There’s a quieter side to Pigeon Forge that runs along the Little Pigeon River. The Pigeon Forge Riverwalk Trail is a tree-lined greenway encompassing more than six miles of paved, lighted paths through the city, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and some of the most visited spots on the Parkway.
The peaceful sound of the river and the cool shade of the tree-lined banks are a welcome respite from the nonstop excitement of Pigeon Forge. The Riverwalk Trail is completely free to use, accessible, pet- and stroller-friendly, and open daily from sunrise to sunset.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: basics of walking the trail, highlights to see along the route, tips for first-timers, and the best nearby attractions to pair with your walk.
About the Pigeon Forge Riverwalk Trail
The Pigeon Forge Riverwalk is a 6.4-mile paved trail that runs parallel to the Parkway along the Little Pigeon River. Free to enjoy and open year-round, the trail features multiple access points throughout the city, making it easy to explore as much or as little as you’d like.
The flat, paved path is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, including double and jogging strollers, and is pet-friendly. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of benches, water fountains, and restrooms, making it a comfortable option for a stroll or family outing.
The Riverwalk is one of Pigeon Forge’s best free attractions, connecting directly to the Pigeon Forge Trolley System so you can walk in one direction, experience the city’s natural beauty, and ride back without moving your car.
From November to mid-February, part of the trail transforms into the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail, where dazzling seasonal light displays add an extra touch of magic to an evening walk worth planning around.
Download the Riverwalk Map for routes and info.
Getting to the Riverwalk: Parking and Trail Access
Direct Access Points
You can access the trail from several spots throughout Pigeon Forge, including:
- Patriot Park: 186 Old Mill Ave (includes free parking)
- Pigeon Forge Mass Transit Trolley Center: 236 Old Mill Ave (main trolley center)
- Municipal Parking Lot: 2936 Teaster Lane, between The Island and the LeConte Center (includes free parking)
- Pigeon Forge Community Center: 170 Community Center Dr
- Pigeon Forge Holiday Inn & Suites: 2905 Parkway
- Three Bears General Store Parking Lot: 2861 Parkway
The Holiday Inn & Suites access point features a pedestrian bridge spanning the Parkway, connecting the hotel to the LeConte Event Center, The Island in Pigeon Forge, and the Pigeon Forge Riverwalk Greenway.
Each access point connects to different sections of the trail, making it easy to step onto the Riverwalk from your hotel and explore at your own pace. Along the way, you can hop on or off whenever a particular shop or restaurant catches your eye.
Pro tip: Enjoy free parking at Patriot Park and use the Pigeon Forge Trolley to get around, with no need to move your car all day.
What You’ll See Along the Riverwalk Greenway
Along the Riverwalk Trail routes, you’ll pass natural scenery, city parks, and major local attractions, all without having to navigate busy traffic.
Nature and Wildlife
The trail winds along the Little Pigeon River for most of its length, with views of the water and its gentle rapids. Keep an eye out for geese, herons, and other nesting birds along the riverbank. Some visitors have even glimpsed bald eagles perched in the canopy above the water, a testament to the area’s role as a peaceful wildlife refuge surrounded by lush, shaded scenery.
Nearby Attractions and Businesses
The Island in Pigeon Forge: Follow the Riverwalk to the Three Bears General Store pedestrian bridge to reach The Island in Pigeon Forge. Admission to this entertainment complex is free, with enough shopping, dining, and live entertainment to fill up an afternoon.
From the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot observation wheel with unparalleled views of the Great Smoky Mountains, to a free, choreographed Island Show Fountain that runs every 30 minutes, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to explore.
The LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge: The Riverwalk connects to the LeConte Center via the Municipal Parking Lot, which offers free parking. The LeConte Center hosts major events throughout the year. Check the Pigeon Forge events calendar to see what’s going on during your visit.
The Old Mill District: Located near Patriot Park, the Old Mill District is another area where you can hop on or off the Riverwalk. The historic Old Mill and the surrounding district are worth their own stop, with dining, custom-crafted pottery, shopping, and locally made sweets within easy walking distance.
Patriot Park: A family-friendly green space along the Little Pigeon River, Patriot Park is the perfect spot for a picnic, a dip in the river, or simply a relaxing break. With an open lawn, pavilions, and plenty of benches, it’s a nice place to rest before heading off on more adventures.
Patriot Park is also home to kid-friendly events like the annual Celebrate Freedom Festival. At any time of year, you can stroll past monuments, flags from all 50 states and branches of the armed forces, and even a Patriot Missile from the Gulf War.
Pedestrian Bridges and River Crossings
The trail’s river and parkway crossings are more than just convenient ways to access some of Pigeon Forge’s most popular attractions. They’re also prime photo opportunities.
As you head from the entertainment district to the Riverwalk Greenway, the LeConte Center, and the surrounding municipal parking lots, be sure to have your camera ready, especially during early morning or late afternoon, when golden hour creates prime photo conditions. Gaze upstream toward the majestic Great Smoky Mountains or downstream toward the bright city lights. Whichever way you look, the view is stunning.
Local Shops and Dining
Close to the Parkway, the Riverwalk is a great way to combine a nature walk with a meal or shopping trip. Many dinner shows are within easy walking distance of the trail. Both Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show and Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud are right next to the trail steps, while the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud is just a short walk from the north end of the trail.
