Are you looking for all the best free things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN? Here are all my favorite things to do that will help you cut down on costs during your Smoky Mountain vacation!
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Throughout my life, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have always been a go-to vacation spot.
And I’ve got good news – there are tons of free things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
I have lived in Nashville, TN, my whole life, so the Smoky Mountains have always been a common getaway for me and everyone I’ve grown up with.
I grew up going there for family vacations. We even took a day trip up to Dollywood once for one of our senior trips in high school. I’ve gone with friends to rent a cabin. It truly is one of those vacation spots that has something for everyone.
There are so many fun attractions if you want to keep your days busy, but with how stunning the mountains are and the amount of amazing cabins you can rent out most of the time you feel like you don’t even to leave where you are staying.
Sometimes when I travel, I like to make a list of free things I can do to mix with some of the pricier options. This way, I can splurge on some things but still have plenty to fill my time in between, and that won’t add extra expenses.
This post is all about the best free things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN!
Best Free Things in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN!
Check out my blog post:
Best Places to Stay in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge!
9 of all the Best Things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
1. Explore The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is completely free to enter, so if you love the outdoors, this is a perfect stop for you!
Make sure you do research before you go – there are tons of trails and scenic routes to choose from. There is also a LOT of wildlife, so make sure you know what to do if you have any bear sightings 🙂
Best Stops In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- Cades Cove Loop – A beautiful scenic drive with tons of wildlife
- Clingmans Dome – Highest point in Tennessee
- Laurel Falls Trail – Easy waterfall hike, perfect for families
🧢 Pack tip: Bring a hydration backpack to stay cool on the trails.
2. Stroll the Gatlinburg Downtown Parkway
The whole vibe of Gatlinburg is pretty cool, so truly, you can have tons of fun just walking through. You may catch some street performers, and there are all kinds of unique storefronts!
I personally like the River Walk as well! Walk along the Little Pigeon River and stop at all the gazebos along the way.
Don’t miss:
- Photo ops at the iconic Gatlinburg sign
- Window shopping at The Village Shops
- Watch taffy being made at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen
3. View The Gatlinburg SkyBridge (From Afar)
While the SkyBridge isn’t free itself, there are still a lot of great spots to view the bridge if you want to snap some good photos! I like viewing the bridge from the Gatlinburg Bypass overlook. You get the best views of both the bridge and the city.
📸 Tip: Use a travel-size tripod for selfies or content creation.
4. Catch Free Music and Entertainment at The Island (Pigeon Forge)
If you know me, you know I always love finding some good music whenever I travel. And you can usually find just that at The Island in Pigeon Forge. The Island is a shopping and entertainment complex, but several attractions are 100% free, including:
- The Island Show Fountain – Synchronized light and music show every 30 minutes
- Live bluegrass bands in the courtyard on weekends
🎒 Amazon find: Seat Cushion for comfy seating during performances.
5. Visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
Another one of the best free things to do in Gatlinburg is visiting the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. This historic 8-mile loop features over 100 artists and craftspeople. I love just browsing and looking at all the beautiful art. Plus, you get to see Appalachian culture up close.
Pro tip: Ask for artist demos—many are happy to chat and show off their craft.
6. Enjoy Scenic Overlooks & Sunset Spots
One of the best things about Gatlinburg is there are NO shortages of beautiful views. Sunsets in the mountains are just incredibly beautiful – check out these spots for great views and great photo opportunities!
Best spots:
- Newfound Gap Road Overlook
- Morton Overlook (especially at sunset)
- Campbell Overlook (close to downtown Gatlinburg)
📷 Don’t forget: Clip-on phone lens kits can elevate your photos without a pro camera.
7. Feed the Ducks Along the Little Pigeon River
There are usually tons of ducks and geese along all the riverfront paths. Head to Old Mill Square for great views and some fun wildlife interactions!
Tip: Bring oats or bird-safe food instead of bread.
8. Plan a Free Picnic with a View
Whenever I am traveling to a place that has beautiful outdoor areas, it’s always fun to try to plan a picnic! Bring your own snacks and enjoy a peaceful moment with mountains all around you.
Picnic-ready locations:
- Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
- Herbert Holt Park (Gatlinburg) – Bonus: There’s a trout stream and a playground
- Patriot Park (Pigeon Forge) – Includes a walking trail and a veterans’ memorial
🧺 Affiliate pick: This collapsible picnic basket is lightweight and stylish.
9. Cruise Through Wears Valley Road
If you want some of the most stunning mountain views, take a little scenic drive through Wears Valley. It’s a lot less touristy than many parts of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, which is a reason I like it! You’ll get rolling hills, charming roadside stands, and Appalachian views—no entrance fee required.
🎶 Vibes: Bring a road trip playlist and this phone mount for easy navigation.
10. Tour Candle and Craft Shops for Free Souvenirs (Yes, Really!)
Many artisan shops along the Parkway offer free samples or DIY demonstrations. Here are some of my favorite to check out when I’m visiting:
- Smoky Mountain Candle Company
- Alewine Pottery
- The Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery
One of my favorite things about Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is that you really don’t have to spend much at all to have an amazing vacation.
You’ll have no problem filling your time without breaking the bank.
Pin this guide and share it with fellow adventurers looking to travel smart!
This post was all about the best free things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN!
Other posts you may like:
Best Places to Stay in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge!
9 of all the Best Things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
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11 Must Have Amazon Travel Finds That Will Make Your Life So Much Easier!
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