man fly fishing in a Smoky Mountain stream
January 16, 2025

Do you want to save money on your Smoky Mountain vacation? Pigeon Forge has a number of budget-friendly activities that won’t cost you a thing! Keep reading to discover some of the top free things to do in Pigeon Forge so you can enjoy an affordable vacation filled with lasting memories.

1. Go Wine Tasting

Mountain Valley Winery

If you enjoy sipping on wine, one of the best free things to do in Pigeon Forge is wine tasting! There are some excellent wineries in Pigeon Forge that offer free wine tastings for guests 21 years of age and older. Some of the most popular Pigeon Forge wineries include Mountain Valley Winery, Apple Barn Winery, and Bootleggers Homemade Wine. During your tasting, you can sample a variety of wine types and flavors. You can then purchase a bottle of your favorite to bring back to your cabin!

2. Take a Stroll Down the Riverwalk Trail

Get outside and enjoy the fresh air with a stroll down the Riverwalk Trail. This tree-lined greenway runs parallel to the Little Pigeon River, providing a peaceful walk in nature. You can walk, run, or bike along this trail. It’s also a great place to walk your dog for some exercise! You can access the trail at Patriot Park and take it past the LeConte Center and The Island, all the way to the Pigeon Forge Community Center. There are a number of benches along the way where you can stop and relax while enjoying the scenery.

3. Take a Scenic Drive

Foothills Parkway

One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the Smokies for free is taking a scenic drive. Hop in your car and go on a drive to soak in breathtaking mountain views. The roads that travel through the Smoky Mountains have plenty of lookout points where you can stop, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and take photos of the spectacular scenery. Wears Valley Road and Foothills Parkway are some of the best scenic drives near Pigeon Forge.

4. Go Fishing

Another one of the fun free things to do in Pigeon Forge is fishing! The Great Smoky Mountains are known for trout fishing, and you can find a number of access points for fishing on the Little Pigeon River and along the streams throughout the national park. Just note that fishing licenses are required for anyone 13 years old or older. You can purchase a fishing license online or at one of the local businesses in the area.

5. Enjoy the Amenities at Your Cabin

game room with pool table and fireplace in Downtown Maple Leaf Lodge cabin

When you stay at a Smoky Mountain cabin, you don’t have to leave your cabin rental or spend money to have fun! If you’re looking for free things to do in Pigeon Forge, look no further than your cabin’s amenities! Our cabin rentals offer a variety of ways to have fun and relax during your stay. Compete against your family and friends in the game room, soak in the hot tub, watch a movie in the theater area, or lounge around the fire pit.

When you stay at one of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals, you’ll be just a short drive from all the best affordable and free things to do in Pigeon Forge. If you’re trying to stick to a budget, book one of our affordable cabin rentals in the Smokies so you can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing place to stay without breaking the bank! For even more savings, check out our cabin specials and Parkside Perks!

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