Smoky Mountain stream with fall foliage on either side

Top 6 Free Things to Do in Pigeon Forge for a Budget-Friendly Vacation

The Island Show Fountain
April 1, 2025

Are you looking for fun things to do in the Smokies without going over your vacation budget? Pigeon Forge has a number of great activities that won’t cost you a dime! Keep reading to discover some of the top free things to do in Pigeon Forge for a budget-friendly vacation in the Smokies.

1. Go Wine Tasting

Mountain Valley Winery in Pigeon Forge TN

If you’re 21 years old or older, one of the top free things to do in Pigeon Forge is wine tasting! There are a number of fantastic wineries in town that offer free wine tastings. You can try a variety of flavors and learn about their winemaking processes. Some of the most popular Pigeon Forge wineries include Mountain Valley Winery, Bootleggers Homemade Wine, and Apple Barn Winery. If you’d rather try some local Smoky Mountain spirits, you can visit Old Forge Distillery for a free moonshine tasting!

2. Stroll the Riverwalk Greenway

Taking a stroll along the Riverwalk Greenway is another one of the best free things to do in Pigeon Forge! This beautiful, tree-lined trail travels along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River and spans over 4 miles. It runs from Patriot Park, past The Island in Pigeon Forge and the LeConte Center, and ends behind the Pigeon Forge Community Center. You can go for a peaceful walk or run along the Riverwalk Greenway and listen to the soothing sounds of the river.

3. Explore The Old Mill

The Old Mill in spring

There’s so much to experience at The Old Mill, making this one of top free things to do in Pigeon Forge! The Old Mill is one of the town’s most famous landmarks. You can watch the historic grist mill wheel turn in the Little Pigeon River and feed ducks along the riverbank. Then, walk through the square and browse the many shops. You can watch candy making at The Old Mill Candy Kitchen and see pottery pieces made by hand at Pigeon River Pottery. The Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen and Old Forge Distillery even offer free samples for you to try!

4. Watch The Island Show Fountain

There are so many fun things to do at The Island in Pigeon Forge, and one of the best is completely free! Grab a seat in a rocking chair and watch The Island Show Fountain for a free show. This state-of-the-art, multi-tiered show fountain features dancing water and lights that are perfectly timed to 14 pieces of music. At night, the colorful lights make this a truly magical presentation! During your visit to The Island, you can also browse dozens of unique shops and participate in seasonal events.

5. Enjoy a Scenic Drive

Foothills Parkway scenic drive with mountain view

If you’re looking for free things to do in Pigeon Forge and want to experience the beauty of nature, make sure you take a scenic drive! There are a number of beautiful scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains that you can easily reach from Pigeon Forge. The closest one is the Foothills Parkway, which offers gorgeous mountain views and plenty of pull-offs where you can get out and enjoy the fresh air. Other popular scenic drives include the Cades Cove Loop Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Newfound Gap Road.

6. Take Advantage of Resort Amenities

Some of the best free things to do in Pigeon Forge can be found right here at our Smoky Mountain resort! When you stay in our condos, you have free access to all of our fantastic resort amenities. Swim and splash in our outdoor pool and kiddie pool, or unwind in the hot tub. For free indoor fun, head to our clubhouse where you’ll find a game room with a pool table, air hockey, foosball, and multi-cade arcade game. Our resort also features a fully equipped fitness center so you can keep up with your workout routine without spending a penny!

More Ways to Save During Your Vacation

These are some of the top free things to do in Pigeon Forge for a budget-friendly vacation in the Smokies. Are you looking for more ways to save on your vacation? Check out these excellent ways to save when you stay at our Smoky Mountain condos!