There is a picture that sits in a dusty album in my grandmother’s Florida home. It’s of a nearly 5-year-old version of me, circa 1979.
There I am, sandy blonde bowl cut, John Denver style. I’m wearing shorts that stop so far up my thigh it looks like I’m dressed for a doubles match with John McEnroe.
My arms are stretched out horizontally from my shoulders and bent at the elbow, scarecrow style.
On each bicep rests a large, colorful parrot with a tight grip on my quivering arms.
It is a photo-op from Busch Gardens.
Clearly, someone thought it would be a good idea to take their only grandchild at the time, the jewel of their very existence, and turn him into a parrot perch.
My eyes? Wide.
My arms? Shaking with exertion from supporting the weight of these two birds.
My teeth? Gritted and bared like a domesticated wolverine trying desperately to remember what it was like to be feral while being told to smile.
Honestly, had they not had their wings clipped, I thought the two tropical birds might have taken flight and carried me off to unknown realms.
That was the first and last time I allowed myself to be used as a perch.
I wouldn’t say I developed a phobia or anything, but I have had no desire to stand idly by as a large bird digs its directly-descended-from-velociraptors-razor talons into my skin.
As a now-grown man, I have, however, been recently rethinking my position.
I felt it might be time to brush the dirt off my shoulder and let a bird rest there once again.
And thanks to Parrot Mountain near Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, I knew just the place to do it.
If you’ve had multiple vacations to the Smokies and you’re looking for something new and different, you may want to check out this attraction.
Editor’s Note: There’s a sign at Parrot Mountain that forbids commercial photography without written permission. TheSmokies.com has made attempts to contact the attraction for permission, but have not heard back. (And we have beautiful photos we’d love to share!) If you work at Parrot Mountain, please contact us at [email protected].)
Is Parrot Mountain indoor or outdoor?
Parrot Mountain is officially known as Parrot Mountain and the Garden of Eden. It may be important to note that this attraction is about 80 percent outside. You may want to take an umbrella, especially during the rainy season.
When you arrive, you’ll see a stone fence similar to ones you’ll find in Ireland and a path that leads to parrot cottages and a tropical bird paradise.
Parrot Mountain is a home for psittaciformes, parrots, cockatoos and other colorful tropical types including macaws, toucans, hornbills and others.
The birds are housed in beautiful English-style cottages. They are free to enjoy sun, rain and fresh air as part of their habitat.
They sing, talk, hang out on open perches and even dance, showing off a stunning array of beautiful plumage. It’s a spectacle that is perfect for bird lovers or photography buffs.
Is Parrot Mountain open in winter?
Parrot Mountain closes seasonally in the winter for the birds’ protection.
It is open from early March until December. Weather affects operating hours. They are closed on holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
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How long do people stay at Parrot Mountain?
We strongly suggest reserving 2-3 hours to enjoy this walk-through attraction. There’s a lot to see and do.
Parrot Mountain is an eco-tourist park. It features more than 80 different types of birds with hundreds and hundreds of individual birds on display.
You’ll want to allow enough time to enjoy the baby bird nursery, where guests can interact with the babies and see them being fed. You can experience the walk-in aviary and feed nectar from a cup to the Australian Lorikeets housed there.
And the beautiful plumage isn’t the only wonder on-site.
What else is at Parrot Mountain?
The Garden of Eden is a perfect place to stop and enjoy lunch from the Parrot Mountain Deli while taking in the wondrous cacophony of hundreds of birds singing, talking and squawking.
The deli offers snacks such as chicken tenders, sandwiches and pizza.
The prayer garden also has a manger scene.
The immaculately cultivated gardens are full of thousands of beautiful flowers, pleasing green walkways, beautiful landscaping and stone features.
Paved walkways lead past butterfly, peacock and dragonfly benches where you can rest to a soothing stone waterfall.
Toucans, horn bills and magpies are allowed to fly freely in the Secret Garden, which is really pretty cool.
The whole thing should feel odd.
Tropical birds living in a mountain setting heavily influenced by the architectural designs of the British Isles? But it works. The setting is a perfect backdrop for the birds’ bright color palette.
