A visit to Pigeon Forge might include Parrot Mountain. Here’s what it offers. Entry details come first. Exotic birds fill the paths. Moving through, guests meet colorful species. The Lory Aviary opens wide with feeding chances. Tiny chicks grow behind glass in the nursery. One way to explore? A slow golf cart ride under trees. Tips help smooth your day there. Hours, pricing, layout – covered. What waits inside matters most. Know it before arrival.

Ever left Dollywood and seen that tall sign aiming skyward through the trees? You’ve probably felt something stir then. Just down the same strip, tucked into the slope, lies Parrot Mountain – only a few minutes away. Most people heading through the Smokies roll right by without noticing. Missing it might be one of those small regrets that sneaks up later.

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This guide walks you through every detail ahead of your trip – routes to arrive, exactly what entry includes. You will find out which birds allow touching, feeding, picture taking. Time needed on the peak is broken down clearly. Each part unfolds without guesswork.

Parrot Mountain Review

Up in the hills near Dollywood, beyond that sign you’ve likely seen while driving by, lies something few expect. What waits there becomes clear at Parrot Mountain and Gardens – a place quiet on arrival, loud in memory.

A visit here feels nothing like your usual mountain getaway. Rides and packed walkways? Not part of this place – instead, quiet paths wind through lush greenery. Birds from distant lands live among the plants, bright feathers catching soft sunlight. You move at your own pace, close enough to feel a wingbeat in the air. Connection happens slowly, without noise or rush.

Right away, the air carries something unusual. Perched into the slope of an actual mountain, this place wraps itself in twisting trails, quiet lookouts, and gardens kept sharp and calm. Moving along the pathways, sightseeing isn’t the only thing happening. Feeding begins early, then touch follows – hands open, arms out – and more than once, wings settle right onto skin without warning.

Here’s what sets this spot apart – how much you get to be part of what’s happening. Moving fast from display to display isn’t the point. Spend extra minutes near the birds’ greenery, circle back where you liked it most, let each area unfold without hurry. Maybe it’s the bright macaws catching light, maybe the small parrots clowning around, or the lively lories darting through their space – whatever pulls you in, it holds on unlike anything similar.

Personality fills this spot. Some birds go by name, each with their own story, habits you learn once someone tells you. Differences show up slow – like how the elders stay still, almost dreaming, while others rush over, loud, needing eyes on them.

Something shifts when you step away from the crowded spots near Pigeon Forge. Time slows, just a little, in places built for lingering, not rushing. Instead of ticking boxes, imagine moments shaped by quiet corners and unscripted laughter. The mood? Lighter. Unforced. Real. Not every journey needs noise – sometimes it thrives on stillness.

A visit to the Smokies might lead you off beaten paths. Yet tucked away lies Parrot Mountain – less seen, more felt. Nature wraps around it. Moments unfold without hurry. Connection happens through quiet encounters instead of crowds. This spot slips past many eyes. Still, finding it feels like uncovering something meant to be found.

Getting to Parrot Mountain: Location and Parking

Few minutes after leaving Dollywood, the road keeps going – no turn needed – and then a bright marker appears, tilted slightly west. Right past McCarter Hollow Road sits Parrot Mountain, tucked between trees but visible once you’re near. Watch for tall roadside boards pointing the way, painted with bold colors that catch your eye mid-drive. When the main gate fades behind and forward motion takes over, look left early before slowing down.

Up high on real mountain terrain, that detail matters once you get close. Steep climb along the access road – fair warning – and vehicle spaces pop up at different heights. At peak times, summit lots pack tight, so extra room waits below when needed. Parked farther out. No stress about it. A ride runs regularly, lifting visitors toward the main spot without effort.Hills pop up along the route, especially a sharp climb near the finish line. Think twice when traveling with older visitors or folks who move slowly. When needed, ride options exist – golf carts roll through for extra money. Details on that fee show up further down the page.

