Catch a Live Show
Pigeon Forge attractions keep you busy at night too. You have a choice of several theaters and performance halls in the town. Many theaters have excellent dining too; you can combine your scrumptious meal with live entertainment.
Laugh out loud at The Comedy Barn Theater. Watch lumberjack contests at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud. Pay tribute to a Tennessee great at Dolly Parton’s Stampede.
Pigeon Forge loves its country music. Country Tonite is the most popular Pigeon Forge attraction for music lovers. Voted Best Show in the Smokies, the venue seats 1,500 people and is a dynamic showcase of Southern spirit.
Visit the Titanic Museum
Go back in time to learn about the RMS Titanic. Located on Parkway, the Titanic Museum is another Pigeon Forge attraction for history buffs. The founder, John Joslyn, led a $6 million dive to the Titanic’s site in 1987. His team brought back artifacts from the ship after 32 dives and 44 days at sea.
You can visit his museum to learn about his expedition. This attraction is extremely popular and is often sold out. Plan ahead before you visit this Pigeon Forge hotspot for a unique vacation experience.
Take a Trolley Ride
The Fun Time Trolley is a convenient Pigeon Forge attraction that will take you all over the town. Ride on over 30 trolley buses, stopping where and when you want to take in the sights. Who needs to drive around, anyway?
Glide from Pigeon Forge all the way to Sevierville from 8 a.m. to midnight in summer. In winter, the Fun Time Trolley runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., which is plenty of time to explore the town. Park your car for free at the Old Mill Avenue office, then glide to your favorite Pigeon Forge attractions.
Devour Buttermilk Pancakes
Buttermilk pancakes could be the most famous food in Pigeon Forge. Delicate, fluffy, homemade delights await you at the many pancake houses in the town. Start the day right with pancakes and coffee or give yourself a midday savory treat before heading back out.
Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin is a local favorite, open for over 50 years. You will find omelets, grits, oatmeal, and sausage dishes here too. Visit for breakfast or brunch to boost your energy for outdoor activities.
Reagan’s House of Pancakes is a close contender for the Pigeon Forge pancake title. Trailing Flapjack’s with 35 years under its belt, Reagan’s quality is a local legend. Be sure to try the waffles, country ham, and fruit pancakes when you visit Pigeon Forge.
Take a Moonshine Tour
Moonshine is forever blended with the Smoky Mountains, dating back to the early days of colonialization. Scottish and Irish settlers brewed moonshine in the Appalachians from corn. During prohibition, distillers would brew moonshine, or White Lightning, up in the secluded hills to evade law enforcement and skip taxes.
Today, a moonshine distillery tour is one of the trendiest Pigeon Forge attractions for adults. You can take tastings, sample special blends, and buy souvenirs to take home. Sip history after your outdoor activities in Pigeon Forge.
You will find plenty of Tennessee whisky in Pigeon Forge, too. Ask your favorite bartenders for their recommendations. This is one way to get a true taste of the South!
Eat Smoky Mountain Staples
Has that moonshine made you hungry? Lucky you.
Pigeon Forge is home to Smoky Mountain meals that sizzle with lip-smacking Tennessee heritage. Farm-to-table is the way here, and the tastiest food can be found at the most local of spots. Collard greens, beef stew, lettuce with onions, mountain trout, and BBQ will ply your palette.
Smoky Mountain food takes much of its inspiration from early Scottish and Irish cooking methods. Cherokee recipes infuse the cuisine here too; tuck into bean dumplings, cornbread, fatback, and sochan dishes with indigenous delight. Dried apple stack cake tops your feast with spicy, savory sweetness.
Spin the Island Wheel
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel lets you see the Smokies from 200 feet in the air. Jump aboard for a relaxing tour around one of the tallest attractions in the southeastern U.S. Opened in 2013, The Wheel spins on The Island in Pigeon Forge and seats up to 8 people in each glass gondola.
Watch the southern sunset in comfort before heading to the shops, bars, and restaurants below. The Wheel is open from 10 a.m. to midnight, and you can book tickets online. Check out the island’s multimillion-dollar show fountain after you finish your turn.
Stay in a Smokies Cabin
Wake up in the old-world Smokies by staying in a mountain cabin. These lodges are perfect for a romantic escape in secluded spruce-fir forests. Though rustic, Smoky Mountain cabins have everything you need for a comfortable stay, from kitchens to decks and hot tubs.
Pair your cabin stay with an ATV tour for the ultimate taste of freedom. You can choose cabins close to the town or set away for peace and quiet. Ask your ATV tour guide for their cabin recommendations when you book.
Explore Pigeon Forge Your Way
Pigeon Forge attractions for adults let you savor Smoky Mountain culture on your trip. Outdoor activities, ATV tours, and cultural sites forge memories that will keep you coming back, year after year.
Our team at ExoRent helps you get around Pigeon Forge on your own UTV. We have 2, 4, and 6-seater UTVs fitted with Bluetooth radios and fully-street legal licenses. We are local experts and can help you find your trail.
You can rent your UTV for 2 to 12 hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week. Drivers must be 21 years or older. Book now for an active vacation!