Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are more than just tourist destinations; they are spectacular outdoor playgrounds where you can enjoy all kinds of activities, including pickleball.
Yes, that’s right — the fastest-growing sport in America has landed in the Smokies. Whether you’re already a practitioner or want to learn how to play while on the road, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the surrounding areas offer not only outdoor courts surrounded by incredible mountain views but also indoor spaces where you can stay active during rainy or chilly days.
Still unfamiliar with pickleball? Here’s a quick rundown: Pickleball is a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The courts are smaller than tennis courts, and the sport is easier on the knees and hips than tennis and other court sports like basketball—making it popular among people of all ages.
At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer a variety of cabins with amenities like hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, cinema and game rooms, and even pet-friendly options. Check out our website to find the perfect cabin for your stay. For more tips on what to do during your visit to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, head over to our destination blog. From the best rainy day activities to the top eats in each town, we’ve got tons of local spots and insider tips just waiting for you!
TLDR:
Mynatt Park (Gatlinburg):
- Features: 3 outdoor courts, free access, no evening play
- Other amenities: Tennis courts, basketball courts, playground
Gatlinburg Community Center:
- Features: 4 indoor courts, $2 adults, $1.50 kids
- Other amenities: Swimming pool, skate park, fitness center, bowling, racquetball, aerobics classes
Pigeon Forge Community Pickleball Courts:
- Features: 4 outdoor courts, 4 indoor courts, 2 tennis overlay courts
- Fees: Free outdoor, $2 indoor for non-members
- Other amenities: Pools, basketball, bowling
City of Sevierville Pickleball Courts at City Park:
- Features: 4 outdoor courts, 8 tennis overlay courts, free access
- Other amenities: Free equipment rental, free lessons on Tuesdays
Sevierville Community Center:
- Features: 2 indoor courts, $3.50 fee for non-members
- Other amenities: Bowling alley, gymnasium, fitness center, indoor pool, racquetball, game room
Bonus Information:
- What is Pickleball? A mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong with smaller courts and lower nets, suitable for all ages.
- Equipment: Perforated plastic ball and solid paddles.
- Differences from Tennis: Smaller courts, lower nets, underhand serves, simpler scoring, less physical demand.
- Finding Players: Use the PickleUp app to locate courts and connect with other players.
- Finding Players: Use the PickleUp app to locate courts and connect with other players.
Pickleball Courts in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Around
1. Mynatt Park
Address: 634 Asbury Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Mynatt Park provides a great opportunity for pickleball enthusiasts to enjoy the sport in a scenic outdoor setting. With its free access and convenient location just a stone’s throw from downtown Gatlinburg, the park features three dedicated outdoor pickleball courts suitable for players of all levels. The best part? These newly built courts are surrounded by gorgeous mountain views! For other activities, Mynatt Park also offers six tennis courts, basketball courts, and a playground for children.
Note: The pickleball courts have no lighting, making evening play not possible.
2. Gatlinburg Community Center
Address: 157 Mills Park Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
The Gatlinburg Community Center provides an excellent indoor option for pickleball enthusiasts visiting the area. With its four courts and additional recreational facilities, it offers a comprehensive experience for those looking to stay active during their visit to Gatlinburg. The center’s extensive operating hours and affordable admission fees make it an accessible option for both locals and tourists.
The center features four indoor pickleball courts. These courts and other amenities are available for public use upon payment of a small fee: $2 USD for adults and $1.50 for children aged 4-12 years old. In addition to pickleball, the Gatlinburg Community Center offers a range of other activities and facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, skate park, fitness center, bowling center, racquetball courts, and exercise classes, including aerobics.
3. Pigeon Forge Community Pickleball Courts
Address: 2540 Sand Pike Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Pigeon Forge Community Center is one of the best places for pickleball players in the region. It features 10 courts—four outdoor dedicated pickleball courts, four indoor dedicated pickleball courts, and two tennis overlay courts that can be adapted for pickleball. For the outdoor courts, portable nets are available for free at the center’s front desk. Playing on the outdoor courts is also free of charge. However, to play indoors, a fee of $2 USD is required for non-members. The indoor courts are available from Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 10 AM and can be reserved. The Pigeon Forge Community Center offers various other amenities if you want to enjoy other activities. It has swimming pools, basketball courts, and a bowling center, to name a few.
