Patriot Park
Riverside park honoring veterans, featuring walking trails, playgrounds, and community events. A key hub for free Dollywood parking and shuttle.
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Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy tranquility and fewer crowds.
Patriot Park
Best Time
Enjoy tranquility and fewer crowds.
.jpg&w=3840&q=70)
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Riverside park honoring veterans, featuring walking trails, playgrounds, and community events. A key hub for free Dollywood parking and shuttle.
"Great area! And the perfect spot to park for the shuttle to Dollywood- free parking and only £2.50 pp."
🚗 Free Dollywood Parking
Utilize Patriot Park for free parking and take the trolley to Dollywood for a cheaper alternative!
🚶♀️ Toddler-Friendly Play Area
Discover a separate toddler play area at Patriot Park, perfect for little ones.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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Veterans Memorial Gazebo
Central area
A serene spot honoring veterans, perfect for reflection and quiet moments amidst nature.

Riverside Walking Trail
Along the river
Scenic paved trails ideal for strolls, jogs, or bike rides with beautiful river views.
Community Event Hub
Open fields and gazebo area
Hosts lively events like Independence Day celebrations with live music and fireworks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dollywood Parking Hack
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Dollywood Parking
Utilize Patriot Park for free parking and take the trolley to Dollywood for a cheaper alternative!
🚶♀️ Toddler-Friendly Play Area
Discover a separate toddler play area at Patriot Park, perfect for little ones.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the paved walking trails and the entire park.
🧺 Picnic & Duck Feeding
Pack a picnic and enjoy feeding the ducks by the river; a classic park activity.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Dollywood Parking
Utilize Patriot Park for free parking and take the trolley to Dollywood for a cheaper alternative!
🚶♀️ Toddler-Friendly Play Area
Discover a separate toddler play area at Patriot Park, perfect for little ones.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the paved walking trails and the entire park.
🧺 Picnic & Duck Feeding
Pack a picnic and enjoy feeding the ducks by the river; a classic park activity.
⚽ Sports Court Access
Check out the refurbished sports court, great for kids to play year-round.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Patriot Park is widely praised for its free amenities, especially its role as a convenient and budget-friendly parking and shuttle hub for Dollywood. Visitors appreciate the walking trails, playgrounds, and the festive atmosphere during community events like Independence Day and Winterfest. Some find it very crowded during peak events.
"Independence Day could not have been any better in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Patriot Park was full of activity, with thousands of people coming to hear the live bands and see the fireworks. Being a volunteer for Pigeon Forge, I was able to be right up front for all of the excitement. What a great day and night.It was!"
Darlene Kemp
"We went during the festival on Independence Day and it was very crowded. We didn't think to bring camping chairs, so we only stayed for about 20 min. It looked to be a nice place."
J Edwards
"Place was great! Super friendly employees and quick service! Our tickets weren't printing from the self service machine and a lady was out there helping us in 4 seconds."
Pamela Walter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Patriot Park is conveniently located in Pigeon Forge, TN. For those heading to Dollywood, it offers free parking and a shuttle service. The trolley to Dollywood costs approximately £2.50 per person if purchased in the office prior to boarding and takes about 10 minutes to reach the park entrance.
Yes, Patriot Park offers ample free parking, which is a significant draw for visitors, especially those planning to visit Dollywood.
While Patriot Park is close to Dollywood, it's recommended to use the shuttle service for convenience and to save time. Walking might be an option depending on your comfort level with distance and traffic.
The primary transportation option from Patriot Park to Dollywood is a dedicated trolley service. This service is often highlighted as a cost-effective and convenient way to reach the theme park.
Patriot Park is a hub for local transportation, particularly for accessing Dollywood via the trolley system. It's a well-connected point within Pigeon Forge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Patriot Park itself is free to enter and enjoy its amenities like walking trails, playgrounds, and monuments.
While general park access is free, specific community events like Independence Day celebrations may have associated costs or require tickets for certain activities or viewing areas. It's best to check event details in advance.
Patriot Park is generally open from dawn to dusk, offering ample time for visitors to enjoy its outdoor spaces. Specific event hours will vary.
