Nestled at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains is Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a small town making a name for itself as a nature enthusiast’s dream vacation spot. Pleasant weather months are filled with activities that include zip-lining through the mountains, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding and hiking. The Pigeon Forge Winterfest festival during fall and winter months highlights the natural beauty of the area by creating a winter wonderland which holiday songs herald and stories have immortalized.
Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest begins in early November with a lighting ceremony that brings sparkle to the town with over five million lights. The Christmas lights in Pigeon Forge can be viewed from trolley tours. Tours come complete with guides to entertain passengers with stories and historical information. Trolleys are just one of the ways to explore the magic of the area.
Nature enthusiasts can get up-close and personal with Mother Nature’s handiwork with guided walks and hikes. The Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week that takes place during Winterfest focuses on these types of activities. Guided walks and hikes are provided through scenic areas of the Smokies. Seminar and hands-on workshops provide participants with information on topics that range from history to animal habitats. Appetites triggered by the crisp clean air of a hike can be appeased with tasty down-home eateries and in late February a Chuckwagon Cookoff.
A highpoint of the last week of Winterfest is Saddle Up. After chowing down at the Chuckwagon Cookoff, some of those extra calories can be worked off at the Cowboy Dance. Western music featuring top names and cowboy poets entertain young and old.
After a full day of sightseeing, weary visitors can kick back and relax in a beautiful room at The Inn on the River. This town is ready for overnight visitors.
Winterfest in Pigeon Forge is full of magic and wonder and the things from which memories are made. What is your favorite thing about Pigeon Forge Winterfest? Tell us on My Inn on the River Facebook page.