In the bird garden, you may feed the parrots and have souvenir pictures taken while holding the birds.
How much does a parrot cost at Parrot Mountain?
Parrot Mountain is essentially a bird zoo in which you can take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir: One of the birds.
While Parrot Mountain sells the animals as pets, I implore you: Do not take a parrot as an impulse buy. These birds can live a long time.
The African Grey Parrot can live as many as 65 years in captivity.
Even more impressively, wild macaws can live 60 years in the wild. The oldest pet macaw reportedly lived 112 years, but I don’t know that I believe that business.
Parrots specifically, and birds in general, can make great and entertaining pets. They are beautiful creatures and very entertaining.
But you are making a multi-decade commitment to an animal when you bring one home.
Goldfish, they ain’t.
The gift shop also offers shirts, religious items and toys.
How much are the birds at Parrot Mountain?
Birds range in price from $650-6,000 depending on the rarity of the species.
Pro-tip: If you are in the market for a bird, there’s a better selection at Parrot Mountain’s storefront at the Island in Pigeon Forge. And, they carry some of the rarer varieties.
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How much does it cost to visit Parrot Mountain? Is it worth it?
At the time of this writing, tickets to Parrot Mountain are $27.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids 2 to 11 and $21.95 for seniors when you buy online. Children two and under are free. Fees and taxes may apply. Group rates are available for parties of 35 or more and must have reservations.
Check the website for the latest admission prices and hours of operation.
We think that Parrot Mountain, given this overall affordable price and ability to deliver a near half-day of entertainment, delivers a fair bang for your buck.
So is Parrot Mountain “worth it”? We think yes.
Have you ever visited Parrot Mountain in the Smoky Mountains? Let us know about your experience in the comments!
View the web story version of this article here.
Just there in june loved it large variety of birds worth the price
Yes. Well worth the price. Birds are totally beautiful
My favorite place I go every time I visit Smokies❤️
Was just there last week and I will say it’s a beautiful place but I seen birds with over grown beaks and no colorful toys any where to be seen I even offered to build toys and deliver and I was told they would not promise to use the toys and all birds need toys
Don’t buy the birds. They deserve a life in the wild. It’s a nature resource we don’t need to plunder.
We were there in July…loved it!!!
Went to Parrot Mountain for the 3rd time today (been to the Smokies 4 times, Parrot Mountain 3). I love this place. Not only are the grounds gorgeous, but the birds are gorgeous and appear to be well taken care of. It’s a little loud, cause the birds are loud and are trying to get your attention or entertain themselves. Everything is on an incline, but that can’t be helped when you build the attraction on a mountainside! I will go back to this place every time we come back to the Smokies.
If you are thinking about getting a parrot, go here first and spend some time with them. They can be really loud, bitey, live for a long, long time, and are basically a perpetual toddler. They need LOTS of attention, space to roam, enrichment, and special care. If you can’t provide this for your bird, DO NOT get one. Don’t be one of those people that gets a pet because you think it would be fun, only to find out a year in that you made a horrible mistake and want to get rid of it. Do your research, spend some time with the birds, and then make your decision.
The best part about this place is the nursery and the area where you can hang out with the birds and feed them treats (sunflower seeds). You can pet the birds, scratch them, hold them, and just spend time with them. But, they are parrots, with their own individual personalities and needs. Some of them are bitey. Some of them don’t like to be pet. Some of them don’t like to be picked up. Some of them will crawl on your head. Some of them will pick at your watch or ring or earrings. As long as you aren’t afraid of them or getting a little nibble, you will be just fine.
Is it worth the money? Absolutely. Go.
Absolutely worth visiting, we have been 2 times. Beautiful, relaxing, educational and fun. Note on comment saying they dont provide toys and all birds need toys. These birds live in a natural habitat, they are not caged, they are not the lonely. Birds in the wild dont need toys. Parrot Mountain is phenomenal. You will not be disappointed!
My husband and I were there at the end of April 2022. We absolutely loved it. Definitely worth seeing
Loved it. I definitely want to go back. The birsd were so beautiful and I loved being able to hold them.