Parrot Mountain Admission: Tickets and Hours

Right by the front gate, workers help visitors pick the right entry pass. Open every day no matter the clouds or sun, so it matters when mapping out a Smoky Mountains visit in shaky spring or autumn skies.

Category	Age / Requirement	Price
Adults	11 years old and up	$29.95
Children	2 – 10 years old	$19.95
Seniors	65 years old and up	$27.95
Group Rates	35 people and up (Reservations required)	$27.95 (Adults)
Group Rates	35 people and up (Reservations required)	$17.95 (Children)

A visit begins with a standard pass that opens up the entire stroll through the grounds, moving past open-air displays where birds live outside, then winding through flower beds and quiet green spaces meant for reflection. Afterward comes the stop near shopping shelves and food counters set aside for refreshments before leaving. Some extras show up during checkout – like stepping into the Lory Aviary to hand-feed colorful parrots or arranging a posed shot taken by someone who knows how to capture birds well. These choices appear when buying entry, ready to include if wanted.

Months	Opening Hours
March – October	10:00am – 6:00pm
November	10:00am – 5:00pm
December	10:00am – 5:00pm*

Early arrival helps, especially when bird activity picks up later in the day. Though gates open at ten each morning, getting there ahead of time means less waiting. Closing happens at five, yet workers say winding down takes about a full two hours after guests leave. That detail matters more than most think. Full access wraps before night crews begin their routine.

A bumpy path might slow some visitors down, so there’s a chance to hop on a golf cart – for a fee. Rolling along with staff at the wheel, you’ll see key spots across the land, skipping the climb of steep slopes that aren’t kind to tired feet.

The Tropical Bird Tour: Where the Experience Begins

Inside, the journey kicks off among tropical birds - right away shaping what comes next. From just this first area, the range of life can pull in even those who didn’t care much about feathers moments earlier.

Parrot Mountain holds a wide range of birds. You might see Blue and Gold Macaws, also Scarlet Macaws, alongside Military Macaws, which often stand quietly in shaded spots. Catalina Macaws bring bright color, while Amazon parrots prefer higher perches near the trees. African Greys move slowly between branches, just like some types of Cockatoo scattered across different enclosures. Turacos step carefully through low plants, whereas Indian Ringneck Parakeets call out more than they fly. Golden Conures stay close in small groups, much like Black-throated Magpie Jays searching the ground together. Swamp Hens walk near water edges, every now and then vanishing into reeds. Peacocks display feathers fully grown, although younger ones show only hints of what will come.

Some of these birds carry stories, names handed down through years - staff might tell you about them, given curiosity. Take Jack, settled here longer than most guests remember, moving slow like he knows something others do not. Then there’s Sid, bright red feathers blazing under sun, aged around seventy-five, a number heavy with meaning once it sinks in. Living near a century isn’t rare for Scarlet Macaws, their lives stretching far beyond human timelines. At Parrot Mountain, wings beat above heads younger by decades, reminders passing quietly between glances.

A big splash happens when guests meet Rio and Ria, two towering macaws painted in deep hyacinth blue. These siblings often shock folks used to tinier parrots just by standing there. People sometimes connect them to characters from a well-known cartoon movie about birds. Crushing strength lives in their beaks - workers never skip pointing that out during tours. Still, once trust builds, the pair stays calm around those they know best.

A standout is Major, a Military Macaw folks who’ve worked here for years call the friendliest bird around. Near the prayer garden lives Simon, always eager to chat, especially when guests turn to leave - he’ll pipe up just then.
Birds tend to stick around their perches here - workers usually mention it comes down to basic needs being nearby. Instead of wandering off, they find everything essential right where they are. Food, water, shelter - all within reach, much like in the wild forests they come from. Safety plays a role too; caretakers trim wing feathers gently so flight becomes difficult. That small step keeps them grounded without harm.

Inside, the journey kicks off among tropical birds – right away shaping what comes next. From just this first area, the range of life can pull in even those who didn’t care much about feathers moments earlier.

