If you are planning your first trip to the Smoky Mountains, you will be thrilled to know that there are tons of fun things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for first-time visitors. However, it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming to try to sort through all that the area has to offer to determine which activities to prioritize. That is why we have gone ahead and put together this helpful list of some of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg if you are visiting the area for the first time. Let’s get started:
1. Explore the Gatlinburg Strip
First up, if it is your first time visiting the Smoky Mountains, we would definitely recommend heading to downtown Gatlinburg to check out the strip! This pedestrian-friendly area is home to tons of shops, restaurants, attractions, and more, so it is a great place to start your trip. Chances are, you’ll see plenty of things that interest you, and you might just find yourself returning to this hotspot more than once during your stay!
2. Discover Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Next up among our top things to do in the area for first-time visitors is discovering the incredible natural beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park! With over 800 miles of trails for visitors to explore, options for all skill levels, a variety of sights that includes historic homesteads and stunning panoramic views, and more, visiting the national park is a no-brainer for first-time visitors to the area. Learn about some of the top Smoky Mountain hikes right here!
3. Check Out Ripley’s Attractions
If you are taking your first trip to the Smoky Mountains, you will quickly notice that there are several fun Ripley’s attractions here in the area, and visiting them should definitely be on your itinerary! From Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, with its iconic shark tunnel and interactive stingray exhibit, to Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf, which presents a fun challenge for the whole family, and so much more, you will never be bored while visiting Ripley’s attractions. Plus, you can save big by purchasing a Ripley’s combo pass!
4. Taste Moonshine, Cider, & Wine
Yet another of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for first-time visitors is to visit some of the area’s distilleries, wineries, and more! If you are looking to sample some of the finest moonshine flavors the region has to offer, you can head on over to Ole Smoky Distillery for a tasting, and browse their shop to take some home for yourself. Or, you can visit Smokin’ Banjo, a popular Gatlinburg winery that also serves up some delicious hard cider. These spots and more make it easy to try the incredible flavors of the Smoky Mountains!
These are just some of the many fun things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for first-time visitors. When you come to stay with us here at Uncle Jim’s River Cove Campground, you will not only be able to enjoy all of these great activities, you will also have a fantastic time unwinding by the peaceful waters of the Little Pigeon River. If you are ready to plan your camping adventures in the Smoky Mountains, you can reserve a spot at our Sevierville campground right here. We look forward to welcoming you!
