If you’re looking for some free and/or budget-friendly activities in the Smoky Mountains, there are lots of options from outdoor adventures to local attractions. From your cabin rental in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or Wears Valley, you’ll find a ton of activities that won’t break the bank. Here’s our guide to some of the top free and affordable things to do in the Smokies!
Free and Affordable Outdoor Activities
📍 Location: Gatlinburg entrance to the national park
💲 Cost: Free
Stop by for educational exhibits, free park maps and easy access to nearby trails like Laurel Falls or Cataract Falls. Great for families or anyone looking for a quick break in nature.
Cades Cove Scenic Drive
📍 Location: Accessible from Gatlinburg
💲 Cost: Free
This 11-mile loop offers mountain views, historic cabins, and a chance to see wildlife like deer and black bears. It’s an ideal drive for families, nature lovers and photographers. This popular drive is open year-round, but early mornings and weekdays are best to avoid crowds.
Smoky Mountains National Park via Newfound Gap Road
📍 Location: Accessible from Gatlinburg
💲 Cost: Free
Drive along this picturesque route with plenty of pull-outs for panoramic views and photo ops. There are plenty of hikes along the way, including Clingman’s Dome or Arch Rock Trail.
Foothills Parkway
📍 Location: Near Wears Valley
💲 Cost: Free
Take a scenic drive with sweeping views of the Smokies. This 17-mile stretch of road makes for a relaxing day trip and is open year-round.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
📍 Location: Accessible from Gatlinburg
💲 Cost: Free
This 5.5-mile one-way loop features beautiful forests, waterfalls and historic structures. This scenic drive is very popular and open seasonally between April and November.
River Rat Tubing
📍 Location: Wears Valley
💲 Cost: $22 per adult (advance purchase)
Cool off during the warmer months with a tubing adventure along the Little River. Choose from a relaxing family-friendly float through calm waters or an exciting trip with rapids and swimming holes.
Free and Affordable Arts and Culture
Three Bears General Store
📍 Location: Pigeon Forge
💲 Cost: Free entry, $3 to see live black bears
Browse unique souvenirs at the gift shop, and meet live black bears in a habitat enclosure. There is the chance to feed the bears at certain times of day. Ideal for families with young kids.
Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center
📍 Location: Wears Valley
💲 Cost: $7 per child, $10 per adult
Step back in time to explore the region’s rich history and culture at this heritage center, which offers historic buildings, Native American artifacts and pioneer life exhibits.
Moonshine Tasting
📍 Location: Various distilleries in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
💲 Cost: $5 and up
Sample local moonshine flavors at places like Ole Smoky or Sugarlands. Take a tour of a traditional still or enjoy local whiskeys as well.
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
📍 Location: Gatlinburg
💲 Cost: Free
This 8-mile loop is home to the largest group of independent artisans in North America. Browse unique handcrafted items and watch local artisans at work.
Elkmont Ghost Town Historic District
📍 Location: Near Wears Valley
💲 Cost: Free
Between Gatlinburg and Wears Valley, explore the remaining structures of a historic logging community turned vacation village from the early 20th century.
Free and Affordable Local Attractions
Hillbilly Golf
📍 Location: Gatlinburg
💲 Cost: $10-$14 per person
Putt your way through a unique hillside mini-golf course with fun obstacles. The course is not too challenging, making this a great activity for families with children.
Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
📍 Location: Gatlinburg
💲 Cost: $3 (applied toward gift shop purchase)
Explore over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world. Quirky fun for all ages!
Heritage Carriage Rides
📍 Location: Pigeon Forge
💲 Cost: $10 per person
Enjoy a 15-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through the heart of Pigeon Forge. The decorative carriage is lit up and offers great photo opportunities.
Country Roads Axe Co.
📍 Location: Pigeon Forge
💲 Cost: $30 per person for 1 hour
Test your aim with this exciting and unique experience. Throw axes at wooden targets with help from trained staff, then grab one of their coal-fired pizzas to fuel up.
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
📍 Location: Gatlinburg
💲 Cost: $6 – $18 per ride (child or adult)
Take a thrilling ride through scenic Smoky Mountain terrain on a mountain coaster. Riders control their speed, so this is perfect for both adrenaline-seekers and families. There are great options in Pigeon Forge as well.
Old Mill Square
📍 Location: Pigeon Forge
💲 Cost: Free to browse, with affordable dining and shopping options
Tour the historic Old Mill, watch artisans at work and enjoy budget-friendly Southern comfort food.
Wears Valley Antiques and Art
📍 Location: Wears Valley
💲 Cost: Free to browse
Spend an afternoon exploring the quaint shops lining this peaceful valley. From treasure hunting for antiques to browsing local art galleries, there’s plenty to see in Wears Valley.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum
📍 Location: Pigeon Forge
💲 Cost: $15 for children, $29 per adult
Learn about the history of crime and law enforcement through interactive and engaging exhibits that will appeal to all ages.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
📍 Location: Pigeon Forge
💲 Cost: Free to explore
The Island is a hub of entertainment, shopping and dining in Pigeon Forge. Enjoy people-watching and the Island Show Fountain for free or explore exciting rides and attractions for a fee.
7D Dark Ride Adventure
📍 Location: Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
💲 Cost: $12 for 1 ride, $15 for 2 ride combo
This ride combines interactive laser guns into a shooting game with sensory elements like wind, sound and 3D visuals for an incredible state-of-the-art adventure.
Book a Compass vacation cabin rental and get started exploring the wallet-friendly activities in the Smokies!