Attractions
Attractions | June 25, 2024 | Written by Macy Roberts
#greatsmokymountains #pigeonforge #wildlife
The Smoky Mountains are full of animal attractions that can be enjoyed by the whole family! When planning your next trip, consider stopping by some of the best animal encounters and petting zoos in Pigeon Forge.
SkyLand Ranch
On the way up to SkyLand Ranch, you’ll see goats grazing its pasture. Throughout the 100-acre farm, you’ll also find bunnies, pigs, and miniature horses to pet. On the Safari Hayride, you can hand-feed alpacas, sheep, donkeys, deer, Texas Longhorns, and more. You can also book a photo session with a miniature highland cow!
SkyLand Ranch
Big Rock Dude Ranch
Big Rock Dude Ranch is well known for its horseback riding, but there's all kinds of animals you can meet during your visit! You'll find goats, ponies, rabbits, llamas, emus, chickens, peaco*cks, ducks, geese, and other birds in the petting zoo. Feed can be purchased at the General Store if you'd like to hand-feed the petting zoo animals.
Big Rock Dude Ranch
Three Bears General Store
The Bear Habitat at Three Bears General Store isn’t just an attraction — it’s an educational journey. You can observe resident American black bears in their 5,000-square-foot habitat while learning about bear conservation and the role these bears play in the Great Smoky Mountains ecosystem. For a fee, you can feed the bears.
Three Bears General Store
Smoky Mountain Llama Treks
Hiking with family and friends can be fun, but have you ever tried hiking with a llama? At Smoky Mountain Llama Treks in Cosby, TN, you can walk a professionally trained llama on one of two treks. Both offer spectacular views of the Smokies alongside a furry friend. Get to know the llamas better at the petting zoo after your hike.
Smoky Mountain Llama Treks
Ober Mountain
The Wildlife Habitat at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg houses various rescue animals. You'll see bobcats, foxes, and a black bear family. In the Nocturnal House, native Smokies wildlife includes raccoons, skunks, flying squirrels, turtles, and snakes. River otters can be seen in an underwater viewing area, and birds like owls and hawks are in an enclosed aviary.
Ober Mountain
Pirates Voyage
A 30-minute Pirates Voyage Animal Encounter educates guests on the positive reinforcement training and exceptional welfare its animals receive. You’ll come face-to-face with Salty the Sea Lion and other animal ambassadors including fish, dogs, and birds, then watch them perform live in the action-packed .
Pirates Voyage
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
There are over 10,000 exotic sea creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. During Turtle Time, you can observe a turtle training session and feed Sally the sea turtle. Head over to the Penguin Playhouse to meet African penguins, take pictures, and collaborate on a painting together. You can also pet stingrays in Touch-A-Ray Bay.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Horseback Riding
Did you know more than 500 miles of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s trails are open to horses? Whether it’s on a 1-mile or 10-mile trail, horseback riding is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Check out some of the horse riding stables in Pigeon Forge great for all ages and abilities.
Horseback Riding
Where To Safely See Bears
In addition to observing the rescue bears housed at Ober Mountain and Three Bears General Store, you can also view them out in the wild from a safe distance. If seeing a black bear in the wild is on your bucket list, you’ll want to check out some of the top places to spot them. Be sure to follow safety guidelines and protocols if you come across a bear in nature.
Where To Safely See Bears
WARNING: Willfully approaching a black bear within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. [NPS]
Additional animal encounters and petting zoos in the Pigeon Forge area include Goats On The Roof, Parrot Mountain & Gardens, RainForest Adventures Zoo, and Smoky Mountain Deer Farm. From native Smoky Mountain wildlife to international rescue species, there are countless animals you can interact with when you visit Pigeon Forge.
