Pigeon Forge is a popular town nestled into the Smoky Mountains, making it a wonderful place to take photos. Known for having tons of attractions the whole family will enjoy, paired with old-fashioned Southern hospitality, this small town is great for a weekend getaway.
From amusement parks and mountain coasters to iconic mountain spots and quirky western-style signs, there’s a wealth of opportunities to snap a great photo. Enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the Smoky Mountains while spending time with family and friends in this one-of-a-kind vacation destination.
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The Island
Family fun with a giant Ferris wheel
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The Island in Pigeon Forge offers 23-acres of entertainment with over 80 shops, restaurants, and attractions. Located just off the Parkway just minutes south of 321, the Island has enough to do to keep you busy all day long. From the ropes course and escape room to the old-time photoshop and Margaritaville, you can find an adventure for any age.
Among the most popular attractions, you’ll find at the Island are the iconic 200-foot observation wheel and the island show fountains, which perform year-round with choreographed light and music shows. Stand in front of the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel for a great photo or take a ride to the top for an epic panorama view.
Location: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 865-286-0119
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Historic Old Mill
An iconic mill offering picturesque views
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The historic Old Mill is one of the most photographed mills in the country. Located in the historic Old Mill District along the Little Pigeon River, this quaint area features a charming general store, historic restaurant, and iconic gristmill.
The old mill has been around for over 200 years, making it one of the oldest continually operating gristmills in the country. If you’re looking for the best spot to grab a photo, stand in front of the waterfall and gristmill on Old Mill Avenue. Head there at dusk to catch the golden hour and then grab a bite to eat at the restaurant known for their southern classics like fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits.
Location: 175 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
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Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Pigeon Forge's speedy mountain rollercoaster
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The mile-long Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is the longest alpine coaster in the country. Located just 1.5 miles west of the Parkway, this coaster is situated in the heart of the mountains and is one of the best places in town to enjoy an outdoor adventure. With speeds of up to 27 mph, you can tell they stand by their slogan, “Ride the Hill, Feel the Thrill”.
Control your own speed with brakes built right into the ride and hop on by yourself or with your favorite person for a beautiful and thrilling 7-minute ride. There are cameras stationed throughout the ride or, if you’re feeling adventurous, bring your own and snap a stunning pic along the way.
Location: 867 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm
Phone: +1 865-365-5000
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Dollywood
Dolly Parton’s amusement park
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Dollywood is an iconic amusement park in the states, known for its southern charm, impressive entertainment, and thrilling rides. Located just off the Parkway with a backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is a must-see when visiting Pigeon Forge. With over 40 rides and attractions, make sure to stop by the Dollywood sign in front of the Palace Theater and the express train for the best pictures.
Dollywood is open year-round, and each season boasts its own exciting events. From a water park in the summer and spooky decorations during the autumn to a decked-out Christmas theme come December, there are good opportunities for unique photos at any time of year.
Location: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 800-365-5996
Mapphoto by Coasterman1234 (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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WonderWorks
A unique indoor amusement park
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WonderWorks is a unique indoor amusement park found just north of the historic center along the Parkway. With over 100 firsthand science exhibits, an indoor ropes course, laser tag arena and 4D XD simulator ride, this is a wonderful place to bring the whole family.
When driving along, it’s hard to miss this building because the facade is an upside-down mini-mansion. Pose out front with your hands positioned straight out for a unique photo that looks like you’re trying to push the building back over, or head inside the upside-down foyer and enjoy a photo with a built-in optical illusion.
Location: 100 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 865-868-1800
Mapphoto by J654567 (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Titanic Museum
A life-size replica of the ill-fated ship
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The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge is a life-size replica of the RMS Titanic herself. Located just off the Parkway, next to WonderWorks, you can’t miss this striking reproduction from the highway. As you check out the museum, make sure to stop by the key spots for a great picture.
One of the best places for a family picture is in front of the ship, where the artificial lake with a replica of the iceberg makes for a cool backdrop. The most notable spot to strike a pose is on the grand staircase by the clock. Try imitating Jack Dawson from the movie or gather with friends and family for a beautiful picture.
Location: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Open: Sunday–Monday from 9 am to 8 pm, Tuesday from 9 am to 7 pm, Wednesday–Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm, Friday–Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 417-334-9500
Mapphoto by Doug Coldwell (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Hollywood Wax Museum
Home to celebrity wax figures in Pigeon Forge
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Hollywood Wax Museum is situated along the Parkway, just a 13-minute stroll north of Christmas Place. Whether you love pop stars or legendary athletes, you can stand directly next to a wax figure of your favorite star and impress your friends. Hollywood Wax Museum makes it fun to take pics with your favorite celebrities. Grab one of their props or strike a funny pose for an instant great photo.
Another wonderful place to snag a photograph with your family is outside as the facade is a replica of a Hollywood set. If you’re looking for more than just wax figures, there are other impressive attractions like a maze of mirrors and 5D adventure.
Location: 106 Showplace Blvd Unit A, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 865-428-5228
Mapphoto by Momwriter (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
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Parrot Mountain and Gardens
Scenic gardens with hundreds of rare birds
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Parrot Mountain and Gardens is a scenic garden and parrot preserve offering chances to interact with a variety of rare birds. Located just 4 miles east of downtown Pigeon Forge, this garden is sitting on 4 acres of beautifully designed gardens and is home to hundreds of tropical birds.
One of the most popular photos you can take is with a live bird landing on your arm. Buy bird food at the garden and simply hold out your arm and enjoy the birds up close and personal. After snapping a picture with a live bird, take a stroll through the landscaped gardens and pose in front of the picturesque waterfall for a stunning shot.
Location: 1471 McCarter Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37862, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 865-774-1749
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Christmas Place
Where to experience the vacation cheer in Pigeon Forge
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Christmas Place is the largest Christmas shopping village in the south. Located along the Parkway, just north of Highway 321, this magical area is ideal for getting in the vacation spirit any time of year. With designer-themed Christmas trees, beautifully designed stores, and a full Christmas themed inn, there’s a wealth of opportunities to take an Insta-worthy photo.
Pose in front of the Bavarian Inn and trick your friends into thinking you’re in Europe or grab a picture through the village by the twinkling lights in the trees to capture the magic of Christmas.
Location: 2470 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 800-445-3396
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“Y’all Come Back Soon” Sign
Snap a photo at this iconic sign
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When you search for Pigeon Forge on the internet, one of the first things that you may notice is the “Y’all Come Back Soon” western-style sign. This massive sign obscured in the middle of the highway, just in front of the Eagles Ridge Resort, with a metal worker and a friendly slogan.
Grab a selfie in front of the sign or snap a pic across the road for one of the most notorious sights in all of Pigeon Forge. If you’re staying in one of the cabins at the resort, you might want to upgrade to a room with a balcony so you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Smoky Mountain foothills. These balconies also make for great photo-ops.
Location: 2740 Florence Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
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