Goats on the Roof

Goats on the Roof is exactly what it sounds like: live goats grazing on the roof of a mountain store in Pigeon Forge. You'll find it on Wears Valley Road, and once you spot the goats, you can't miss it.

It's one of the quirkiest stops in the Smokies, and there's plenty to do besides goat-watching. Ride the Goat Coaster, dig for gems, play dinosaur mini golf and grab a scoop of homemade ice cream before you go.

Feed the goats on the roof

The goats are the stars of the show. Buy a can of goat chow, then pedal the "goat-cycle" to carry your snack up to the roof, and watch the goats come running. Kids love it, and grown-ups do too.

Just want to watch? Head to the second floor of the gift shop, where windows look right out at the goats. Watching is free.

The idea comes from Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Door County, Wisconsin, famous for the goats on its sod roof. The Pigeon Forge attraction is licensed by that restaurant.

The Goat Coaster

The Coaster at Goats on the Roof is a mountain coaster that winds through the Wears Valley hills at speeds just under 30 miles per hour. Each cart seats one or two riders and has hand brakes, so you control how fast you go. It runs in rain or shine, with rain shields available, though it closes when there's lightning in the area.

Who can ride

Drivers must be at least 54 inches tall, and you must be 16 or older to drive with a passenger. Passengers must be at least 3 years old and 38 inches tall. There's also a weight limit per cart, which is lower in wet conditions.

Gem mining, mini golf and sweets

Gem mining

Pan for rubies, sapphires and emeralds at the old-time mine. It's a fun, hands-on activity for kids of all ages.

Jurassic Tymes mini golf

Putt your way through two 18-hole dinosaur-themed courses, where many of the dinosaurs move and roar as you play.

Fudge, ice cream and the gift shop

Treat yourself to homemade fudge, ice cream and cookies baked on site, then browse the two-story gift shop for goat-themed souvenirs. Before you go, grab a seat in one of the Amish rocking chairs on the front porch.

Plan your visit

Open year-round: The store and coaster are open in every season, with hours that change by season. Call ahead to confirm.

See the baby goats: Goats on the Roof also has a store on the Parkway, at 2631 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, where you can see live baby goats.

Make it a Wears Valley day: Goats on the Roof sits on the road between Pigeon Forge and Wears Valley. Pair it with our guide to things to do in Wears Valley, or a trail ride at Big Rock Dude Ranch.

More mountain coasters in the Smokies

Hooked on coasters? Try the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster and the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster. Our roundup of the best coasters in the Smoky Mountains compares them all. For gem hunters, see our guide to gem mining in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, or browse all our Pigeon Forge attractions.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Goats on the Roof?

At 1341 Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge, between the Parkway and Wears Valley. It isn't in Gatlinburg.

Does it cost anything to see the goats?

No. Watching the goats is free, including from the gift shop's second-floor windows. You pay only if you want to buy goat food or try the activities.

How do you feed the goats on the roof?

Buy a can of goat chow and pedal the goat-cycle to send it up to the roof.

How tall do you have to be to ride the Goat Coaster?

Drivers must be at least 54 inches tall, and drivers with a passenger must be 16 or older. Passengers must be at least 3 years old and 38 inches tall.

Is the Goat Coaster open in the rain?

Yes, with rain shields for the carts. It closes when there's lightning nearby.

Is Goats on the Roof open in winter?

Yes. It's open year-round, with seasonal hours.