One of the wonderful things about a vacation to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is there are a ton of free things to do! You could spend anywhere from a weekend to a full week in the Smokies without spending a dime on activities! Whether you are on a budget or just love saving money, you will appreciate all of these free options for fun! Here are the top 5 free things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge:
1. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Due to a long standing agreement with the federal government, there is no fee to enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park! You can enjoy all of the park’s scenic trails, historical structures, wildlife, and natural beauty as much as you want throughout your vacation! The entrance to the park is just south of Gatlinburg, where you can stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center to enjoy a free 20-minute film about the park, browse the bookstore and get hiking recommendations from a park ranger!
2. Have a Picnic at Mynatt Park
Another one of the top free things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is a picnic at Mynatt Park! This lovely public park is maintained by the City of Gatlinburg and is in a great location just off of Asbury Lane. In addition to the picnic tables and grills, you will find a fun playground area for the kids as well as a children’s fishing stream. There are also plenty of recreational facilities too, including a basketball court, tennis courts, and a baseball field!
3. Watch the Island Show Fountain
You won’t want to miss the Island in Pigeon Forge during your vacation, which is a huge complex with specialty stores, unique restaurants, and amusement rides. One of the highlights is the Island Show Fountain, a free state-of-the-art fountain show that performs every 30 minutes throughout the day. The fountain features a spectacular presentation of water dance and light, all which is choreographed to 14 pieces of music! Altogether, there are over 89 nozzles that help to create the performance.
4. Visit the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community
When it comes to the top free things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you won’t want to miss the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community! This is the largest group of independent artists in the United States, which you can visit by traveling along an 8 mile loop road. While stopping at the various stores, you will find a wide assortment of craft items and can meet with the talented artists who created them!
5. Stroll Through Patriot Park
Take a break from the endless go-kart tracks, miniature golf courses, and arcades along the Pigeon Forge Parkway for a peaceful stroll through Patriot Park! The walking trail is just a 0.5 mile long and offers a great place to stretch your legs. While strolling along the path, you will see the flags of all 50 states, as well as several memorials for the veterans of Pigeon Forge. Patriot Park is also home to many activities throughout the year, including the Winterfest of Lights, 4th of July fireworks, and the Patriot Festival.
Now since you know some of the top free things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, check out all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals today to enjoy an affordable vacation in the Smokies! We look forward to seeing you soon!
