Pigeon Forge Spring Break: Your 2023 In-Depth Guide

February 2, 2023

Acres and acres of hemlock forests, the towering majesty of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and boatloads of theme park amusement make Pigeon Forge a family-friendly oasis any time of year.

From world-class thrills on the Lightning Rod roller coaster at Dollywood to reveling in the wildlife and Southern Appalachian history at Cades Cove, there are untold ways to spring break in Pigeon Forge TN. Read on to discover the very best of spring break in Pigeon Forge 2023.

Thanks to mild temperatures and tons of indoor and outdoor fun, spring is the perfect time to pursue Pigeon Forge.

Families from all over congregate here to experience the timeless appeal of Appalachian-style living during their Smoky Mountains spring break.

Follow along with our hand Pigeon Forge Travel Guide to learn everything you need to know about a Smoky Mountains spring break.

Pigeon Forge Spring Break

Skip out on lengthy and costly flights when you book spring break in Pigeon! Convenient and cost-effective, the Great Smoky Mountains are less than a day's drive from most major U.S. cities. This means your spring break in the mountains won’t break the bank, and you’ll have even more time to explore Anakeesta or dine with swashbuckling pirates.

Psst..thinking you might want to enjoy the fresh mountain air fun of Ober Gatlinburg? Check out our Spring in Gatlinburg TN guide.

Ground view looking up at the The Waltzing Swinger ride at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USAIs Pigeon Forge Busy During Spring Break?

Are you ready to trade in your crowded spring break beach plans for some sizzling Smoky Mountain sizzling entertainment? April and March are excellent times to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and family-friendly attractions of Pigeon Forge. Unlike Christmas, summer, and fall, spring is considered a ‘lower season’ in Pigeon Forge.

This affords many groups and families opportunities to score significant savings. In addition, you may find many of the area's most popular activities, and sights are far less busy than usual. Even better, you can use those extra dollars to tackle all of the incredible things to do in Pigeon Forge in April and March…

Pigeon Forge TN Weather in March

A Pigeon Forge vacation may mean you can forgo that swimsuit, but most travelers will find the moderate temperatures of a Pigeon Forge spring break vacation more than tolerable. Expect high temperatures of 60 degrees and lows in the high 30s in the evenings.

Be sure to pack that rain slicker, as this is one of the more rainy times of the year. Fortunately, there are innumerable inside and outside things to do in Pigeon Forge in March. From educational outings to the Titanic Museum to scream-inducing turns on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, you’ll be enthralled at every turn.

aerial view over Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA, from The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

photo credit: Phil Nancy Bergstresser via Facebook

Pigeon Forge Hotels

Whether you are eyeing a roomy Gatlinburg condo, a luxurious resort, or a cozy Pigeon Forge cabin, we have you covered with a wide variety of Pigeon Forge Hotels.

Spend some time relaxing before you set forth on a spring wildflower pilgrimage or a dashing dinner reservation with mountain views. Enjoy complimentary breakfast buffets, lazy river swims, fitness facilities, and more.

Pigeon Forge Spring Break Attractions and Activities

Still wondering what to do in Pigeon Forge in April or March? Whether you have your heart set on reuniting with South’s most beloved blonde, or would rather show off your coordination and athletic prowess on a rope course, we’ve compiled a complete guide to spring break 2023 ideas for families:

flowers along the roadway in smoky mountains

From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

America's most visited National Park for a reason, the Smoky Mountains are chock full of over 800 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. Witness the cascading beauty of Rainbow Falls, soak in the scent of spring wildflowers, or attempt to catch a glimpse of the elusive Black bear. 

Cades Cove

It is a go-to stop on any Smoky Mountain Visit, and it's not hard to see why! Visitors of all ages will be charmed and challenged by this 11-mile loop which features unparalleled wildlife viewing, historic homes and churches, and awe-inspiring mountain scenery.

Keep your eyes peeled for coyote, groundhog, turkey, raccoon, and skunk, and don't forget to pick up a self-guided tour pamphlet to learn all about the intriguing Native American history and European settlements that pepper this trail.

road to cades cove in the great smoky mountains national parkSpring Wildflowers

Lady slipper orchids, bleeding hearts, and violets, oh my! Lush fields of blooming wildflowers are a sure sign that Spring has sprung in the mountains. Come April. It is easy to see how the park has earned its moniker, the 'Wildflower National Park.'

With over 1,500 species of flowering plants to discover, budding botanists will have a field day. They can even opt to participate in the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, a week-long festival of guided walks and hikes. 

Ziplines

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah! Soar hundreds of feet in the air as you soak in searing Smoky Mountain Views, Pigeon River, and more. Then, test your mettle as you traverse miles of Ziplines, sky bridges, and even cruise through class 3 and 4 rapids.

boy on zipline at Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USAEntertainment, Amusement Parks, & Attractions

Alpine Coasters

Embrace that fresh mountain air when you take an exhilarating ride on an Alpine Coaster. Instead of being located in a traditional amusement park like a roller coaster, this popular thrill ride is set atop a mountain so riders can revel in sensational views, hairpin turns and control their own speed with individual brake handles.

