Pigeon Forge, nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is the perfect destination for couples looking to reconnect and rekindle their romance.
Why? Because it offers breathtaking natural scenery for nature lovers and exciting attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. And for those craving some private moments, this charming mountain town is home to a wealth of cozy accommodations dotted in the mountains.
According to a 2015 survey, over 70% of couples say it’s important to take a romantic trip together to rekindle romance in their relationship. Getting away from the stresses of everyday life and spending quality time together nurtures intimacy and strengthens your bond as a couple.
A weekend in Pigeon Forge allows you to focus completely on each other without any distractions from work, kids, or other obligations.
The beautiful Smoky Mountains provide a gorgeous natural backdrop for quality time together. You can go hiking hand-in-hand along quiet wooded trails, have a romantic picnic by a babbling brook, or simply relax and take in the stunning vistas.
The fresh mountain air and slower pace of life in Pigeon Forge will leave you feeling refreshed and reconnected.
If you’re taking a trip there, here are the six most romantic things to do for an unforgettable experience.
1. Dine in and Be Entertained
Pigeon Forge has no shortage of romantic restaurants where you can dine with your partner. From upscale dining rooms to charming cafes, you’ll find the perfect spot for a couples’ night out. The Old Mill restaurant, however, takes center stage with its historic mill houses serving creative American cuisine and offers a beautiful ambiance for a memorable experience.
In addition to delightful dining options, experiencing shows in Pigeon Forge TN is essential to make any romantic getaway super memorable. Engaging performances at various venues offer a perfect transition from a quiet dinner to a lively evening.
Some popular shows are:
- Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
- The Comedy Barn Theater
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Many of these shows combine entertainment with dinner, ensuring you’re both entertained and satisfied simultaneously.
2. Take a Romantic Stroll Through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park borders Pigeon Forge and contains over 800 miles of hiking trails that wind through lush forests, alongside mountain streams, and past thundering waterfalls.
Taking a leisurely stroll along one of these trails is the perfect way to enjoy quality time together surrounded by gorgeous scenery.
Some romantic hike recommendations:
- Laurel Falls Trail – This moderate 2.6-mile roundtrip hike leads to a scenic 80-foot waterfall. The forested trail and cascading falls make for ideal photo ops.
- Abrams Falls Trail – One of the park’s most popular trails, this 5-mile trek rewards you with views of a breathtaking 20-foot waterfall.
- Rainbow Falls Trail – A moderate 6.5-mile hike past wildflowers and cascading falls culminating in the majestic 80-foot Rainbow Falls.
- Clingmans Dome – For sweeping views, take the paved half-mile walk to the highest point in Tennessee. On a clear day, you can see over 100 miles!
The national park is Mother Nature’s playground and the perfect place for couples to bond and create lasting memories. While the park does not charge an entrance fee, parking tags are required if you decide to stay 15 minutes or longer.
3. Relax at a Cozy Cabin Rental
After an invigorating hike, relax and unwind together at a romantic cabin rental. Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains have hundreds of adorable log cabins in the woods, many with hot tubs, fireplaces, and incredible mountain views.
Here are some of the most romantic cabin amenities to look for:
- Outdoor hot tub – Soothe sore muscles while stargazing over the Smokies.
- Fireplace – Cuddle up by the fire after a long day.
- Mountain views – Wake up to stunning vistas of the Smokies from your bedroom.
- Seclusion – Many cabins are tucked away on large wooded lots for privacy.
Renting a cabin allows you to spend all your time together without the distractions and crowds of a hotel. Most cabins are affordable, especially if you opt for a 1-2 bedroom cozy hideaway.
4. Experience the Thrills at Dollywood
Dollywood theme park offers a unique blend of exciting rides and entertainment for couples. You can hold hands aboard the rollercoasters, get your adrenaline pumping on the water rides, and then take in an uplifting gospel or bluegrass show.
Some top romantic attractions in Dollywood include:
- The Eagle Zipline – Zip side-by-side on this thrilling ride over Dollywood’s Timber Canyon.
- Daredevil Falls – Plunge down six stories together on this super-soaking log flume ride.
- Spa – Enjoy a romantic on-site resort that has fine dining and spa treatments for two.
The park is beautifully landscaped with flowers and tranquil spots like Wildwood Grove, where you can steal a quiet moment together.
5. Reconnect with Couples Massages
A couples massage is a wonderful way to pamper yourselves and reconnect on a deeper level. Many Pigeon Forge spas offer massages for two in the same room, allowing you to relax side-by-side.
Some top couples massages include:
- Aromatherapy – Essential oils like lavender promote relaxation and harmony.
- Hot Stone – Heated stones melt tension from tight muscles.
- Deep Tissue – Targets chronic muscle knots and pain.
- Swedish – Relaxing, long gliding strokes improve circulation.
- In-Cabin – Many cabins offer the convenience of massages without leaving.
Research shows that couples’ massages enhance feelings of closeness through the power of touch. They also lower stress levels, making enjoying each other’s company easier.
6. See the Smokies from New Heights on a Helicopter Ride
For an unforgettable thrill, take a helicopter tour over the Smokies with your sweetheart. As you soar over the mountains and forests, you’ll gain a breathtaking new perspective on the region’s beauty.
Reasons a helicopter ride makes for a romantic couples’ activity:
- Unique views – See the fall foliage, mountain peaks, and valleys not visible from the ground.
- Next-level experience – The excitement and closeness of experiencing something new together.
- Photo ops – Capture incredible aerial photos with your partner.
- Bird’s eye perspective – Appreciate the vastness and grandeur of the Smokies in a whole new way.
- Customizable – Add champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, or other romantic touches.
Conclusion
Pigeon Forge delivers no shortage of romantic activities, natural beauty, and cozy escapes perfect for a couples’ getaway. From scenic strolls in the national park to thrills at Dollywood, you’ll make memories that will strengthen your bond and keep the spark alive.
The rest of the world melts away when it’s just the two of you soaking in a hot tub under the stars or enjoying a couples’ massage. Pigeon Forge has everything you need to relax, have fun, and reconnect with your loved one.
