Things to Do Near Pigeon Forge

You’ll never run out of things to do at Riveredge: from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg, we truly are your next adventure destination!

SPECIAL OFFERS AVAILABLE

Good Sam, military discounts, and more!

Close to the action!

The best part about staying at Riveredge, is you’re not limited to just staying in your cabin or RV all day or just walking around the park. Quite the opposite, in fact: most people use our park as a home base as they adventure out during the morning, then come back in the afternoon to lounge around the pool and relax.

Top Nearby Attractions:

Dollywood Theme Park

Known for its exhilarating roller coasters and authentic celebration of Appalachian mountain culture, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge ranks among America’s top theme parks. The 165-acre park offers live music shows, artisan craft villages, seasonal festivals, and Southern comfort food, creating a perfect blend of thrills and heritage for families of all ages.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

America’s most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains surround Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg with ancient peaks, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. Scenic drives through Cades Cove and Roaring Fork, plus hundreds of hiking trails, deliver breathtaking views and serene nature escapes perfect for hikers, bikers, and photographers alike.

Anakeesta Adventure Park

Perched high above downtown Gatlinburg, Anakeesta delivers treetop thrills with canopy walks, ziplines, a mountain coaster, and the soaring AnaVista Tower offering 360-degree Smoky Mountain vistas. Visitors enjoy botanical gardens, evening light shows, and casual dining while soaking in panoramic beauty from 60 feet in the air.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Home to over 10,000 sea creatures including sharks, penguins, and colorful reef fish, Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg features underwater tunnels and interactive touch pools that immerse visitors in ocean life. The state-of-the-art exhibits and daily dive shows make it a must-see indoor attraction for families year-round.

The Island in Pigeon Forge

Centered around a massive fountain show and the 200-foot Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, The Island is Pigeon Forge’s lively 23-acre entertainment hub with shops, restaurants, rides, and live music. Climate-controlled gondolas offer sweeping mountain views while the boardwalk vibe delivers family-friendly fun day or night.

Ober Mountain

Reachable by the scenic Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, Ober Mountain combines adventure and alpine charm with an ice skating rink, mountain coaster, ziplines, and hiking trails offering stunning Smokies panoramas. Year-round activities and winter skiing make it a four-season destination for thrill-seekers and sightseers alike.

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Famous for America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge and the SkyLift chair ride, Gatlinburg SkyLift Park rises 500 feet above the city for unmatched aerial views of the Smoky Mountains. The SkyBridge’s glass panels add a thrilling edge, while observation decks and trails provide the perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery.

Titanic Museum Attraction

Housed in a half-scale replica of the Titanic’s grand ship in Pigeon Forge, this immersive museum brings the 1912 voyage to life with real artifacts, interactive exhibits, and passenger boarding passes. Self-guided tours through staterooms and the grand staircase create a moving, educational experience unlike any other

Parrot Mountain & Gardens

Tucked in the foothills near Pigeon Forge, Parrot Mountain & Gardens is a lush 35-acre tropical paradise filled with hundreds of free-flying exotic birds and colorful gardens. Guided encounters, feeding stations, and peaceful walking paths make it a serene, family-friendly oasis for bird lovers of all ages.

Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery

Pioneering legal moonshine in Tennessee since 2010, Ole Smoky in Gatlinburg (with locations nearby) offers free tastings, distillery tours, and a rustic “Holler” vibe highlighting Appalachian spirits. Sample award-winning flavors like Apple Pie or Mango Shine while learning the colorful history of mountain moonshine making.

WonderWorks Pigeon Forge

Housed in an upside-down building on the Pigeon Forge Parkway, WonderWorks turns science into hands-on fun with over 100 interactive exhibits on earthquakes, lasers, and space travel. The mind-bending illusions and educational challenges provide hours of indoor entertainment perfect for curious kids and adults alike.

Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

Boasting the longest downhill track in the United States, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster winds over a mile through wooded mountain terrain near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Riders control their own speed on individual sleds for a thrilling, scenic ride suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge

The Pottery House Café

Nestled in the historic Old Mill district, this charming restaurant serves Southern classics on handmade pottery. Known for fresh-baked breads, steaks, seafood and a relaxing, cabin-like atmosphere.
⭐ 4.7 rating • ~5,800+ reviews
https://www.old-mill.com/pottery-house-cafe-grill

Local Goat

Pigeon Forge’s premier New American restaurant and one of the highest-rated in the area. Known for scratch-made burgers, steaks, fresh seafood, and creative locally sourced dishes in a vibrant setting.
⭐ 4.7 rating • ~8,800+ reviews
https://www.local-goat.com/

The Old Mill Restaurant

Historic grist mill restaurant offering authentic Southern comfort food with massive portions. Famous for homemade breads ground on-site and hearty country favorites like fried chicken.
⭐ 4.5 rating • ~13,700+ reviews
https://www.old-mill.com/

Blue Moose Burgers & Wings

Casual hotspot specializing in juicy burgers and tasty wings with creative sauces. Delivers generous portions in a fun, family-friendly sports bar setting right in Pigeon Forge.
⭐ 4.6 rating • ~6,200+ reviews
https://bluemooseburgersandwings.com/

Sawyer's Farmhouse Restaurant

Warm farmhouse eatery beloved for breakfast and all-day Southern dining. Known for fluffy made-from-scratch pancakes, waffles, crepes, and hearty country plates.
⭐ 4.6 rating • ~4,300+ reviews
https://sawyersbreakfast.com/

Huck Finn's Catfish

Longtime family-owned Southern spot famous for all-you-can-eat fried catfish, chicken, and endless homemade sides. Delivers generous vittles and classic comfort food in a casual, no-frills setting.
⭐ 4.4 rating • ~4,500+ reviews
https://www.huckfinnsrestaurant.com/