Stop for a sweet treat at The Island or exit the trail via the pedestrian bridge to grab dessert near the outlet mall. For more shopping, hit up the Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Stores, just 0.2 miles from the pedestrian bridge access point.
Tips for Walking the Riverwalk Trail
There’s plenty to see along the trail, and a few tips can help you make the most of your walk.
Best Place to Start
Patriot Park, located near Old Mill Avenue, is one of the best starting points on the trail. It has free parking, public restrooms, and connects directly to the main trail loop.
You could also start your journey from the Municipal Parking Lot, which has free parking, the Pigeon Forge Mass Transit Trolley Center, where you can catch a trolley ride in either direction, or the Holiday Inn & Suites.
And finally, Pigeon Forge recently opened a new pedestrian bridge, located behind Rockin’ Raceway and Three Bears General Store. This new entrance point connects the scenic, peaceful greenway directly to the Parkway.
What to Consider with Kids and Strollers
Good news for parents with strollers: the Riverwalk Trail is 100% paved and very smooth. It’s also the perfect width for standard double strollers or jogging strollers.
While much of the trail is shaded, you’ll want to bring sunscreen and a good canopy for the stroller, as parts of the trail are directly exposed to sunlight. If you have kiddos, you’ll also want to bring quarters for the bird feed dispensers near the water. Kids love feeding the ducks, geese, and herons that roam the riverbanks.
What to Consider with Pets
The Riverwalk can be a fun place to bring pets, but make sure you’re prepared:
- Bring a leash, as the Riverwalk requires pets to be kept on a short leash at all times
- Bring your own waste bags to clean up after your pet
- Start early in the morning or later in the evening to protect your pet’s paws from the hot pavement
What to Bring on Your Walk
- Bring refillable water bottles to stay hydrated
- Pack sunscreen and sunglasses, especially in the summertime
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes
- Pick up a trail map from the visitors center before heading out
Riverwalk Trail Guidelines:
- Open daily from sunrise to sunset
- No motorized vehicles
- Cyclists should travel at a safe speed (max. 15 MPH)
- Cyclists yield to pedestrians
- Keep right, pass on the left
- Announce yourself when passing
- Clean up after pets and keep them on a short leash
- No alcoholic beverages permitted
- Report emergencies or suspicious activity to 911
What to Pair with the Riverwalk Trail
As a free path that connects to many Pigeon Forge attractions, the Riverwalk Trail is a perfect, budget-friendly activity to build your day around. Here are a few ideas:
- Walk to lunch at a nearby restaurant and enjoy down-home Southern cooking
- Stroll to a trolley stop and ride back to your hotel or another attraction
- Head to The Island and spend the afternoon enjoying its sights, shops, and entertainment
Check out more free and budget-friendly options in Pigeon Forge.
Customize Your Walking Distance
Since the trail runs alongside the river and connects to most of the city’s key parking zones, it’s easy to walk as much or as little as you want.
The Short and Sweet Loop—0.5-1 Mile
- Start and end: Patriot Park
- The route: Use the dedicated 0.5-mile loop that winds around the park
- Best for: Toddlers testing out their walking shoes and senior pets who can only handle brief outings
The Mid-Distance Trek—3 Miles Out-and-Back
- Start: Patriot Park
- Turnaround point: The Island in Pigeon Forge (1.5 miles out)
- Best for: Older children who can grab a midway reward at The Island, families who need snacks and restroom breaks, and active or social dogs
The Quiet, Shaded Stroll—2 Miles Out-and-Back
- Start: Pigeon Forge Community Center
- Turnaround point: The Island in Pigeon Forge (1 mile out)
- Best for: Infants and toddlers who benefit from the route’s heavy shade, calmer environment, and lower noise levels; anxious or reactive dogs who can’t handle the loud Parkway crowds; and anyone looking for an escape during hot summer days, since dense tree cover keeps this section of the path cool
More to Love About the Riverwalk Greenway
If you’re visiting between mid-November and mid-February, there’s even more to love about the Riverwalk Greenway: the Wonders of Light Walking Trail. During the holiday season, the trail comes alive with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a festive illuminated path that’s free to explore with no tickets required. It’s all part of Winterfest, when Pigeon Forge shines with more than six million holiday lights throughout the city.
Whether it’s glowing with holiday lights or lush with greenery, the Riverwalk Greenway offers a unique way to experience Pigeon Forge. Strategically dipping under all major overpasses and bridges, including the busy Jake Thomas Boulevard and the main Parkway, the Riverwalk provides a safe, easy way to get around Pigeon Forge.
And it’s the best of both worlds. One minute, you’re enjoying a peaceful walk or bike ride along the Little Pigeon River. The next, you’re strolling into The Island for an ice cream cone, a meal, or an afternoon of shopping before slipping back into the quiet of the tree-lined trail.
Ready to Hit the Riverwalk?
Pigeon Forge is a thrilling network of attractions, restaurants, shops, and more, and the Riverwalk Greenway connects it all. Whether you’re heading to The Island for rides and treats or taking a quiet stroll through Patriot Park, the trail is sure to become a familiar, beloved part of your Pigeon Forge vacation.
