Goats on the Roof Pigeon Forge: Goat Coaster and Family Visitor Guide
Goats on the Roof in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a quirky family attraction featuring live rooftop goats, an alpine mountain coaster, goat feeding, gem mining, sweet treats, and a country store on Wears Valley Road.
It is an easy stop to add to a Pigeon Forge vacation when your family wants an unusual photo opportunity, a self-controlled thrill ride, or the chance to feed some very charming—and unmistakably fragrant—goats.
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Building a family itinerary for the Smoky Mountains? Add one or two of these Mommy’s Memorandum adventures to your Pigeon Forge plans:
Goats on the Roof Pigeon Forge Visitor Guide
Goats on the Roof is located away from the busiest section of the Pigeon Forge Parkway on Wears Valley Road. It is difficult to drive past without noticing it because, true to the name, there may be live goats walking, resting, or waiting for snacks on the roof.
The attraction combines several kinds of family fun in one stop. Visitors can see and feed the goats, ride the Goat Coaster, browse the country store, try gem mining, and look for treats and souvenirs.
Our family was especially excited to ride the mountain coaster. Unfortunately, a historic flood had closed the coaster during our visit, so we did not get to experience the twists, turns, and downhill speed ourselves.
We still stopped to see the attraction and meet its famous residents. Even without a coaster ride, those goats made quite an impression and earned Goats on the Roof a permanent place on our “next time in Pigeon Forge” list.
Why Families Visit Goats on the Roof
Goats on the Roof is one of those vacation stops children remember because it does not look like every other attraction. There really are goats. They really do spend time on the roof. And yes, visitors can help send goat chow up to them.
Families may enjoy this Pigeon Forge attraction because it offers:
- Live goats in a delightfully unexpected location
- A nearly mile-long mountain coaster with rider-controlled brakes
- One- and two-person coaster carts
- A goat-feeding experience using the attraction’s goat-cycle system
- Photo opportunities with the goats and mountain scenery
- Gem mining, shopping, treats, and souvenirs
- An activity that can fit between larger Pigeon Forge plans
The coaster, outdoor activities, and goat appearances may be affected by weather, maintenance, seasonal operations, or other conditions. Check the official Goats on the Roof website before your visit for current hours, prices, rider requirements, and attraction availability.
What Is the Goat Coaster?
The Goat Coaster is an alpine mountain coaster built along the side of the mountain behind Goats on the Roof. Instead of sitting in a traditional roller-coaster train, riders sit in individual carts designed for one or two people.
The cart is pulled uphill before gravity takes over for the downhill portion. Hand brakes allow the rider to control the cart’s speed, making it possible to choose a slower scenic ride or a faster trip through the track’s curves and turns.
According to the attraction, the Goat Coaster measures 4,875 feet—nearly one mile—and can reach speeds close to 30 miles per hour. Actual speed may depend on the cart, passengers, braking, and operating conditions.
The carts remain attached to the coaster track. Riders must still follow all posted rules, staff instructions, height requirements, weight limits, and passenger restrictions.
Can Two People Ride the Goat Coaster Together?
The Goat Coaster uses carts designed to hold either one or two people. This may allow an eligible adult or older rider to share a cart with a child who meets the attraction’s current passenger requirements.
Do not promise younger children that they can ride until you have checked the latest rules. Height, age, combined weight, driver, and passenger requirements may change.
Our Visit to Goats on the Roof
The coaster may have been closed during our visit, but the goats were still there to greet us.
They were not high above us posing dramatically against the Smoky Mountains that day. They were sunbathing closer to parking-lot level, looking perfectly content and completely unconcerned that we had arrived hoping to see them on the roof.
They were adorable.
There is, however, something you should know before getting too close.
Goats stink.
They can be charming, curious, funny, and extremely photogenic. They are also farm animals with a very recognizable aroma. There are no exceptions simply because these particular goats have excellent real estate.
How Do You Feed the Goats?
Visitors can purchase goat chow at the attraction. The special goat-cycle system allows guests to pedal and send the feed up toward the roof for the goats.
It is a wonderfully silly concept and exactly the sort of interactive vacation activity children tend to love. The goats hear the equipment, recognize that food is coming, and gather to collect their snack.
Feeding options, prices, refill policies, and access may change, so confirm the current process when you arrive.
Where Did the Goats-on-a-Roof Idea Begin?
Goats on the Roof may seem like an idea invented specifically for the playful attractions of Pigeon Forge, but the rooftop-goat tradition is much older.
The concept is associated with a Swedish-style restaurant in Wisconsin that became known for allowing goats to graze on its sod-covered roof. The whimsical sight eventually inspired other goat-themed attractions, including this Smoky Mountains stop.
Pigeon Forge added its own family-adventure personality to the idea with the Goat Coaster, goat feeding, gem mining, shopping, and plenty of opportunities to take a photograph that requires very little explanation.
Other Things to Do at Goats on the Roof
The rooftop goats and mountain coaster are the headliners, but they are not the only reasons families stop.
Depending on current operations, visitors may also find:
- Gem mining
- A country store and souvenir shopping
- Goat-themed gifts
- Homemade fudge or other sweet treats
- Ice cream and snacks
- Photo opportunities
- Seasonal decorations and activities
Available activities, food, merchandise, and operating hours can change throughout the year.
