In Pigeon Forge, the journey is just as exciting as the destination. Towering mountains, winding roads, and stunning scenery create the perfect setting for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains.
Whether you soar above the peaks in a helicopter, splash through rugged trails on an off-road adventure, or take in the views on a guided bus tour, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. From thrilling adventures to relaxing activities the whole family can enjoy, these Pigeon Forge tours make it easy to discover the Smokies in a way that fits your vacation style.
Guided Bus Tours
Best for: Groups who want to explore the Smokies and Pigeon Forge in a comfortable, convenient way
On a guided bus tour, you can sit back and enjoy some of Tennessee’s most spectacular scenery. As you roll past rushing waterfalls and towering peaks, expert local guides bring the landscape to life with stories, history, and hidden gems that make the area special. With options ranging from scenic rides through the national park to fully planned group experiences, there’s a tour for every type of traveler.
Step onto a Rocky Top Tour to cruise through the breathtaking scenery of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a comfortable mini-coach. Convenient and accessible, this tour makes it easy for travelers of all ages to share in the beauty of the Smokies.
On the Smoky Mountain Tour Connection, you’ll join a storyteller or retired park ranger for a journey through the park’s most stunning vistas, with plenty of stops for photos. Operating since 1977, this tour is a great choice for those seeking a more personalized way to experience the park.
Winery and Distillery Tours
Best for: Visitors who want to set their own pace and relax
If you love the idea of exploring Pigeon Forge at your own pace, self-guided winery and distillery tours offer a relaxing way to discover local flavors while uncovering the stories and craftsmanship behind each stop. Take your time at each location, sample unique creations, and enjoy a slower side of the Smokies.
Stop by Mountain Valley Winery to explore one of the oldest wineries in Tennessee. With a free tasting, you can sample some of the exclusive wines that have garnered more than 1,000 awards.
For another historic stop, visit Old Forge Distillery beside the Old Mill. Entering the authentic 100-year-old timber building feels like stepping back in time, and watching freshly ground grain move through the stills completes the experience.
If your trip includes a day at The Island in Pigeon Forge, stop by Ole Smoky Distillery. This 6,000-square-foot distillery in the heart of Pigeon Forge is a great place to rest after watching The Island Show Fountains, checking out the shops, or riding the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
Hop off the busy parkway and slow things down at Tennessee Shine Company, one of the last distilleries in Sevier County to use corn in its distilling process. Here, you can sample authentic Tennessee moonshine, brewed from family recipes passed down for generations, then head to the back room to watch the stills in action.
Jeep, UTV, and ATV Off-Road Tours
Best for: Families, thrill-seekers, and off-road enthusiasts
Explore the Smokies in a thrilling off-road adventure, racing along rugged trails and splashing through shallow creeks. Jeep, UTV, and ATV off-road tours give visitors a fun way to answer the call of the mountains, with options for guided or self-driving trips.
Travel with a trusted guide on Smoky Mountains Pink Jeep Tours, an award-winning service that lets families experience 4×4 thrills alongside mountain folklore. Hop in an ATV and ride up a 2,350-foot-tall mountain peak on Bluff Mountain Adventures, where you’ll cruise through 6,000 acres of East Tennessee wilderness. Or put yourself in the driver’s seat with Off-Road Pigeon Forge, rumbling over rocky trails on a private 350-acre mountain.
The option to rent a Jeep or UTV lets you explore at your own pace, and Wranglers and Razors have several options to choose from:
- A 4-door Jeep Wrangler lets the whole family buckle up for a bumpy ride
- The Razor 900 is designed for tight trails and open-air thrills
- A 2-door, open-air Jeep Wrangler lets you enjoy fresh mountain breezes
- The Slingshot is a 3-wheeled vehicle that looks like the Batmobile, setting you up for an unforgettable ride
With ExoRent, beginners and experts alike can drive an ATV through winding mountain trails alongside an experienced guide. Or rent a street-legal UTV to explore both backroads and paved roads. Whether you’re rolling down steep inclines or cruising around Cades Cove with a cooler of snacks in tow, chances are you’ve never experienced a ride quite like this.
Helicopter Tours
Best for: Travelers celebrating special occasions or looking for a wow factor
Imagine soaring above the Great Smoky Mountains from a bird’s-eye view, gazing down on shimmering lakes, rolling farmlands, and the sweeping ridgeline of the Smokies. As you glide through the air, your pilot points out landmarks like Douglas Lake and the French Broad River. Whether you book a shorter helicopter flight over Pigeon Forge or a midrange tour over Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s a great way to add a special wow factor to your trip.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Best for: Couples looking for a romantic experience
Make a romantic gesture with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Sit back and relax with your special someone as you slowly roll through Pigeon Forge, enjoying the soft colors of sunset or the starry ambience of The Island after dark. Then step off and explore The Shops at the Square, where you can browse merchandise or treat your partner to dinner. If you choose a romance package, you can even present them with a long-stem rose at the end of the ride.
Scenic Drives and Bike Rides Through the Smokies
Best for: Families with kids, or groups who want a slow-paced, budget-friendly option
A scenic, self-guided drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an easy, budget-friendly option for families with kids or anyone who wants to move through the park at their own pace.
Wind 11 miles through a lush green valley on Cades Cove Loop Road, stopping to explore log cabins, step into a historic church, or watch a mill in action. On Wednesdays from May 6 to September 30, the loop is closed to vehicles, and nearby bike rentals give families a fun, kid-friendly way to explore while staying active. As you wander through the valley, keep an eye out for elk, white-tailed deer, and black bears. A mountain backdrop makes every stop worthy of a family photo.
Another option is Newfound Gap Road: the lowest pass through the Great Smoky Mountains. Travel right through the heart of the Smokies on this 31-mile paved road that winds through forests of pine-oak, northern hardwood, and spruce fir.
For another scenic drive, head to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Named for one of the largest, fastest-flowing mountain streams in the park, this trail lets you slow down to enjoy peaceful forests, rushing streams, and historic log cabins. Park the car and follow a hiking trail into the woods, then get back in and head to the next stop, with a scenic view around every corner.
Explore the Smokies Your Way
From bus tours to off-road adventures and helicopter rides, Pigeon Forge offers countless ways to take in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. The right choice for your trip depends on what matters most to your group, whether that’s staying within budget, finding a thrill-filled adventure, or enjoying a more relaxed way to see the sights. No matter which experience you choose, you’ll create memories to share long after your visit.
