Whether you’re desperately needing some quality time with your son, wanting to surprise him with a special trip for an accomplishment, or are a grown son wanting to treat your dad, what better way to do that than with a father-son trip? And what better place to have a big father-son adventure than in the Great Smoky Mountains?! Rustic mountain surroundings, old-growth forests to explore, 800+ miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, cool cabins loaded with games and entertainment, moonshine distilleries, fun attractions, high-action adventures…Pigeon Forge has it all!
Adventure Awaits
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the most-visited national park in the U.S. – is at the top of any father-son trip. If you’re outdoor enthusiasts, you may spend your whole weekend playing here! The park boasts more than 800 miles of trails, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, checking out historic buildings, and playing. There are challenging hikes like the Alum Cave Trail that leads to the top of Mt.LeConte, and there are laid-back walks to beautiful waterfalls and grassy balds.
Beyond the national park, check out parks in Pigeon Forge (Patriot Park and Wear Farm City Park) for tossing around a football, walking, or just enjoying the breeze. You can fly down the hill at the Outdoor Gravity Park, take a helicopter tour over the Smokies, zip through the trees at Smoky Mountain Ziplines, race go karts at NASCAR SpeedPark, or go on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with Smoky Mountain Guide.
Kid-friendly Fun
Pigeon Forge is perfect for father-son trips with younger sons, with dozens of kid-friendly attractions. Bounce around at TopJump Trampoline Park, play miniature golf, check out the many arcades along the Parkway (Big Top, LazerPort, Arcadia, and more), play laser tag, ride roller coasters at Dollywood, check out hands-on exhibits at WonderWorks (the upside-down building on the Parkway), grab a footlong Ogle Dog at Fannie Farkle’s (downtown Gatlinburg), get matching airbrush t-shirts, pose like old-time gunslingers for an old-time photo, play around at Ober Gatlinburg, or try something new at Flyaway Indoor Skydiving!
Moonshine for the Men
If you’re a son planning a trip for your dad, we’ve got some great ideas for an awesome father-son weekend. One of the hallmarks of the Smokies is moonshine; you’ll find plenty of it here. Stop by Ole Smoky Moonshine, Sugarlands Distilling, Old Forge Distillery, Smith Creek Moonshine Distillery, or Doc Collier’s Moonshine to sample flavors like Lemon Teashine, Harley-Davidson Road House Customs, Margarita, Silver Cloud Tennessee Sour Mash, Tickle’s Dynamite Cinnamon, and more. You can also top by Smoky Mountain Brewery for burgers and beer, Mellow Mushroom at The Island for pizza and drinks, or Margaritaville for music and good food.
A Laid-back Weekend
If laser tag, go karts, and indoor skydiving aren’t your thing, don’t worry. Pigeon Forge has plenty of more relaxed activities for a serene father-son getaway. Start with coffee on the deck of your Pigeon Forge cabin before grabbing a big breakfast at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp or Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. Then hop aboard the trolley to explore the town or head to The Island for The Escape Game, a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, or to watch the show fountain. Take a break with a show at The Comedy Barn or the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, treat Dad to some pampering at Riverstone Resort & Spa, play some golf at Bent Creek Golf Course, drive through Cades Cove to see the historic homesteads and churches, and then do some shopping. The stores in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg specialize in everything from outdoor gear, knives, and jerky to electronics, cigars, and nostalgic signs. At night, head back to your cabin to relax in the hot tub, watch a movie, play some games, or order a pizza in and unwind.
Dad-Approved Events
Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta – July 4
Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion – August 25 – 26
Shades of the Past Rod Run – September 8 -9
Taste of Autumn – September 14
Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run – September 14 – 16
OktOBERfest at Ober Gatlinburg – September 22 – October 29
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament – October 7 – 8
Pigeon Forge Cabins for a Father-Son Retreat
After tasting moonshine, hiking in the national park, fishing in cool mountain streams, playing laser tag, racing go karts, and filling up on burgers and pizza, be sure you have a comfortable place to settle in at the end of the day. We have tons of Pigeon Forge cabins to choose from, including 1-2 bedroom cabins for a father-son trip and large group lodges for a father-son retreat.
Our Pigeon Forge cabins are loaded with everything you could need for an awesome weekend, from full kitchens, Wi-Fi, and big screen TVs with Blu-ray players to grills, awesome home theaters, and rec rooms loaded with air hockey, foosball, arcade games, and more. We even have pet-friendly properties if Dad can’t leave his best friend behind!