Parrot Mountain holds a wide range of birds. You might see Blue and Gold Macaws, also Scarlet Macaws, alongside Military Macaws, which often stand quietly in shaded spots. Catalina Macaws bring bright color, while Amazon parrots prefer higher perches near the trees. African Greys move slowly between branches, just like some types of Cockatoo scattered across different enclosures. Turacos step carefully through low plants, whereas Indian Ringneck Parakeets call out more than they fly. Golden Conures stay close in small groups, much like Black-throated Magpie Jays searching the ground together. Swamp Hens walk near water edges, every now and then vanishing into reeds. Peacocks display feathers fully grown, although younger ones show only hints of what will come.

Some of these birds carry stories, names handed down through years – staff might tell you about them, given curiosity. Take Jack, settled here longer than most guests remember, moving slow like he knows something others do not. Then there’s Sid, bright red feathers blazing under sun, aged around seventy-five, a number heavy with meaning once it sinks in. Living near a century isn’t rare for Scarlet Macaws, their lives stretching far beyond human timelines. At Parrot Mountain, wings beat above heads younger by decades, reminders passing quietly between glances.

A big splash happens when guests meet Rio and Ria, two towering macaws painted in deep hyacinth blue. These siblings often shock folks used to tinier parrots just by standing there. People sometimes connect them to characters from a well-known cartoon movie about birds. Crushing strength lives in their beaks – workers never skip pointing that out during tours. Still, once trust builds, the pair stays calm around those they know best.

A standout is Major, a Military Macaw folks who’ve worked here for years call the friendliest bird around. Near the prayer garden lives Simon, always eager to chat, especially when guests turn to leave – he’ll pipe up just then.
Birds tend to stick around their perches here – workers usually mention it comes down to basic needs being nearby. Instead of wandering off, they find everything essential right where they are. Food, water, shelter – all within reach, much like in the wild forests they come from. Safety plays a role too; caretakers trim wing feathers gently so flight becomes difficult. That small step keeps them grounded without harm.

The Bird Garden: Holding, Feeding, and Interacting with Parrots

Few spots here pull people in quite like the bird garden – Parrot Mountain’s lively core. Right there, among chirps and rustling wings, guests often slow down, staying longer than they planned. Touching feathers, offering food, sharing quiet moments with parrots becomes the rhythm. Some of those birds, especially the big macaws, wear colors so sharp they seem unreal when seen this near.

Right away, it becomes obvious how things work. Instead of cash, visitors get tokens or small containers filled with food meant for the birds. Moving closer is fine only if the animal shows no warning sign nearby. Some perches display a clear notice – no touching allowed – and those creatures deserve space. Others, free of such warnings, may be touched gently while offering them a bite. Not every bird enjoys human contact, even in a place built for closeness. A quiet moment from afar suits certain personalities just right.
Birds in the garden differ widely when it comes to temperament. Take Sugar and Honey – names that fit their sweet behavior. Then there are those such as Marty, along with certain Cockatoos, who show a sharper edge. Should you wonder whom to approach, workers tend to point visitors toward calmer ones. The mix makes each visit slightly unpredictable.

Birds live in the garden who stand apart from the rest. Take Zelda – staff say she’s so unusual they struggle to name her kind. She shows up rarely, almost like a rumour given feathers. Then there’s Fred, part of the first flock of eight when the place began. Time has passed, yet he remains, settled into the soil of the site longer than most. His presence feels less like habit, more like history.

Morning brings livelier birds. Because they haven’t eaten much yet, they move fast toward food. As hours pass, visitors often feed them again and again. This leaves the animals full, slower, uninterested. When interaction matters most, showing up near 10:00 AM helps. The experience shifts noticeably when you start early.

The Lory Aviary: The Most Immersive Experience on the Mountain

Folks stepping into Parrot Mountain usually find their breath caught fast by the Lory Aviary – first visit, every time. Surprise lives there. Not quite what anyone saw coming.

