Why August is the Best Time to Visit Pigeon Forge

As summer winds down, the fun in Pigeon Forge is just getting started. Whether you’re racing down mountain coasters, cooling off at Dollywood’s Splash Country, or hiking to see wildflowers and waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pigeon Forge in August.

Honor Heroes During Celebrate Freedom Month

Pigeon Forge goes out of its way to say thank you to those who serve our country. Celebrate Freedom Month honors active military, veterans, and first responders for the entire month of August. During the celebration, these heroes and their families can take advantage of exclusive discounts at lodging properties, attractions, restaurants, and retail shops across Pigeon Forge.

In other words, if you’re planning a military reunion, August is the best time to visit Pigeon Forge. Not only can you save on overall trip costs, but you’ll also get the chance to celebrate America’s armed forces in true patriotic style and feel like a VIP as Pigeon Forge honors your sacrifice.

Cool Off with Water Activities and Hidden-Gem Experiences

Looking for a way to beat the August heat? Pigeon Forge has the perfect solution, with plenty of fun water activities and ways to cool off this summer.

Water Activities to Keep You Cool

• Book a hotel with a pool or lazy river
• Hike to a scenic waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Enjoy water slides, a lazy river, coasters, and more at Dollywood’s Splash Country
• Roll downhill inside a giant water-filled ball at Outdoor Gravity Park

One-of-a-Kind Ways to Beat the Summer Heat

• Go snow tubing and play with real snow at Pigeon Forge Snow
• Slide into fun at the brand-new, climate-controlled Slick City Action Park – Pigeon Forge, the world’s first indoor slide park
• Hurtle down Daredevil Falls or go whitewater rafting on Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Rampage
• Grab pizza and drinks, then try axe-throwing at Country Roads Axe Co.
• Play indoor mini golf, try a baseball or golf simulator, and play arcade games at The Sweet Spot, then top it off with ice cream in a carmelized pastry cone
• Hit up Sweets N’Play for arcade games, blacklight minigolf, an immersive flight simulator, and a massive candy shop

Discover Must-See Car Shows at the LeConte Center

Two of Pigeon Forge’s biggest car shows of the year happen back-to-back in August, making it easy to attend both or take your pick.

Great Smoky Mountain Bronco® Stampede

When: August 14-15

The Great Smoky Mountain Bronco® Stampede is a spectacular event featuring a massive expo of parts, accessories, and off-road gear for Bronco® fans. Don’t miss the Show & Shine event, where Bronco® owners compete for the best ride.

Great Smoky Mountain Jeep® Club Invasion

When: August 20-22

The Great Smoky Mountain Jeep® Club Invasion rolls into town with an expansive vendor showcase and an exciting Show & Shine competition, a can’t-miss event for gearheads and adventure lovers.

Tip: Extend your trip with a stay at a Pigeon Forge cabin. These cozy retreats make it easy to spend a full weekend exploring Dollywood, hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, and sampling all the great restaurants in Pigeon Forge.

See Larger-than-Life Dinosaurs at Jurassic Adventure

If your kids have ever wished they could see a real dinosaur, Jurassic Adventure is as close as it gets. Children can roam The Island in Pigeon Forge and come face-to-face with 22 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, all featuring realistic movements and sounds.

Don’t miss the centerpiece: a 23-foot-tall Brachiosaurus and an 18-foot-tall juvenile, plus an Island Fountain Show that brings dinosaurs to life like never before. Head to The Island before Jurassic Adventure ends on September 13 to walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs.

Enjoy Summer Adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains

After a day of stimulating thrills and attractions at The Island or Dollywood, the Great Smoky Mountains make for a serene escape. Featuring scenic views, shaded trails, and cascading waterfalls, Pigeon Forge’s natural playground is always worth a visit.

Immerse yourself in nature by hiking to a waterfall like Abrams Falls or Cataract Falls. Whether you’re looking for an hours-long hike or a short, kid-friendly trail, there are plenty of options to choose from, all with spectacular waterfalls at the end.

And don’t miss the show-stopping view from Kuwohi, the tallest point in Tennessee. On clear days, you can see for more than 100 miles in every direction. There’s no better way to experience the grandeur of the Smokies.

Insider Tip: On Wednesdays, Cades Cove is vehicle-free, letting you enjoy the park’s natural serenity without any motorized vehicle traffic. While you’re at it, pack a meal to enjoy at Cades Cove or one of the park’s many other picnic spots.

Explore Family-Friendly Attractions for Every Age

Pigeon Forge caters to families, and in August, all its kid-friendly attractions are open and ready for you.

• Make your own bear or grab a souvenir at the Three Bears General Store
• Head to the Blake Jones Fun Center for racing, mini golf, laser tag, VR, and arcades
• Let the kids explore hands-on exhibits and interactive zones at WonderWorks
• Cool off with bumper boats or race go-karts at Ripley’s Super Fun Park
• Ride a mountain coaster and play mini golf at Lost Mine

Stay Up For Exciting Summer Nighttime Activities

The sun sets later in August, giving you more time for evening adventures. Pigeon Forge embraces the extra daylight with late-night and after-hours activities for all ages.

Check out these fun nighttime activities:

• Cool off with after-hours water fun during Neon Nights at Splash Country (closing August 1st)
• Join the adventure at Scooby-Doo! Mystery Putt, where you can choose from two mini golf courses featuring special nighttime lighting
• Enjoy a late-night picnic around the campfire in your Pigeon Forge cabin
• Zip through the illuminated woods on a nighttime mountain coaster ride at Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
• Play mini golf under the stars at the candy-themed Crave Golf Club
• Attend an evening dinner show, combining live entertainment with Southern dining

Start Planning Your August Pigeon Forge Getaway

With a return to school on the horizon, the last few weeks of summer are the perfect time for one last hurrah. From enjoying must-see shows and attractions to relaxing poolside at your favorite hotel or hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are plenty of reasons to visit Pigeon Forge in August. And with coupons, suggested itineraries, Passport to Savings, and more, it’s easy to plan a Pigeon Forge getaway.

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