What’s open in Pigeon Forge?
Because Pigeon Forge is a tourist destination, some attractions will close seasonally while others remain open 365 days a year.
We hope this guide can help you plan which month is best to visit the Great Smoky Mountains for you and your family.
Does Pigeon Forge have an off season?
Generally speaking, the Smoky Mountains are busy in just about any season.
According to statistics from the National Park Service (NPS), the Smokies had an estimated 12.5 million visitors in 2019.
January, February and March had the least amount of visitors, averaging a little more than half a million visits per month.
July and October were the busiest months, averaging 1.5 million visitors per month.
Is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park open?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
Sometimes, roads or facilities will close for weather or close seasonally.
Roads that have seasonal closures include:
- Balsam Mountain/Heintooga Road
- Clingmans Dome (more on this below)
- Forge Creek Road
- Little Greenbrier Access Road
- Parsons Branch Road
- Rich Mountain Road
- Roaring Fork
- Round Bottom/Straight Fork Road
For current conditions, check the NPS website.
Is Dollywood open year round?
The most notable attraction that closes seasonally is Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park.
Dollywood closes from early January to mid-March each season.
During the closure, Dollywood works behind the scenes, taking down the Christmas decorations, performing maintenance and preparing for the upcoming season.
Are there other seasonal closures in the Smoky Mountains?
Hillbilly Golf, located in Gatlinburg, Tenn., also closes seasonally from late November through early March.
During the seasonal closure, Hillbilly Golf performs maintenance on the course.
Read Also: Hillbilly Golf is a rite of passage for Smoky Mountain visitors
Clingmans Dome Road, which leads to the tallest mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is also worth noting again due to its popularity.
Clingmans Dome Road is open from April through late November. It offers the easiest way to get to Clingmans Dome.
Parrot Mountain in Pigeon Forge also closes during the winter months, from Nov. 30 through early March.
Last but not least, the area’s waterparks will have seasonal closures too, of course.
The all-new Soaky Mountain Waterpark and Dollywood’s Splash Country open around Memorial Day and close around Labor Day. They may open on additional select weekends, weather permitting.
Read Also: Soaky Mountain Waterpark slides and attractions: Your complete guide
Are attractions open in Pigeon Forge?
There are many attractions in Pigeon Forge and its surrounding areas that are generally open 365 days a year, including:
- Alcatraz East
- Beyond the Lens
- Crave Golf Club
- Hollywood Wax Museum
- Ober Gatlinburg
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium
- Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
- Ripley’s Mini Golf (2)
- Ripley’s Mirror Maze
- Ripley’s Moving Theatre
- Rocky Top Mountain Coaster*
- The Island in Pigeon Forge
- TopJump Trampoline & Extreme Arena
- Wilderness at the Smokies
- Wonderworks
Note that Rocky Top Mountain Coaster will close for thunderstorms. Individual hours may vary and are always subject to change.
Read Also: What’s open on Christmas in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg
What shows are open in Pigeon Forge?
Pigeon Forge is famous for its theaters and dinner shows. Many of these venues operate on a limited schedule during the “off season,” but the following venues do offer shows year round:
- Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud
- Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud
- The Comedy Barn
Some venues may offer a more limited schedule between January-March. The main show season begins in April.
Check the respective calendars for more information.
Read Also: Top 12 theaters and dinner shows in the Smokies
Did we miss any notable attractions that need to be added to the list? Let us know in the comments!
The Mountain Monster on Teaster is still operating on weekends!
The Dixie Stampede schedule please
Hi Debbie! The Stampede offers a limited during the off season – The full schedule can be found at dpstampede.com/pigeon-forge/show-schedule 🙂
Hello, I am wondering about the 9 or so rides on the island….are they open in February? Do you typically get much snow around that time?
Thank you
Hi Kathryn! Some of the Island rides do not operate in temperatures less than 40 degrees. In February, it’s hard to say. I’ve seen it snow and I’ve also seen beautiful February days. Snow is possible but not necessarily common. Hope that helps!