This summer, our family road trip is a bit different from past adventures. Typically, we pack up and hit the road as soon as school lets out, but this year we’ve dedicated the first half of summer to our oldest son Joey’s passion: baseball. With intense practices and tournaments, Joey’s summer baseball journey took us all the way to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, culminating in an unforgettable experience at the Ripken Experience Baseball Tournament.
I have a more detailed blog on the area (CLICK HERE to read), but this additional blog is for added recommendations and experienced from this 2025 Family Summer Road Trip.
Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge Baseball Facility: Where Baseball Dreams Come True ⚾️
As a baseball dad, I’ve visited plenty of baseball facilities, but nothing prepared me for how impressive the Ripken Experience facility is in Pigeon Forge. With immaculately maintained turf fields and the majestic Smoky Mountains as the backdrop, it’s genuinely a paradise for young baseball players dreaming big.
Joey’s team, the West Boca Panthers 13U, competed fiercely in the 5-day tournament against 12 talented teams. To say it was exciting would be an understatement—we went undefeated, winning 8 games straight! Watching these resilient boys, dedicated coaches, and supportive families come together was unforgettable. We built lifelong memories, both on and off the field, and I can’t recommend this experience enough to families involved in travel baseball.
Best Ziplining in Pigeon Forge: Wears Valley Zipline Adventures 🌲
Our family loves adrenaline, and ziplining at Wear Valley Zipline Adventures did not disappoint. Having zip-lined around the globe, this adventure ranks among the best I’ve experienced. Their longest zipline soars dramatically above lush trees and rivers, giving breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains from hundreds of feet above ground.
What made this even more special was how accommodating they were for our youngest—at only five years old, he was guided safely by their skilled instructor, allowing the entire family to share in this thrilling moment. It’s safe, exhilarating, and a must-do for families seeking memorable thrills.
Alpine Coasters: Smoky Mountain Thrills 🎢
Pigeon Forge is famous for its alpine coasters, with 8-10 different options scattered throughout the area. We rode two major ones, both offering spectacular views and thrilling descents down the mountain slopes.
I love to promote making a living while living it up… view here.
The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is the most popular and arguably the most thrilling—but be ready for a potentially long wait. Just down the road, however, is another fantastic alternative called Goats on the Roof. It’s just as fun, significantly less crowded, more affordable, and as the name suggests, you’ll actually find goats on the roof! They also have gem mining, homemade fudge, and other activities making it an ideal family-friendly stop.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail with Kids 🥾
Another advantage of being near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is the ease of access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We parked near Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee, and took a leisurely family-friendly hike down a section of the legendary Appalachian Trail.
For those unfamiliar, the Appalachian Trail spans roughly 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine, making it one of the longest and most famous hiking trails in the world. Even tackling just a small stretch gives you a sense of its immense beauty and scale. Our kids loved the adventure of exploring such an iconic trail, and I cherished sharing this experience with them.
Gatlinburg SkyPark: Walk the SkyBridge for Stunning Views 🌉
Just a short drive away, Gatlinburg offers its famous SkyPark—home of North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Stretching 680 feet across, and standing 140 feet above the valley below, it provides unmatched panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. After crossing, grab an ice-cold beer or soda, and simply soak in the breathtaking scenery—one of the best vantage points anywhere in the region.
Delicious Southern Breakfast Spots 🥞
Breakfast in Pigeon Forge is as hearty as it gets. You’ll spot numerous “Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin” locations around town, and while all offer mouthwatering options, our family’s personal favorite was Smoky Mountain Pancake House. Here, you’ll find delicious country breakfasts served by genuinely warm, friendly locals. Tall stacks of pancakes, fluffy biscuits, eggs, sausage, bacon—you name it, they’ve got it. It’s a must before starting your adventure-filled day.
Margaritaville Hotel Pigeon Forge: Stay in the Heart of the Action 🏨
The Margaritaville Hotel Pigeon Forge, conveniently located right at “The Island” in Pigeon Forge. This spot puts you in the heart of everything—step out of the lobby, and you’re instantly surrounded by vibrant nightlife, unique shops, tasty restaurants, carnival rides, and the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, the towering Ferris wheel offering unmatched views of the area.
The hotel itself embraces a relaxed tropical vibe, perfect for unwinding after action-packed baseball days. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the pool area is perfect for kids, and there’s even live music in the evenings. You truly can’t beat this location for family fun.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Baseball ⚾️❤️
Our summer road trip kicked off differently this year with Joey’s baseball at its heart, but it quickly became an unforgettable family adventure filled with incredible experiences in Pigeon Forge. The Ripken Experience was truly a dream come true for Joey, but it was also the perfect excuse for our family to dive deeper into all the fun and adventure this area offers.
From thrill-seeking zip lines to tranquil mountain hikes, cozy breakfasts, and iconic views, our journey around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg provided lasting memories and countless reasons to return again and again.
