Parrot Mountain and Garden of Eden is a must stop when you visit Pigeon Forge
When we head down to Pigeon Forge, it is usually to go down to Dollywood, however, there are other things we like to do in the area that we cannot miss. The best attraction in Pigeon Forge that isn’t Dollywood is Parrot Mountain and Garden of Eden and it is a must when we are down.
This Attraction in Pigeon Forge is great for kids and adults
This attraction is close to Dollywood, but not on the main strip. Parrot Mountain is a perfect addition to your Pigeon Forge adventure.
Entering the Garden of Eden
After a great breakfast at the Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Café we headed to Parrot Mountain. To get to Parrot Mountain, travelers will go through a couple back roads that will eventually lead up a steep hill to the parking lot. When you get out of your car, you will see parrots perched near the entrance. They are just sitting there watching you and it’s a preview of what is to come.
When you pay, you will immediately feel like you have walked into a lush, tropical garden, in the middle of Tennessee. It is such an interesting, unexpected experience and you will be drawn inside.
The Garden of Eden is as beautiful as it sounds
There are many different flowering plants along the way and some statues. And, of course, there are so many tropical birds! You will see different species of birds in cages while walking through the walkway, as well as benches to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The Secret Garden features a walk through part of the gardens where birds are contained. They can run through the walkways, fly around the netting at the top or just watch people. It’s a fun little area to walk through and it leads to the main attraction!
See, touch and feed is BY FAR my favorite part of the attraction. In this area, there are birds on their individual stoops and you are allowed to hold them. There are employees walking around to assist you but it really depends on the temperament of the birds for the day.
Can you hold any bird?
You are allowed to hold some birds, while others are deemed too unpredictable and are simply to be admired. Also, there are some smaller birds for your kids or people that might be scared of the large birds. They can be intimidating, but some of them are so adorable that you’ll want to take them home with you.
Parrot Mountain is a safe haven for birds who have no home
Many of these birds are rescues and have a much better life here. These types of birds can live to be 100 and outlive their owners or the owner can no longer take care of them. Parrot Mountain takes care of these animals in this situation. They also sell baby birds but they aren’t always bought so some end up in the exhibits.
Parrot Mountain birds are incredibly smart!
These birds are very smart and they will show you. There was one bird who would take the top part off of a baseball cap and another one would chew off parts of sunglasses. These birds make it a game. I even had one go down my Kavu bag and unzip it so fast I had no idea what was happening.
Lorikeet pen
There is also a lorikeet pen and you can pay extra to feed them. This depends on the hunger level of the birds as to worth. The birds were very hungry the first time we went. They were all over my arms and my head but the second time they did not seem interested.
At the end of the walk, you will come to the nursery where you can interact with baby birds. Here you can see if you would like to take one home. Just remember this bird might outlive you so it is a commitment. And a warning, some of these birds like shiny objects.
One ran up my arm and tried to rip my earring off. This was incredibly painful and I didn’t want to hurt the bird so I had to get my husband to help me. Sometimes, it is just best to look and not touch.
Parrot Mountain Money Saving Tip
Pigeon Forge has so many great attractions and it can get expensive.
If you are going to Parrot Mountain, you can buy advance tickets at The Island and not have to wait in line. You can also stop by a coupon holder along the main strip and get a book for a dollar off a ticket. We didn’t have to wait in line anyway but I imagine some days the line gets quite long.
What are your favorite attractions in the Pigeon Forge area? Have you been to Parrot Mountain?