4. City of Sevierville Pickleball Courts at City Park
Address: 1005 Park Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862
Beyond Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you’ll find more options for pickleball at City Park in Sevierville. The park features 12 pickleball courts—four outdoor dedicated courts and eight courts painted on tennis courts. The courts are free to use and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Equipment (nets, paddles, balls) can be checked out for free at the Athletics Office behind the courts. For those who want to learn how to play, the City of Sevierville offers free pickleball lessons on Tuesdays from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM at City Park. In case of bad weather, the lessons take place inside the Sevierville Community Center. The lessons are open to anyone aged 18+, and a $3.50 per player fee is required.
Note: Four courts have lighting, allowing extended play times.
5. Sevierville Community Center
Address: 200 Gary R Wade Blvd, Sevierville, TN 37862
The Sevierville Community Center is another excellent option for people of all skill levels to play pickleball. It features two indoor pickleball courts painted on the gymnasium floor. To access the center, you need to pay a $3.50 fee if you’re not a member. This fee grants you access to all the center’s facilities, which include a ten-lane bowling alley, a full-sized gymnasium for various sports and activities, a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, racquetball courts, and a game room. Outdoor activities also include walking trails, picnic areas, and a lovely gazebo for gatherings and relaxation.
Bonus: What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a fast-growing paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum.
What Does the Equipment Look Like?
Pickleball uses a perforated plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball) and solid paddles larger than ping-pong paddles.
What Are the Main Differences Between Pickleball and Tennis?
Although both sports are racquet-based, they have many differences. Here are the main ones:
- Court Size: Tennis courts are significantly larger, measuring 78 feet long and 27-36 feet wide (singles vs doubles). Pickleball courts are much smaller, measuring 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for both singles and doubles.
- Net Height: Tennis nets are higher, at 3 feet in the center. Pickleball nets are lower, at 34 inches in the center and 36 inches at the sidelines.
- Equipment: Tennis uses larger stringed racquets and felt-covered rubber balls. Pickleball uses smaller solid paddles and perforated plastic balls.
- Serving: Tennis allows overhand serves, which can be powerful scoring opportunities. Pickleball requires underhand serves, making it harder to score directly from a serve.
- Scoring: Tennis uses a 15, 30, 40 scoring system with games, sets, and matches. Pickleball uses a simpler system, playing to 11 points (win by 2).
- Physical Demand: Tennis involves more running and court coverage due to the larger court size. Pickleball has a “non-volley zone” (kitchen) near the net, creating unique strategic elements. Tennis generally involves more powerful shots and faster gameplay. Pickleball tends to have a slower pace, focusing more on control and placement.
Is Pickleball More Accessible Than Tennis?
Yes! While tennis can be more physically demanding and may have a steeper learning curve, pickleball is easy to learn, easier on joints, and more accessible to beginners and players of various ages and fitness levels. These differences contribute to pickleball’s growing popularity, especially among former tennis players looking for a less physically demanding but still engaging racquet sport.
How Can I Find Other Pickleball Enthusiasts That I Can Play With While on the Road?
PickleUp is a popular mobile application designed specifically for pickleball enthusiasts. Users can search for pickleball courts by city or location name. The app provides details about each location and offers directions. You can even create events and invite others to play, as well as create buddy lists to connect with other players.
Where Should You Stay in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg?
Our short-term rental cabins provide the ideal blend of privacy, stunning mountain views, and a cozy atmosphere, ensuring a truly relaxing escape in the Smokies.
At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer cabins of various sizes and amenities, including hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, cinema and game rooms, and even pet-friendly options. Explore our website to discover our fantastic range of cabin choices.
We’re dedicated to ensuring you and your family have the best possible experience in the Smokies. With Smoky Mountain Holiday, your vacation memories are guaranteed to be unforgettable.