Lorys hop right onto your hand before you even finish stepping inside. These tiny parrots shine in bright feathers, drawn straight to sweet liquid like magnets. A little cup becomes their entire world the second it appears. Instead of hanging back, they dive in – wings brushing arms, perching on shoulders without asking. Sometimes they pick a camera bag instead, just because. Each sip vanishes fast, gulped down without pause.

Getting into the Lory Aviary means picking up a separate ticket at the main counter along with your entry pass. Once inside, you receive a small cup of nectar right at the gate. Though short, the moment stands out – birds dart close, quick to sip, yet leaving a strong impression. What feels fleeting still lingers well beyond the exit.

Here’s a real tip: pick clothes you won’t worry about staining. Because lively, eating lorys plus runny nectar often leave guests carrying traces when they walk out. Workers call this part of the place – half joking – a sort of mess magnet.

The Nursery: Baby Birds and the Possibility of Taking One Home

Little ones chirp softly inside Parrot Mountain’s nursery, tucked away from the main path. This spot feels quieter, somehow more delicate than the rest of the walk. Tiny wings flutter in warm rooms where chicks grow day by day. Some still wobble when they stand, unsteady on fresh feet. Not every beak is ready for human hands just yet – patience matters here. Each cage holds a moment caught mid-bloom, fragile and brief.

A few baby birds wait inside the nursery, where guests can sometimes pick them up. Tiny parakeets sit quietly, not yet showing full feathers or grown into their full shape. A helper stands nearby, watching each interaction closely. Before anyone touches a bird, they clean their hands with sanitizer placed on a small table.

It catches people off guard when they learn certain birds here can be bought on the spot. From the nursery, ParrotMountain offers live birds- some of the staff call them pocket-sized, fitting neatly inside a front shirt pouch. Before thinking about taking one home, listening to caretakers makes sense – they explain exactly what signing up means. These creatures squawk, bond closely, need room to stretch wings, plus daily interaction over decades. Grabbing one without thought? That kind of choice often ends badly. Not every grown bird gets near the little ones, yet Tater walks right in. Staff says she loves the spotlight, always showing off just a bit. A gift from someone who cared enough to give her here, she acts like she owns the place. Most adults stay away from the new chicks, but not her – she greets each day like it’s meant for performances.

The Gardens, Prayer Garden, and Scenic Views

Few places feel quite like Parrot Mountain. Beauty here pulls you in, even if birds aren’t your main interest that day.

Decades back, the person who started it all rolled up their sleeves alongside others, shaping what would become this place – back then, it had another name entirely. You can still see that early effort today, tucked into every curved garden edge, each stretch of stonework underfoot, signs positioned just so. The care put in long ago lingers in how things sit on the land now.

Over near the walkway, you will spot Bible quotes posted on markers, one showing the Ten Commandments among them. Sitting apart, the prayer garden holds a manger setup along with crosses, a crown made of thorns, something draped in purple cloth, an open grave holding angel forms, plus a figure of Jesus standing still. This area matters deeply to those who run the place, so it stays cared for, kept neat. Come every Easter season, guests gather here for a big outdoor egg search spread across the land.

A splash of water trickles down a tiny fall into the pond, where greenery wraps around its edges like a slow hug. This patch changes color and shape as each season passes, quietly showing time moving through leaves and stems. Workers here longer than most remember calling it the prettiest corner of the whole slope. Life hums softly – frogs hide just beneath the plants, still enough to miss unless your eyes stay long.High up on the property, the outlook stretches far beyond what most expect. Perched right on mountainside rock, sightlines open wide from select spots across the Smokies’ rolling terrain. When Dollywood gets crowded, distant chugs of its steam engine ride air currents uphill – soft echoes linking place to place without effort. The noise blends in like something familiar, almost gentle.