Some reviews suggest that Dollywood tickets can be purchased at the office located at Patriot Park prior to boarding the shuttle, potentially offering a convenient option.
Information on discounts for specific events at Patriot Park is not widely available, but the park itself is free. For Dollywood, check their official website for current promotions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Patriot Park offers a variety of activities including walking and jogging trails, a playground with a separate toddler area, monuments, a gazebo, and opportunities for picnicking and feeding ducks. It also hosts community events.
Yes, Patriot Park is very family-friendly, featuring a large playground with a dedicated toddler section, making it ideal for families with young children.
Yes, Patriot Park is dedicated to veterans and features several monuments and a gazebo, serving as a place for remembrance and reflection.
The best way to explore Patriot Park is by taking a leisurely stroll or bike ride along its paved riverside trails. The park is also great for picnics and enjoying the natural surroundings.
While specific details on restroom availability are not always mentioned, larger public parks like Patriot Park typically have restroom facilities available for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Patriot Park itself is primarily a recreational space, and while it hosts vendors during events like Winterfest selling items like BBQ and coffee, it doesn't have permanent restaurants. It's ideal for picnics.
Absolutely! Patriot Park is a great spot for picnics, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food to enjoy by the river or at designated areas.
During special events like Winterfest, vendors at Patriot Park offer a variety of food options including BBQ, coffee, baked goods, and other festive treats.
Patriot Park is located in Pigeon Forge, an area with numerous dining options. Many restaurants are situated along the main parkway, including The Old Mill, which is a popular spot.
While food delivery services might be available to the park's general vicinity, it's often more practical to bring your own food for a picnic or dine at nearby restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverside trail offers scenic views, the veterans' gazebo provides a reflective backdrop, and during events, the festive atmosphere creates great photo opportunities. The refurbished sports court is also a unique visual.
The riverside location of Patriot Park can offer beautiful lighting during sunrise and sunset, especially along the walking trails.
Yes, visitors are welcome to photograph the monuments and memorials dedicated to veterans at Patriot Park.
Generally, personal photography is allowed at Patriot Park. However, for commercial photography or filming, it's advisable to check with park management for any specific guidelines.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both scenic landscapes and details of the monuments. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the trails and open spaces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds. While shade can be limited in the playground area, the overall free access and kid-friendly amenities make it a top choice for a fun and affordable family outing in Pigeon Forge.
💰 Budget Travelers
The park itself offers plenty of free enjoyment: walking trails, playgrounds, and scenic spots for a picnic. Bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended to keep costs down. It’s a perfect example of how to enjoy local attractions without breaking the bank.
🚶♀️ Active & Outdoorsy Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Dollywood from Patriot Park
Travelers recommend purchasing trolley tickets in advance at the office located within Patriot Park for a seamless experience. This method not only saves money but also avoids potential queues at the theme park's ticket counters. The trolley system is a testament to the community's effort to provide accessible and affordable options for enjoying local attractions.
Beyond the practicalities, using Patriot Park as a staging point for Dollywood allows visitors to experience a bit more of the local Pigeon Forge atmosphere before diving into the theme park. It’s a smart travel hack that many visitors appreciate for its simplicity and economic benefits.
Family Fun at Patriot Park
Beyond the playground, the park's riverside walking trail is perfect for family strolls, bike rides, or scooter adventures. The natural setting provides a refreshing break, and the opportunity to feed the ducks by the river is a simple yet beloved activity for children. The park's open spaces also lend themselves well to picnics, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed family outing.
During community events, Patriot Park can transform into a lively hub with vendors and entertainment, adding another layer of fun for families. While shade can be limited in some areas of the playground, the overall family-friendly atmosphere and free access make it a highly recommended spot for a day out with kids.
Community Events and Atmosphere
During the holiday season, the park transforms for Winterfest, offering a Christmas lights walk and a variety of vendors selling crafts, baked goods, and seasonal items. This showcases the park's versatility and its role in local celebrations throughout the year.
The park's dedication to veterans is evident through its monuments and memorials, adding a layer of historical significance to its community-focused events. This blend of recreation, celebration, and remembrance makes Patriot Park a unique and cherished local asset.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit