Parrot Mountain and Gardens – A Unique Experience for the Whole Family

Exotic blue macaw sitting on its perch
Exotic green macaw sitting on its perch
Exotic red macaw sitting on its perch

Parrot Mountain and Gardens surprised me. I didn’t expect to be as impressed by it as I was. But it did impress me – a lot! It is quite well done. The birds were healthy and happy. The area was clean and tidy. And it was fun!

More importantly, it passed the “Grandchild Test” – our 5-year-old granddaughter, Ellen, loved it!

Following are a few things that make Parrot Mountain special.

Published April 21, 2025

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What Makes Parrot Mountain Special?

The Birds!

Of course, it’s the birds! But let me break that down a bit more…

1. There are a LOT of birds here!

There are HUNDREDS of birds at Parrot Mountain. This isn’t like walking through a pet shop – it’s more like walking through the rainforest! The birds are everywhere – some in their habitats, some in special enclosures, some in the nursery, and some on perches right by the walkways.

A toucan staring right into the camera
A beautiful, pink tropical bird

2. The Large Variety of Species of Birds

There are over 80 different species of birds in the park!

Parrots, Macaws, Cockatoos, Love Birds, Toucans, Hornbills, Peacocks, Parakeets, Lorikeets, Honey Creepers, Conures, and many, many more.

They talk and squawk and dance and sing; you watch them, and they watch you. With impossibly beautiful birds at every step, you feel like you are walking through a rainbow!

3. The Health of the Birds

I have some experience with zoos and aviaries, having worked at the North Georgia Wildlife Park in Cleveland, GA. When you spend time around animals, you can usually tell when an animal is healthy and happy. They are active; they enjoy being around people; they look like they are having fun!

That’s what I observed from the birds at Parrot Mountain. It’s evident that they are well-cared for and loved.

Brightly colored bird sitting on a branch. It has a red head, with white, blue and green feathers on its body
A brightly colored macaw. Its feathers are red, orange, yellow, blue, and green

The Facilities Far Surpassed My Expectations!

1. The Habitats

Parrot Mountain houses its birds outside, in English-style cottages. They can soak in the sunshine and enjoy the rain, just as they would in their natural habitat. (They are kept inside when the weather turns cold.)

The habitats are large, with plenty of perches where the birds can sit or play, and watch you while you watch them.

2. The Grounds

Parrot Mountain and Gardens covers approximately four acres, but it feels spacious. Paved walkways wind between habitats, trees, and flowers. Due to the large number of trees in the park, it is mostly shady.

I was impressed by how clean the park is. I saw no trash on the ground, and given how many people were there, that’s amazing.

3. The Gardens

There are thousands of plants and flowers in the park – after all, it is named Parrot Mountain and GARDENS, right? The landscaping is beautiful, well-designed, and well-maintained.

The park also includes a large prayer garden, featuring replicas of Jesus’s birthplace, the three Calvary crosses, the empty tomb, and a large statue of Jesus.

A replica of the birth of Jesus
A replica of the three crosses of the crucifixion of Jesus. A purple cloth sits of the cross in the middle
A replica of the empty tomb of Jesus
Solid white statue of Jesus

What Else Can I Do at Parrot Mountain and Gardens?

I’m glad you asked! You can…

1. You Can Feed the Birds

For a small fee, you may enter an enclosed area where you are given a small cup of “nectar”. The birds in the enclosure (not the big macaws, but much smaller birds) will immediately come land on you for a tasty snack!

Please be aware that you may have a LOT of birds perch on you – on your hand, arm, shoulders,…even your head! This may be a bit overwhelming for small children…our granddaughter opted to let me hold the nectar.

Jeff and Mary Ellen helping their granddaughter Ellen feed the exotic birds inside the feeding enclosure
Three exotic birds perched on a bird bath. They are bright green, red, yellow, and blue.
Jeff feeding a beautiful exotic bird. It is red, blue, green, and yellow.

2. You Can Hold the Birds

Parrot Mountain has a petting zoo, with dozens of exotic birds, many of which will gladly crawl onto your arm or shoulder. There are both large and small birds that are very used to having people around them. This is our favorite part of the experience!

Mary Ellen (my wife) with a smallish exotic bird perched on her shoulder
An exotic white bird perched on Jeff's shoulder

3. You Can Let Parrot Mountain Host Your Special Event!

This is an excellent spot for your…

  • Corporate Event
  • Family Reunion
  • Birthday Party
  • Church Groups
  • School Groups

4. You Can Rent the Parrot’s Nest Cabin for your Stay

The Parrot’s Nest is a spectacular four-bedroom, three-bath cabin less than one mile from both Parrot Mountain and Dollywood. It will accommodate up to 14 guests and boasts breathtaking mountain views.

Parrot's Nest Cabin, with multiple levels, seating on the decks, and 2 hot tubs

Interested? Just call 865-429-5577 and ask for more info!

5. You Can Visit the Nursery

You’ll find dozens and dozens of newly hatched baby birds inside the nursery. Watch as they are hand-fed by their keepers. Take some photos. You can even purchase a bird there! WooHoo!

Pro Tip

Most exotic birds you see in zoos or aviaries were “owner-surrendered”, meaning the previous owners of the bird gave it to the zoo. There are several possible reasons an owner might do this. Still, perhaps the most prevalent is that people often purchase exotic birds without understanding what is involved in owning one.

Some exotic birds live up to 70 years or longer, sometimes outliving their owner. Taking responsibility for one of these beautiful creatures is quite a commitment.

These birds are often extroverted. They don’t want to sit in a cage in the corner of your house – they want some attention. Again, a big commitment.

And the cost of keeping an exotic bird healthy and happy can be quite expensive.

Please think carefully before you purchase a bird…or any other pet.

Any Questions? (FAQs)

  • Where is Parrot Mountain?
    • Parrot Mountain is near Dollywood Theme Park, at 1471 McCarter Hollow Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37862. Click anywhere on the image below to enlarge the map.
Map showing directions from Pigeon Forge, TN to Parrot Mountain and Gardens
  • How much does it cost?
  • Can I bring my dog to Parrot Mountain?
    • Yes, you can! Your furbaby must be on a leash at all times and is allowed everywhere except for the petting area.
  • Is Parrot Mountain highly rated?
    • Yes! Google rates it 4.8/5.0 stars!

The Bottom Line – Parrot Mountain and Gardens

The colorful Parrot Mountain logo

Wonderful exotic birds, many of which you can hold and feed. Beautiful flowers and trees. Gorgeous views. Convenient to both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Family friendly.

Come on! What’s not to like!

This attraction is high on my “must-do” list for families. Try it, and see if you agree!

Have fun!

Jeff

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Jeff Powell

Jeff Powell is the Creator/CEO of two blogs - National Park Ventures and Smoky Mountains Ventures. He and his wife Mary Ellen are on a venture to visit every national park in the United States and share what they experience with their readers. Their goal is to help their readers "supersize" their own national park ventures.

Jeff and Mary Ellen have been married for 35 years. They have two sons, two grandkids, and two dogs. They live in a cabin in the mountains outside of Blue Ridge, GA.