Professional Bird Photography

Up close, feathers brushing skin – Parrot Mountain offers a photo moment few expect. Staff place several birds on visitors, capturing the interaction through their lens. Afterward, these images appear as magnets or standard prints, ready to take home. Not everyone tries it, yet those who do often remember it longest.

Surprise shows on faces when feathers land without warning. Arms and shoulders become perches by accident rather than plan. What happens next unfolds like any bird moment – unpredictable, brief, messy. Expressions caught in the images range from joy to slight panic, nothing rehearsed. These snapshots stand apart from typical keepsakes found near checkout counters. They mark something real, not staged behind lights and backdrops.

The Gift Shop and Deli

Just past the last exhibit, you find yourself close to where snacks are sold. This spot ties back to the main site, run by the same people who’ve kept everything else going for years. Ownership stays within one household, unchanged across areas open to visitors.

Surrounding the counter, shelves hold typical souvenirs tied to feathers and flight – tees sit beside hoodies, soft creatures rest near tiny wooden homes, while odd trinkets fill the gaps. A top highlight? That image of a dark bear circled by fluttering wings, a nod to where forest giants meet sky dwellers in the Smokies. Scattered among them, gear stamped with Parrot Mountain appears, each tagged with 2002, the season it all began.

Just past the checkout counter, a stack of Bibles sits waiting – offered without charge as people head out. This quiet gesture echoes the way belief shapes every corner of the place.

When you visit the deli, one thing keeps coming up – the Fletch Burger. That choice comes straight from employees who’ve worked there for years. It’s built around a special sauce created by the owner when they first opened. Most team members will tell you it’s what they order themselves. Outside, under a roofed space beside a small fountain, people sit and rest between errands. The spot gives a clear view of comings and goings at the main gate. After finishing meals, visitors head back to their vehicles just steps away.

Parrot Mountain with Kids: What to Expect

Families with kids might find Parrot Mountain works just fine – yet small details could make a difference.

Footpaths shift underfoot now and then, a stretch climbs sharply close to where the path finishes. Little ones too small for long strides, or any using pushchairs, find smoother going by choosing the golf cart ride instead. Staff guidance keeps visits calm around wings and feathers, while notices tied right at each stand tell you straight up – some like touch, others want space.

When birds swoop close, little ones might laugh or jump back – each reaction different. Some find it thrilling when feathers brush their shoulders. Others freeze for just a second, eyes wide. Knowing how your kid handles surprises helps. Will they lean in? Pull away? That hint shapes what comes next.

Baby birds in the nursery area often bring out soft reactions from children who visit. Young guests tend to connect most with the tiny chicks tucked inside that space.

How Long Does a Visit to Parrot Mountain Take?

For newcomers, this question pops up a lot. Truth? It hinges on how deep you dive into what’s offered.

Most folks move through every section quickly – no long pauses at any single spot – in about sixty minutes. Spending time tossing seeds to feathered guests, wandering the green space, stepping into the Lory enclosure, peeking at baby hatchlings, plus getting a posed picture taken, fills up nearly double that span. One full round done fast lands near the hour mark. Slowing down for moments between wings and walks stretches it past one hundred twenty ticks.

Spending time here feels different when you’re drawn to birds that love to sing. Those keen on chatting with feathered residents might lose track of minutes. Sitting quietly among greenery, watching life flutter by, stretches moments into hours. Three hours pass without notice if the scenery holds your attention. Some stay longer, pulled in by sounds and stillness alike.

Most folks find two hours fits well, though it pays to stay loose around that number. Morning light brings livelier birds, thinner groups of people, plus air that hasn’t yet soaked up the hill’s heat. Showing up sooner means catching wings in motion while paths stay clear.

Parrot Mountain vs. Dollywood: Should You Do Both?

This question about scheduling makes sense on its own. The quick reply? Skip stacking both into one day.

A whole day fits just right at Dollywood. After spending hours on rides, hurrying across Parrot Mountain strips much of what makes it special. What stands out here happens when steps slow down, attention shifts to each bird one by one, while the calm around the slopes begins to settle in. Opening time rushes often miss that.