Zoom through tree-topped forests at speeds up to 35 mph as you brace yourself for a rowdy, rollicking good time. 

Dollywood

All hail the queen of country! Round up the family for roller coasters, live musical performances, world-class festivals, and delicious theme park eats when you head to Dollywood.

Soar to new heights on the Wild Eagle, the country's first wing coaster, discover larger than life blooming sculptures at the Flower & Food Festival, or just eat your weight in cinnamon bread at the Grist Mill. 

Close up of the Lightning Rod coaster at Dollywood full of people going down hill on a sunny day in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA

photo credit: Dollywood

Anakeesta 

Searing 360 degree panoramic Smoky Mountain views, over 800ft of treetop sky bridges, and a first-of-its-kind single rail mountain coaster make Anakeesta a unique attraction like no other.

This award-winning outdoor adventure park features zip lines, scenic Chondola rides, a BearVenture challenge course, and more. Climb AnaVista tower to observe Gatlinburg's tallest point or partake in some first-class retail therapy at the magical Firefly Village. 

aerial view of Anakeesta surrounded by trees with mountains in distance during day in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA

photo credit: Anakeesta via Facebook

The Island in Pigeon Forge

Arcades, escape rooms, and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel makes the Island in Pigeon Forge a can't-miss attraction any time of year. Curious kiddos will have a ball building their own bear.

Or conquering the island's vibrant ropes course. Then, put the pedal to the metal at bumper cars. Meanwhile, adults can cheer to happy hour (somewhere) with an ice-cold cocktail at Margaritaville.

Titanic Museum

Iceberg ahead! Determine your fate as a passenger on the world’s most ‘Unsinkable Ship’ when you visit the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge. Discover a recreated world of wonder, history, and over 400 real artifacts.

Upon entering this masterfully crafted museum, you will receive your very own Titanic Boarding Pass. Touch chilling 28-degree water, waltz down the Grand Staircase, and even attempt to shovel coal into a furnace!

Gaze upon a sumptuous first-class suite, interact with the cabin crew adorned in period dress, and stroke the keys of the Baby Grand Piano.

Conclude your immersive visit by uncovering the fate of your chosen Titanic passenger identity. 

Exterior view of the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge

Titanic Museum Attraction

Dinner Show Attractions

Hatfield McCoy Dinner Show

Feudin, feastin, and a whole lot of fun are what's on the menu at the Hatfield McCoy Dinner Show. So brace yourself for a night of hootin and hollerin as you witness these two families sing, dance, and wrestle away their differences.

This 2-hour action-packed dinner show is full of outrageous comedy, jaw-dropping stunts, and mountain-style music. So come hungry and prepare to tuck into unlimited fried chicken, pulled pork BBQ, smashed taters, creamy coleslaw, and more. 

hatfield mccoy dinner show in pigeon forge

photo credit: Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud via Facebook

Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction

Take it back to the good old days of the Wild West when you reserve your seat at the most fun place to eat in the Smokies, Dolly's Stampede Dinner Attraction! With a dazzling mix of equestrian acts, country music, and spectacular special effects. Guests of all ages will be on their feet clapping for the entirety of this high-spirited adventure.

Devour a four-course feast featuring creamy vegetable soup, flaky buttermilk biscuits, tender rotisserie chicken, and more. But save room for Dolly's favorite hot baked apple turnover. 

Performer Riding a Horse at Dolly Parton's Stampede - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USAPirates Voyage Dinner & Show 

Argh, matey! Prepare to pledge your allegiance to a pirate crew of yore or walk the plank at this pirate-themed dining experience. Adults and kids alike will be caught under the sea-worthy spell. Watch aerial and acrobatic acts animal performances and be wowed by a full-size pirate ship.

Marvel at the mystical mermaids and cheer for the battling crews. Meanwhile, chow down on biscuits, ham, corn on the cob, and unlimited soft drinks, coffee, or tea. 

Just five miles north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies a nirvana of lush forests. Along with live theater shows and award-winning amusement parks.

Aerial view of sunset over Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park guide

Once the chilly winter frost has dissipated, and the wildflowers begin to emerge, the quaint city of Pigeon Forge awakens. Converting into a veritable treasure trove of outdoor activity and entertainment.

Seek out log bridges and old-growth hardwood forest as you hike Alum Cave. Or dive into the fascinating Appalachian history of the Grist Mill. Meanwhile, adrenaline seekers will be satisfied as they zipline, white water raft, or scream the day away on bracing Alpine Coasters.

Related Post: 10 Cheap Things to Do in Pigeon Forge That are Actually Fun

However you choose to Spring Break, from full-on BBQ feasting with Dolly to soaking in the views at Anakeesta. We just know the mountain magic of Pigeon Forge'll enchant you.

What is Your Favorite Spring Break Activity in Pigeon Forge?

Did we miss any of the best places to go for spring break in Pigeon Forge?

Let us know in the comments below what you will be doing for your Pigeon Forge Spring Break 2023!


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Written By Isis Maya

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central America and her love o ...

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