5 Things to Do in Pigeon Forge This Summer
May 14, 2024There’s nothing quite like the summer season in Pigeon Forge! Whether you’re planning a family vacation while the kids are out of school or a getaway with a group of friends, there is plenty to see and do in Pigeon Forge in the summer. We want to help ensure you have a great time while you’re in the area and don’t miss out on any of the exciting activities. That’s why we’ve made a list of the top 5 things to do in Pigeon Forge this summer.
1. Visit Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
Of course, at the top of our list of things to do in Pigeon Forge during the summer is visiting our dinner show! We know the beach is a popular summer vacation spot, but we can transport you right from the heart of the Smokies to the high seas! Witness an epic pirate battle between the Crimson and Sapphire crews that features impressive sword fighting tricks, eye-catching acrobatics, and high diving. They’ll battle on land, on deck, in the water, and high above their full-sized pirate ships. Beautiful mermaids, tropical birds, dock-diving dogs, and salty sea lions join in the excitement as well! While you watch, enjoy a full pirate feast that’s four courses and has all your favorite dishes, from fried chicken to macaroni and cheese. When you visit us, schedule our special Animal Encounter for the same day, transform into a pirate or mermaid with our Join the Crew experience, and find some pirate treasure at our gift shop! This is one of the best times to visit our show, especially if you’re hoping to escape the summer heat in the Smokies.
2. Enjoy Other Pigeon Forge Shows
If you love our show, then there are a few other Pigeon Forge shows worth visiting this summer! Hoping to see another dinner show? Head to Dolly Parton’s Stampede or the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud! Dolly Parton’s Stampede features a high-spirited adventure with thrilling horse riding tricks and a four-course country feast. The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud features the longest running feud in history, hilarious antics, and an all-you-can-eat Southern feast. If you are in the mood for endless laughter, head to The Comedy Barn! This is an award-winning clean comedy show that includes comedians, jugglers, ventriloquists, adorable animals, singers, and dancers. You can’t go wrong with any of these Pigeon Forge shows you choose to visit this summer!
3. Hike to a Waterfall
When the sun is shining on a summer day in Pigeon Forge, it’s the perfect time to get outside and explore! The town is just a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spend quality time in the great outdoors. For some of the best views, hike to a waterfall! There are numerous waterfalls throughout the park that offer stunning scenery along the trail, as well as at the falls. Some popular waterfalls are Abrams Falls, which is a voluminous waterfall, or Grotto Falls, a waterfall you can walk behind!
4. Go for a Scenic Drive
If you want to take in the sights of the Smokies but don’t want to be outside in the heat, try going for a scenic drive! This allows you to see all the views from the comfort of your car. We recommend taking a drive to Cades Cove. The Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile loop that offers gorgeous views of the valley, historic structures, and the opportunity to see wildlife. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is another popular scenic drive in the area. The 5.5 mile, one-way loop road takes drivers on a relaxing journey alongside mountain streams, historic buildings, and a roadside waterfall!
5. Visit Dollywood & Splash Country
Your summer vacation wouldn’t be complete without visiting Dollywood and its sister park, Splash Country. Dollywood’s Splash Country is one of the most popular things to do in Pigeon Forge in the summer because it provides countless ways for visitors to cool off and make a splash. Whether you’re going for a relaxing float on the Downbound Float Trip or a heart-dropping slide down Fire Tower Falls, you’re in for a treat. The water park also has numerous water play areas that the kids will love, a wave pool, and frozen treats! We recommend planning an afternoon visit to Dollywood as well, where you can enjoy thrilling roller coasters, dine at award-winning restaurants, and watch incredible live performances. Both parks have something special to offer during the summer!
More Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
We’ve told you about some of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge during the summer, but these are just a few of the exciting activities in the area. To learn more, take a look at our ultimate guide to your favorite things to do in Pigeon Forge!