How Long Should You Spend at Goats on the Roof?
Plan approximately 30 minutes to an hour if you mainly want to see and feed the goats, browse the store, and take photographs.
Allow additional time if your family plans to ride the coaster, try gem mining, shop, eat a treat, or visit during a busy weekend or holiday period. Coaster lines and activity times may vary by season, weather, and crowd size.
Tips for Visiting Goats on the Roof With Kids
- Check the weather first. The mountain coaster and outdoor activities may close during unsafe weather.
- Review rider requirements before arriving. Check current age, height, passenger, and weight restrictions directly with the attraction.
- Wear secure shoes. Comfortable shoes are helpful for walking around the property and entering ride areas.
- Secure long hair and loose clothing. Follow all staff directions before riding the coaster.
- Prepare children for the goat smell. The goats are adorable, but they still smell like goats.
- Wash hands after feeding animals. Use the available handwashing or sanitizing facilities before eating.
- Keep fingers away from eager mouths. Follow the attraction’s directions for safely offering feed.
- Bring a camera. Rooftop goats are not an everyday family-photo background.
- Confirm hours before driving over. Seasonal schedules and weather can affect availability.
Perfect With a Summer Day in Pigeon Forge
A stop at Goats on the Roof fits easily into a warm-weather Smoky Mountains itinerary. Ride the coaster in the morning, feed the goats, grab a cold treat, and then continue toward another Pigeon Forge attraction or a scenic drive through Wears Valley.
For easy road-trip snacks, cool drinks, picnic recipes, and family-friendly warm-weather ideas, browse my Summer Recipes and Party Ideas. A little planning helps when a day of mountain adventures ends with everyone announcing that they are starving at exactly the same moment.
Where Is Goats on the Roof in Pigeon Forge?
Goats on the Roof is located on Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The attraction is a few miles from the main Parkway and can be combined with other Wears Valley and Pigeon Forge activities.
Use the current address and directions provided by the attraction rather than relying only on an older GPS listing. The official Goats on the Roof directions page and the My Pigeon Forge attraction listing are helpful planning resources.
Is Goats on the Roof Worth Visiting?
Goats on the Roof is worth considering when your family enjoys quirky roadside attractions, animals, mountain coasters, or activities that do not require an entire vacation day.
The attraction is especially appealing for families with children, teens, adventurous adults, and anyone who thinks a mountain coaster is more memorable when goats are involved.
Because our visit happened while the coaster was closed, I cannot offer a firsthand review of the ride itself. I can say that the attraction made enough of an impression that it remains on our Pigeon Forge bucket list.
The goats were charming, the concept was wonderfully unusual, and the mountain coaster looked like exactly the kind of adventure my family would enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goats on the Roof Pigeon Forge
Are there really goats on the roof in Pigeon Forge?
Yes. Goats on the Roof is known for live goats that roam and rest on its rooftop area. Their exact location may vary depending on the weather, time of day, animal care, and operating conditions.
What is the Goat Coaster at Goats on the Roof?
The Goat Coaster is an alpine mountain coaster on Wears Valley Road. Riders travel in one- or two-person carts and use hand brakes to control their speed during the downhill portion.
How fast is the Goat Coaster?
The attraction states that the Goat Coaster can reach speeds close to 30 miles per hour. Riders control their speed with the cart’s brake system.
How long is the Goat Coaster?
The Goat Coaster measures approximately 4,875 feet, making the track nearly one mile long.
Can children ride the Goat Coaster?
Children may be able to ride when they meet the current age, height, weight, driver, or passenger requirements. Check directly with the attraction before promising a ride.
Can two people ride in one coaster cart?
The coaster offers carts designed for one or two riders. Combined weight and passenger restrictions may apply.
Can you visit the goats without riding the coaster?
Yes. Families may stop to see the goats, purchase goat feed, browse the store, take photographs, or enjoy other available activities without riding the coaster.
Does it cost money to see the goats?
Visitor, feeding, and activity policies can change. Seeing the attraction may not require a coaster ticket, but goat feed, rides, gem mining, merchandise, and treats have separate costs.
Is Goats on the Roof open when it rains?
Some portions may remain accessible, but rain, lightning, flooding, maintenance, or unsafe conditions can interrupt outdoor activities and coaster operations. Check current conditions before visiting.
How much time do you need at Goats on the Roof?
Allow about 30 minutes to an hour for a casual visit. Families riding the coaster, gem mining, shopping, or visiting during a busy period may need longer.
What should families bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, weather-appropriate clothing, and a willingness to accept that the cutest residents may also be the smelliest.
Final Thoughts on Goats on the Roof
Our visit did not unfold exactly as planned. The historic flooding meant we could not ride the mountain coaster, and the famous rooftop goats had decided that parking-lot-level sunbathing was the better option.
Even so, Goats on the Roof was one of those wonderfully odd Pigeon Forge stops that made us smile.
We met the goats, saw the mountain coaster curling along the hillside, and discovered an attraction unlike anything we had experienced before. Sometimes a closed ride is disappointing. Sometimes it simply gives the family a very good reason to return.
Next time we are in Pigeon Forge, the Goat Coaster is going near the top of our list.