How long should I spend at Goats on the Roof?

Most families spend 30-90 minutes here. If you're doing the coaster, feeding goats, gem mining, and browsing the gift shop, plan for about an hour.

Is Goats on the Roof good for kids?

Absolutely! Kids love feeding the goats and operating the pulley system to send food to the roof. The gem mining is perfect for ages 4-12, and the coaster seats adults with small children.

Is there parking at Goats on the Roof?

Yes, there's free parking in a surface lot right in front of the building. It's typical roadside attraction style - easy to access from Wears Valley Road.

Can I take loose items on the mountain coaster?

No, you can't bring goat food cups or loose belongings on the coaster ride. You'll need to leave items in your car or ask the counter staff to hold them.

Will the goats always come out on the roof?

The goats are more active during cooler parts of the day. In hot weather, they stay in the shade and may not venture onto the sunny roof areas even with food incentives.

Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains

Duration

30-90 minutes (longer if doing multiple activities like coaster, gem mining, and extensive gift shop browsing)

Best For

Families with kids ages 4-12 • First-time Smoky Mountain visitors • Couples wanting quirky photo ops

Pro Tip

Buy the souvenir goat food cup - it's refillable for just 99 cents on future visits and doubles as a sippy cup at home.

About Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains

Looking for something uniquely Pigeon Forge? Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains delivers exactly what its name promises - real mountain goats hanging out on an actual building roof. But there's much more to this family-friendly amusement center than its quirky namesake attraction.

The star experience is feeding the goats using a clever pulley system - you'll fill a tin can with feed, then crank it up to the roof where eager goats await. Pro tip: visit during morning hours when the goats are most active and before the summer heat sends them seeking shade.

The alpine mountain coaster stands out as another main draw, stretching nearly a mile through mountain terrain. Riders control their own speed up to 30 mph, making it exciting for thrill-seekers but manageable for cautious riders. At $10 per person, it's one of the more reasonably priced coaster experiences in the area.

What makes this spot especially appealing is the free entry - you only pay for the activities you choose. Kids love the gem mining station, where they can sift through bags of mining rough to discover genuine stones. The extensive gift shop offers local crafts and souvenirs, while the homemade ice cream provides a sweet finish to your visit.

While some activities like mini golf might not compete with dedicated courses nearby, the variety of entertainment options in one location makes this an efficient stop for families exploring Pigeon Forge. Most visitors spend 1-2 hours here, longer if riding the coaster multiple times or thoroughly exploring the gift shop.

Last updated: February 22, 2026 • Based on 1,699 reviews

Amenities & Features

Mountain coaster rated as one of the best in the Smokies with fast-moving lines and enthusiastic staffInteractive goat feeding experience that kids especially loveOne-stop convenience with multiple attractions (coaster, mini golf, gem mining, gift shop) eliminating the need to visit multiple locationsExtensive gift shop with wide selection of souvenirs and apparel in all sizes

Don't Miss

Live Goats on the Roof

Real goats roam freely on the building's rooftop - it's not just a gimmick! You can feed them using a hand-powered pulley system that sends treats up in a tin can while the goats watch and wait.

Alpine Mountain Coaster

Nearly a mile of single-rail track with speeds up to 30 mph that you control yourself. The 7-minute ride winds through the landscape and consistently gets praise as one of the area's best coasters.

Gem Mining Experience

Old-style water sluice gem mining that keeps kids engaged for 20-30 minutes. Staff members help identify finds and the buckets usually yield enough gems to make kids feel successful.

Goat-Cycle Feeding System

The hand-powered bicycle mechanism that sends food up to the roof is half the fun. Kids love pedaling while watching the tin can travel up to deliver treats to the waiting goats above.

Massive Gift Shop

One of the largest souvenir shops in the area with everything from home décor to those adorable metal goat figures. The homemade fudge and ice cream counter is worth a stop too.

Free Admission Browsing

You can walk around, see the goats, and explore the gift shop without paying anything. It's refreshing to browse and decide what activities interest you before committing money.

Know Before You Go

Free parking available right in front of the building on Wears Valley Road
Wear comfortable shoes for the coaster and walking around outdoor areas
Cash and cards accepted for activities and gift shop purchases
Visit during cooler morning hours for more active goats on the roof
The pulley bike system is adult-sized, so small kids may need help operating it

Opening Hours

Monday9 AM to 11 PM

Tuesday9 AM to 11 PM

Wednesday9 AM to 11 PM

Thursday9 AM to 11 PM

Friday9 AM to 11 PM

Saturday9 AM to 11 PM

Sunday9 AM to 11 PM

Best Times to Visit Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains

Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.

🔥Buzzing

Weekend afternoons

☀️Relaxed

Weekday mornings

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Goats on the Roof?

Hours vary by season and aren't listed on their website. We recommend calling ahead or checking their Google listing for current daily hours before making the drive out to Wears Valley Road.

How much does Goats on the Roof cost?

Admission is free! The alpine coaster is $10 per person (including kids), goat food costs extra, and gem mining is sold by bucket size. Prices tend to be higher during summer months.

Do I need reservations for Goats on the Roof?

No reservations needed. This is a walk-up attraction where you pay for individual activities as you go. Just show up and start with feeding the goats or head straight to the coaster.