Think about this: your dad has spent years of wiping tears. He wiped tears from your chubby baby cheeks. He wiped tears when you fell while learning to ride a bike, playing sports, or being a commonly difficult little human being. He wiped tears after your first big heartbreak whether it was over a boy, a girl, or a failure. He wiped tears from his own face when he gave you away at your wedding or watched you marry someone worthy to take his place, wiping those tears from your face.
If you’re lucky to have your dad in your life, then he has likely been one of the most important relationships of your life. He deserves the best. That’s why a getaway to a Pigeon Forge cabin is a great way to treat him and tell him “thank you.” Plus, we have 10 great ideas for a memorable Father’s Day in Pigeon Forge – for every “type” of dad!
For the Outdoorsman Dad
The Smoky Mountains have over 800 miles of hiking trails through beautiful, lush forestry, alongside peaceful babbling streams, through impressive caves, and to the peaks of majestic mountains. Take dad for the perfect day hike to Andrew’s Bald where you can enjoy 360-degree views while having a family picnic in the mountain pasture. Visit Smoky Mountain Llama Trek for a unique hiking experience on top of all the gorgeous natural scenery!
For the Sporty Active Dad
Does your dad like a little more thrill when he goes exploring outdoors? The Smokies are the outdoor adventurer’s paradise! Send him flying through the trees on a zipline or through foaming white rapids along the Pigeon River during a whitewater rafting trip. Splash through streams and over rocky terrain on an ATV ride! Spend the money to make memories while exploring, instead of another tie or watch.
For the Sportsman Dad
Like a dream plucked right out of his head, spend Father’s Day weekend with a Smoky Mountain fishing or hunting trip! Miles upon miles of streams and rivers crawl through the Smokies filled with trout. Wake up early in the comfort of your cozy cabin and step right out the back door to fish beside one of our cabins on the river! Head deep into the Appalachian forestry to hunt deer, wild turkeys, and boar. Or, hit the shooting range at the Gatlinburg Sportsmen’s Club to practice firing skeet and long-range targets!
For the Quirky Theater Dad
If dad is into original plays performed in a classic theater-style setting, Sweet Fanny Adam’s Theater in downtown Gatlinburg will be a real treat! The original founders’ family still operates and performs, productions are original 1890s-inspired works, and the fourth wall is often broken to pull amateur talent onto the stage to up the fun!
For the DIY Dad
Gatlinburg is home to the largest and oldest guild of artisans in the country along the Tennessee Heritage Arts and Crafts Trail in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community! If dad would prefer to make something with his bare hands rather than buying it from a store, he is sure to fall in love with a day touring the shops of the Smoky Mountain artisans and hand-crafters. Leatherwork, woodwork, metalwork, and more, visitors are welcome to ask questions about the finished works and the area. It’s a DIYer’s paradise!
For the Cheesy Tourist Dad
Do you still have memories of dad dragging the family to ridiculous side-show attractions on the way to vacations? Well, these stops may not be as cheesy, but he will be thoroughly entertained by some of the area’s more touristy stops like the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, the Star Cars Museum, and Hillbilly Golf. (Just to name a few!)
For the Nerdy Sci-Fi Dad
Let your favorite nerd indulge his geeky side for the day! At the Hollywood Wax Museum, stop the next zombie apocalypse with dad leading the way through Outbreak: Dread the Undead. The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium brings the old cable show back to life with 500 exhibits for dad to study and gawk in amazement!
For the Animal-Loving Dad
Bring some of that child-like wonder back to your dad’s eyes and watch him light up with excitement during some of the Smoky Mountains’ best animal encounters! Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has been recognized as one of the best aquariums in the country with over 10,000 exotic ocean animals! Hit the trails of the Smokies on horseback for a special tour of the terrain with Walden’s Creek Riding Stables. Ober Gatlinburg also boasts an animal encounter, and you can always hop in the car for a drive around Cades Cove. Bring along the binoculars and watch for wild turkey, deer, black bears, and more!
For the Thrill-Seeking Dad
Do your dad’s favorite movies often include The Rock or Bruce Willis? Well, take him on a day of adrenaline kicks! Treat him to a day in of body-surfing in a vertical wind tunnel in Flyaway Indoor Skydiving, (this may be entertainment for both him and you as you watch him from the viewing deck). Let him lead the way through the Gatlinburg Haunted Mansion so he can brave all the jump-scares and ghosts! If his life’s dream is to live out one of those action movies, he will love trying to beat the clock in one of four thrilling scenarios in The Escape Game in The Island at Pigeon Forge!
For the Laid-Back Dad
His better days are those spent on a porch or playing golf, this easy-going dad’s paradise is in a Pigeon Forge cabin. After playing 18 holes on a beautiful course surround by mountain scenery at Bent Creek Golf Course, your dad will really be feeling the love when he slips into the hot tub or lays back in a rocking chair on the cabin porch. Take an early-morning car ride along Loop Road in Cades Cove for serene mountain and valley views along with glimpses of local wildlife like deer and black bears.
Maybe your old man is a multi-faceted guy and would love to do a few of these activities; mix-and-match over your time spent in the Smoky Mountains! Time is more important than money and gifts. Show your dad how much he is loved and appreciated by surrounding him with the people he loves, making the best Father’s Day memories while staying in a Pigeon Forge cabin!
