Parrot Mountain and Gardens

Parrot Mountain and Gardens is a botanical garden attraction in Pigeon Forge where the plantings and the birds are equally the attraction. Dozens of exotic parrot species — macaws, cockatoos, Amazons, conures, and more — inhabit the garden free-flight, landing on visitors who hold nectar sticks and engaging with curious children in ways that feel personal and unhurried.

The garden design is genuinely thoughtful. This isn't a cleared lot with some perches and birds; it's a designed landscape with themed planting areas, flowering plants across seasons, water features, and walking paths that give the visit structure and visual variety. In spring, the combination of blooming plants and colorful macaws produces genuinely beautiful photography that families return to in their photo libraries long after the trip.

Birds at Parrot Mountain have been habituated to human interaction over years of hand-raising and socialization. They approach with curiosity rather than tolerance — there's a difference between a bird that accepts contact and one that seeks it. The macaws in particular have personality: some will return a phrase if you repeat it, some are particularly interested in shiny earrings, some pick favorites in a visiting family and stay on that person's shoulder for an extended period.

For kids who respond to animal connection experiences, this ranks among the top Pigeon Forge activities. The combination of beauty, interaction, and novelty hits something that go-karts and laser tag don't. It's also exhausted the parents who assumed they'd be bored and found themselves completely charmed by a macaw that decided to bite their sunglasses in the most gentle possible way.

Morning visits are recommended: birds are most active, temperatures are comfortable, and the garden is at its best before afternoon crowds.