Parrot Mountain and Gardens Pigeon Forge: A Peaceful Day Out

For a Smoky Mountains day that feels a little slower and more peaceful, Parrot Mountain and Gardens Pigeon Forge offers a different kind of attraction. Set on four acres of landscaped gardens near Dollywood, the park combines tropical birds, walking paths, gardens, waterfalls, and hands-on bird encounters. It can be a particularly nice choice for families and groups who want time outdoors without another high-energy amusement attraction.

About Parrot Mountain and Gardens Pigeon Forge

Parrot Mountain and Gardens Pigeon Forge is a bird park and garden attraction located at 1471 McCarter Hollow Road in Pigeon Forge, close to Dollywood and Splash Country. The property features hundreds of exotic birds alongside thousands of flowers, plants, and trees throughout its landscaped gardens. Paved pathways lead guests through the property, making the experience more about wandering, observing, and spending time together than rushing from one attraction to the next.

One of the more distinctive parts of the visit is the opportunity to interact with some of the birds. In the bird garden, guests can feed parrots from their hands and have photos taken with them. The walk-in lorikeet aviary offers another hands-on experience, where colorful lorikeets can drink nectar from a cup held by visitors. The Secret Garden is home to birds that fly freely within the landscaped space, including toucans and other species.

The gardens themselves are worth making time for. Along the pathways, guests can find unique benches, a picturesque waterfall, and areas to pause and enjoy the surroundings. There is also a baby bird nursery where visitors can see young parrots being hand-fed. The attraction has a deli and deck overlooking the gardens, along with a gift shop, giving groups an opportunity to slow down rather than immediately moving on to another stop.

The park also has an educational component, with programming focused on exotic birds, their care, breeding, and conservation. That makes it a natural fit for families with children who enjoy animals and learning about them.

Why Guests Love It

• Close to other Pigeon Forge attractions: The gardens are located next to Dollywood and Splash Country, making it easy to combine with other plans in the area.
• Works across generations: The gardens and bird exhibits offer a slower-paced experience that can be comfortable for grandparents, parents, and children traveling together.
• Hands-on animal encounters: Guests can feed certain birds and visit the lorikeet aviary, creating a more interactive experience than simply viewing animals behind barriers.
• A quieter change of pace: After rides, hiking, or a busy Parkway outing, the landscaped paths and waterfall provide space to slow down.
• Good for group outings: Parrot Mountain welcomes groups of different sizes and specifically offers options for family reunions and other gatherings.

Insider Tips

Check the current operating schedule before visiting, especially if your trip falls in late fall or winter. The attraction’s current schedule lists seasonal hours, and December operations are weather dependent. The park also notes that it is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

If you are traveling with a larger group, advance planning is worthwhile. Group rates are currently available for groups of 35 or more, but reservations are required for those group rates.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the gardens, and allow enough time to explore rather than treating the attraction as a quick stop. Families with younger children may want to check current stroller and accessibility details directly with the attraction before visiting.

Rain does not necessarily mean you need to cancel. Parrot Mountain states that it operates rain or shine and notes that there are covered areas where guests can continue exploring. During colder winter weather, however, check ahead because the attraction may close when conditions are very cold or snowy.

Since the attraction is in Pigeon Forge near Dollywood, allow additional travel time during busy summer days, fall foliage weekends, holidays, and other peak Smoky Mountains periods.

Stay Hello Sunshine Tip

After a morning at Parrot Mountain and Gardens Pigeon Forge, head back toward Sunshine Around the Bend for a quieter afternoon. After time among the birds, flowers, and gardens, the private wooded setting at the cabin offers a natural change of pace. Gather around the gourmet kitchen and dining space for an easy meal, then let the evening unfold slowly together.