Pigeon ForgeSpring Travel Guide

Spring has sprung in the Smokies and now is the time to visit our magical mountain town. Come stay and play with us this spring season. We have something for everyone from Easter events and wildflower pilgrimages to award winning barbecue festivals, trout tournaments and top-rated car shows. Of course, we have your family favorites but even some new things to do and places to stay and eat. And don’t forget to check out our other Pigeon Forge travel guides!

Spring signifies new beginnings, and we have over 30 new things for you to see and do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for 2019. We will treat your taste buds with our new restaurants & eateries and thrill your mind & senses with the top attractions in the nation. Batten down the hatches as we will say ahoy! to the buccaneers from the all new Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show and take a step back into the boots of two brothers who fought on opposite sides of the Civil War at the Buttonwillow Civil War Theater. [What's New In Pigeon Forge →]

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and have died in military service for our country. We are surrounded by Civil War history in East Tennessee. In the heart of Pigeon Forge, the Old Mill stands as a reminder of the tumultuous past of our area. During the war, the historic gristmill powered several looms which produced cloth to make uniforms for local Union volunteers.

Reach For The Rapids

Memorial Day Weekend kicks off a long, hot summer in Pigeon Forge. The kids are out of school, temperatures are on the rise, and it is the perfect weekend to grab a raft and hit the water. Rafting trips begin on a day-to-day basis in March & April, with a full schedule of trips for most locations beginning in May.
Go Rafting

Lazier Rivers

Beat the heat and save some money on your vacation by booking a hotel with a water park. A hotel with a water park combines the comfort you want, with all of the entertainment they will need. Stress less about planning the perfect vacation, and enjoy your time floating down the lazy river.
Water Park
Hotels

Spring Hikes

Spring is the time to get the whole family outside to enjoy the blossoming flora of the Smoky Mountains. We have picked spring hikes that are perfect for the entire family. Waterfalls, flowers & adventure await.
Go Hiking

Fishing Spots

Rivers and mountain streams offer guests a bevy of places to fish in the Smoky Mountains. There are two spots in Gatlinburg that are for children only. Mynatt Park and Herbert Holt Park which also offers a handicap accessible pier are both easy access trout fishing spots to teach your little one how to fish.
Go Fishing

Spring Car Shows

Car enthusiasts, collectors and thousands of spectators from all over the nation cruise to Pigeon Forge each spring to admire and show off a wide array of classic vehicles at various car shows throughout the season. With so many classic corvettes, broncos, mustangs, pontiacs and more available to view, plus massive swap meets and vendor gatherings, Pigeon Forge car shows are exciting for all attendees. Make plans to attend one of these great events during spring in the Smoky Mountains.

Spring Corvette Expo

Mar 15-16

Ponies In The Smokies

Mar 20-23

Bronco Super Celebration

Apr 10-13

Spring Rod Run

Apr 11-13

Yellow Mustang Car Show

May 2-5

Pontiacs In Pigeon Forge

May 30 - Jun 2

Easter In Pigeon Forge

As the Smoky Mountains awaken from their winter slumber, shades of green begin to creep up the mountainsides and the hills are dotted with the colors of wildflowers as they bloom into existence. All of your senses come alive as smell, sound, taste and touch all harken to welcome in the season. Whether you are visiting to celebrate the resurrection of Christ or to relax with your family, we hope you will join us for one of our many Easter events.

Easter Events

Event Central

March 19-23

A Mountain Quiltfest

April 6-7

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament

April 12-14

Hands On Gatlinburg

April 12-13

Smoky Mountain Wine Weekend

April 26

Earth Day 5K

May 7-11

Wilderness Wildlife Week

May 17-18

Bloomin' BBQ & Bluegrass

May 27

Mermaids At Ripley's Aquarium

April 24-27

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

A tradition in the national park, the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage features professionally guided explorations throughout the Great Smoky Mountains. Pilgrims get the opportunity to study the region's rich natural resources, native wildlife, and cultural history. After nearly 70 years of this annual adventure, nature lovers of all kinds have come together to enjoy the outdoors and help build the national park's database with important information about the local environment and species that make up its habitat. Last year's pilgrimage - which included more than 800 people from more than 32 states - generated over 1,800 important observations for the park.

But the experience is much more than flowers; the 4 day event offers over 150 different programs for all interests, including photography & gardening workshops, bird sketching, salamander foray, nighttime bat walk & owl prowl, medicinal plant & edible mushroom walks, nature journaling, and more.

This event offers a rare opportunity for foresty scholars, average gardeners, botanists, professors, and anthophiles alike to come together and enjoy the outdoors while they also help advance the study and research of wildlife in our national park. [Event Info]

Let's Go Camping

Russell Field

Spence Field Overlook by Jason and Kris Carter / CC BY 2.0

Backcountry

Located along the Appalachian Trail, Russell Field has 14 spots available for camping and is horse accessible. To use the shelter you must contact the backcountry office and reserve your space at least a month in advance. Start at the Anthony Creek Trailhead to hike the entire 13 miles of the Russell/Spence Field loop.

Elkmont

Frontcountry

Situated on the Little River, Elkmont campground has 200 tent & RV campsites with paved driveways, tent pads, fire pits, & picnic tables plus 20 wooded walk-in sites for tent camping. Nine campsites and amenities are wheelchair accessible. Restrooms at Elkmont Campground have toilets, cold running water, and potable water spigots.

Under Canvas

Glamping

New to the Smoky Mountains, Under Canvas allows guests to enjoy the beauty of the mountains while glamping in a safari-inspired tent. En Suite bathrooms, wood stoves and luxurious linens await your arrival at this 182 acre retreat located within minutes of the parkway.