Parrot Mountain and Gardens
4.8(9.5K)google
4.5(379)yelp
Bird WatchingKidsSenior-FriendlyOutdoorPhoto SpotHealingHands-OnBirdsExotic Plants
Overview
Parrot Mountain and Gardens is an extraordinarily unique, deeply peaceful four-acre eco-tourism sanctuary and botanical garden nestled within a secluded mountain ridge in Pigeon Forge. The gorgeously landscaped paradise features English-style cottage gardens overflowing with colorful flowers, stone pathways, and flowing waterfalls that serve as home to hundreds of rare, rescued exotic birds from all across the globe. Visitors can safely hold, pet, and hand-feed brilliant macaws, colorful toucans, and inquisitive lories in a walk-in aviary, providing a deeply interactive, visual, and memorable nature exploration.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM 6:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeSpectacular from late spring to early summer (May-June) when the formal botanical hills hit full maturity. Tour the eco-park at the 10:00 AM opening on a weekday; early sun rays light up the Tuscan-style stone cottage gardens, and the tropical macaws and toucans are highly active for morning nectar feedings.
Getting ThereTucked inside the dense, hilly forests near the ridge behind Dollywood at 1471 McCarter Hollow Rd. No mass transit options exist; a personal vehicle is required to navigate the steep, narrow mountain switchbacks. The sanctuary outpost features an on-site, complimentary tree-shaded gravel lot.
Travel Tips
- Built directly into a steep ridge line, this property features severe vertical elevation shifts. The primary pathways ascending to the upper aviaries consist entirely of unpaved, loose gravel, irregular stone steps, and steep dirt grades that lack ADA accessibility; standard wheeled strollers or standard wheelchairs are blocked at the threshold, and high-traction trail shoes are mandatory.
- The physical interaction aviaries permit birds to roost on visitor forearms for photography. In absolute accordance with avian veterinary health standards, bringing external nuts, seeds, baked goods, or dried fruits inside the gates is a liability offense; feeding is restricted to certified sterile feed cups acquired at the box office, and contraband feed results in immediate expulsion.
- The open perches host numerous mature macaws and cockatoos capable of registering sudden piercing territorial shrieks exceeding 120 decibels, particularly during the 11:00-14:00 feeding routines. Parents holding infants or individuals suffering from hyperacusis must wear passive sound-dampening ear defenders before entering the timber canopy containment lines.
Reviews
Positive
- The European-style gardens on the ridge are picturesque, with hundreds of colorful, rare parrots nesting on branches, delivering great visuals. A true avian paradise.
- Paved brick walkways trail through the eco-park; restrooms are clean, benches and shaded pavilions are ample, and bird science plaques are highly informative.
- The staff is loving and professional with birds, patiently guiding guests on how to hand-feed parrots; on-site interactive order is well-regulated and safe.
- The ticket covers stunning Smoky Mountain views, gardens, and hands-on contact with rare birds, offering excellent value compared to flashy commercial ride parks.
Heads up
- Preserving the ridge eco-theme means steep mountain lanes and wood steps lack full accessible lifts, making it tough for families pushing strollers.
- The location is remote; driving from the main strip requires navigating a narrow, unlit, and incredibly steep single-lane mountain road, testing driving skills.
- During mid-summer weekend peaks, the influx of families makes the core bird nursery cabin intensely crowded, making lines to hold young birds long.
- The on-site snack bar is tiny with limited food options and premium prices, and bird food cups must be purchased separately, adding secondary spending.