It’s that time of year again … cooler weather, changing leaves, football games, pumpkin spice lattes. Yes, we’re talking about fall! And what better place to spend a weekend (or two or three) this fall than in Pigeon Forge? You won’t find better weather or prettier scenery than right here in the Great Smoky Mountains, so go ahead and book your Pigeon Forge cabin!
After you’ve reserved your perfect cabin, it’s time to make plans so you can make the most of your Smoky Mountain visit. And since fall is all about the beauty of the great outdoors, what could be more fun than spending time in Pigeon Forge’s city parks? These public parks are completely free and offer a variety of ways to experience the crisp fall air without blowing your budget or leaving anyone behind.
Check out more information about two of Pigeon Forge’s public parks—Patriot Park and Wear Farm City Park—below. The city’s third park—City Park—is closed for now until further notice due to a construction project. For more information, see the official Pigeon Forge website (cityofpigeonforge.com).
Patriot Park
Old Mill Avenue | Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Have you ever been to The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge? If so, then you know right where to find this charming public park in the heart of downtown. Patriot Park is located right behind The Old Mill Restaurant, and it’s the home of several popular Pigeon Forge events, including the annual Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival on July 4 and the Winterfest lights display during the holidays.
But even though there’s no scheduled event for the fall, you can still take advantage of Patriot Park’s half-mile walking trail, which pays tribute to the United States by flying the individual states’ flags and honors United States war veterans with several memorials.
While you walk, you’ll also pass by a small creek that flows through the historic Old Mill. The fall is the perfect time to enjoy the crisp, cool air while you feed the ducks with your kids at the creek.
Do you have a special event coming up this fall? Say a special family picnic or even a proposal? Why not rent the Patriot Park gazebo? Reservations are free, and to make one, all you need to do is call 865-429-7373. (Without a reservation, the gazebo is available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis.)
Ideas for fall fun at Patriot Park:
- Go for a family walk.
- Arrive early for a crisp morning run.
- Throw a football or Frisbee with the kids.
- Grab a blanket and have a family picnic on the grass.
- Feed the ducks at the creek.
- Savor a cup of coffee while you read the veterans’ memorials.
- Rent the gazebo for a family reunion or other special event.
Wear Farm City Park
623 Wears Valley Road | Pigeon Forge, TN, 37863
One of the newest attractions in Pigeon Forge, Wear Farm City Park was completed in the spring of 2013 and offers a variety of outdoor amenities to the Pigeon Forge community. At this public park, you’ll find all of the following:
- 5 lighted softball/baseball fields
- 1 lighted football field
- 1 multipurpose field
- 2 playgrounds
- 3 shelters
- walking trails
- basketball court
- 2 concession stands/restroom buildings
- plenty of parking
With so much variety, Wear Farm City Park is a fun stop for families, couples, and any other small group planning to visit the Smokies this fall. And because of its size, Wear Farm City Park even works well for larger groups—such as those traveling with their entire extended family, a group of co-workers, a group from church, or multiple families with kids.
You’ll appreciate the ample space and parking this attraction provides as well as the surrounding scenery of the Smoky Mountain trees. So be sure to plan for some time in the great outdoors at Wear Farm City Park this fall!
Ideas for fall fun at Wear Farm City Park:
- Plan a large group softball game.
- Get the family together for some flag football.
- Bring the kids for an afternoon on the playground.
- Plan a large family picnic in the great outdoors.
- Shoot some hoops with the guys.
- Get the girls together for a walk.
- Go jogging on the trails with friends.
- Use the multipurpose field for corn hole or croquet.
- Plan an outdoor scavenger hunt for the kids.
Must-Have Park Gear
If you’re planning a visit to either of these city parks, here’s a quick list of some items you don’t want to leave behind so you can make the most of your outdoor fun this fall.
- Picnic blanket and basket
- Football, Frisbee, or soccer ball to kick around
- Outdoor games/gaming equipment
- Leash (if you’re bringing the family dog)
- Sneakers (for walking/jogging)
- Light jacket (just in case the weather drops)
For more tips on planning your Pigeon Forge vacation, be sure to check out our Pigeon Forge Cabins blog, keep up with our articles, and/or start an online chat with one of our reservation specialists. They’re available to assist you with your family’s perfect Smoky Mountain getaway this fall!