Few steps apart, these spots fit well together when planning more than one day in Pigeon Forge. Instead of rushing through it, spending a full morning or even just an afternoon at Parrot Mountain works better for most people. When nothing else pulls your attention that day, the experience often feels calmer, richer. That quiet focus – just you and the place – is what sticks around after you leave.

Is Parrot Mountain Worth It?

Only those drawn to quiet moments with extraordinary creatures will find their rhythm here. Not every visitor fits; it favors the patient observer more than the adrenaline seeker. Thrill seekers may wander elsewhere, where speed and noise reign. A slow pace becomes part of the experience, not a flaw. Remarkable animals take center stage, not flashy attractions. The right guest feels at ease among stillness, feathers, and soft movement.

Since 2002, this place has stayed in the same family, shaped by those who truly pay attention to their birds and how visitors feel when they arrive. Because of that focus, each bird gets a name, gentle handling, and its own story shared openly. Walk around, and you will notice it in the gardens, especially near the quiet space meant for reflection. Even someone like Maddox, who started young on the grounds and now works there full time after ten years, speaks of the animals as if telling tales about old friends.

Out here among the Smokies, there’s plenty going on, yet Parrot Mountain doesn’t pretend to cover it all. Instead, what you get comes straight – brightly feathered birds unlike most others nearby, moments where you can offer food right from your hand, all within calm paths kept with care. Unlike much of Pigeon Forge’s rush, this place moves slower, somehow more real.

Up there beyond the sign you’ve seen too many times? Turns out it’s busier than most guess. A whole bunch happens where the road climbs out of sight.

Quick Reference: Parrot Mountain Visitor Tips

Start your day early if you can. Closer to 10:00 AM, when the gates open, is ideal. The birds move around more then, full of energy. They’re likely to notice you, since fewer people are about. Heat builds fast on the slopes, but by arriving just after sunrise, you’ll beat it. Cool air lingers at first, making each step easier.

Start thinking about two hours as a good starting point. When the mood strikes to wander through the aviary at a slower pace, add extra minutes. Should you feel like lingering among the plants or sitting near the greenery, pad the clock a bit more.
A stretch close to the trail’s finish has a sharp incline. For those who find that challenging, golf carts can be booked at extra cost – many people find they help.

Footwear should handle rocky paths without slipping. Shoes that survive scrapes work best on bumpy ground. Outfits might catch dirt when near the bird area. Wear things untouched by stains easily. Grip matters where trails shift underfoot. Layers help if weather changes fast. Fabric tough enough for brushes with branches. Expect dust to settle on what you carry.

Meaning slips into the day when you join the noreast corner feed at The Lory Aviary – hands dipped in syrupy drops, birds close enough to count eyelashes. That moment stretches further if a staff photographer steps in, lens raised, ready to freeze what your eyes already widen at. These moments cost extra, yes, tucked beside standard tickets like quiet upgrades anyone can ignore but few do. Price waits at the booth, unforced, just one choice among others that shape how deep the
visit goes.

When the top lots get full, extra spaces open below. Though the upper spots go first, riders catch a free ride uphill from down there. A lift runs often when crowds come early.
Come rain, come sun – it’s open every day. Weather doesn’t cancel things here. Even on wet mornings, gates stay unlocked. Weekends? Same deal. Clouds won’t stop the show. Always running, always there.

Fresh bites come out of the deli right here, try the Fletch Burger if you’re looking for something solid. A fountain hums nearby where shaded seats wait under open sky.
Little birds sit in cages at the shop, waiting. Choosing one means thinking hard about years ahead – these creatures live a very long time. Parrots need daily attention, not just when it’s convenient. Each decision here shapes life routines, often for thirty years or more.

Floating among green hills since 2002, Parrot Mountain and Gardens sits tucked beside McCarter Hollow Road in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Close to where visitors enter Dollywood, it rests quietly amid trees and color.

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