in the deer pen
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Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo

4.7
·3k reviews·Sevierville, United States

A 143-acre farm offering hands-on animal encounters, including feeding deer, petting exotic animals, and scenic horseback rides.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal interaction

CrowdLow
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in the deer pen

Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 143-acre farm offering hands-on animal encounters, including feeding deer, petting exotic animals, and scenic horseback rides.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"Absolutely love this place. Friendly staff and the animal experience is so much fun."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Cash for Feed

Most animals love to be fed! Bring cash to purchase feed for a more interactive experience. :moneybag:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around a lot, so comfy shoes are a must for exploring the farm. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Deer Feeding Frenzy

Deer Feeding Frenzy

Deer enclosure

Get up close and personal to feed and pet numerous friendly deer. A truly memorable experience!

TikTokInstagram
Exotic Animal Encounters

Exotic Animal Encounters

Various enclosures

Meet unique animals like camels, zebras, zonkeys, and pot-bellied pigs.

Instagram+1
Horseback Trail Rides

Horseback Trail Rides

Riding stables

Enjoy scenic trails on gentle horses, perfect for families and all skill levels.

Instagram
Baby Goat Cuddles

Baby Goat Cuddles

Petting zoo area

Hold and interact with adorable baby goats – a heartwarming experience for all ages.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Feed the Deer & More!

Get ready for hands-on animal encounters! Bring cash for animal feed, as it's the best way to interact with the deer and goats. Many visitors rave about feeding the animals and holding baby goats. TikTokInstagramReddit

Beyond the Petting Zoo

Don't miss the horseback riding! Trails are beautiful and horses are gentle, making it a highlight for many families. Instagram Consider booking in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Animals are often hungry and active
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall
Why
Beautiful scenery and pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Who loves animals and would love to spend the day feeding and playing with them?? This hidden gem located right outside of Pigeon Forge is awesome! At The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm you can feed and pet all kinds of animals. You can even get in a fenced area with TONS of deer! #pigeonforge #pigeonforgetennessee #tennessee #animals #animallovers #animaltok #travel #traveltok #destinations #tourist #...
@theshandsfam
40K likes • 967.7K views

Bring Cash for Feed

Most animals love to be fed! Bring cash to purchase feed for a more interactive experience. TikTokReddit :moneybag:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around a lot, so comfy shoes are a must for exploring the farm. Instagram :athletic_shoe:

Come make deer crack with us! #Outdoors #wildlife #deer #bigbucks
@wildernessoutdoormedia
28.1K likes • 1.2M views
Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo in Sevierville, Tennessee 🦌 @smokymountaindeerfarm #smokymountaindeerfarm #smokymountains #sevierville #vacationwithkids #funfamily #summerfun #familyvacation
thatdesmoinesdad
18 likes • 1.4K views

Book Horseback Rides Early

Popular activity! Reserve your spot for horseback riding in advance to avoid disappointment. Instagram+1 :calendar:

Great for All Ages

From toddlers to grandparents, everyone finds joy in the animal encounters. InstagramReddit :familymanwomangirlboy:

Took the kids to the Smoky Mountain Deer , farm and exotic petting zoo. Being with all the baby Deers was so cool. They were so sweet and soft. #babydeer #familytime
yournextrealtorhere
5 likes • 78 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Cash for Feed

Most animals love to be fed! Bring cash to purchase feed for a more interactive experience. TikTokReddit :moneybag:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around a lot, so comfy shoes are a must for exploring the farm. Instagram :athletic_shoe:

Book Horseback Rides Early

Popular activity! Reserve your spot for horseback riding in advance to avoid disappointment. Instagram+1 :calendar:

Great for All Ages

From toddlers to grandparents, everyone finds joy in the animal encounters. InstagramReddit :familymanwomangirlboy:

Check for Special Events

The farm sometimes hosts special events or seasonal activities. Keep an eye on their social media! :star:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm for its incredibly fun and interactive animal experiences, with many highlighting the friendly staff and the joy of feeding and petting the animals. The horseback riding is also a major draw. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few mention a camel attempting to bite, though still found the experience cool.

"Absolutely love this place. Friendly staff and the animal experience is so much fun. They have an array of different species, some I never heard of . We met Zonky the half Zebra/Donkey. He was the sweetest. The deer was fun to feed and pet. The Goats were gentle and so sweet. All the animals were adorable and fun to hand feed. Highly recommend"

Karen Clark

"What a fun place! The owner and her team were outstanding, kind and filled with information. They really go above and beyond to help their animals have a great life and it shows. Very clean and well kept stalls. Although Larry (the camal) tried to bite me. He was awesome to see. Very cool place with an excellent staff! Highly recommended! Great for all ages."

Paul Beyer III

"We had a great time! We enjoyed buying food and feeding the animals. The staff was friendly. They have a gift shop on site. Most of the animals were hungry. It is a great place to take the family."

Caryn Dennison

What People Like

Hands-on animal feeding
Friendly and informative staff
Scenic horseback rides

What People Dislike

Occasional animal behavior (camel bite)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo is located in Sevierville, Tennessee, just outside Pigeon Forge. It's easily accessible by car and has ample parking available. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring the wider Smoky Mountains area. TikTokInstagram

It's a short drive from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, making it an easy addition to your itinerary. Many travelers consider it a worthwhile detour from the main tourist hubs. TikTokInstagram

You can use GPS navigation to 'Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo, Sevierville, TN'. It's typically located off main roads and well-signposted. Instagram

Public transportation options are limited in this area. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services is generally the most convenient way to reach the farm. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a half-day trip, especially if you're staying in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. You can easily combine it with other local attractions. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, but generally, there's a fee for entry to the petting zoo and animal encounters. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most current pricing. Instagram

While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance, especially for popular activities like horseback riding, is recommended to guarantee your spot. Instagram+1

Yes, there are often different packages or options available, such as entry to the petting zoo, horseback riding, or combined experiences. Look into what best suits your visit. Instagram

Operating hours can change seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit. Instagram

Yes, there is typically a separate fee for purchasing food to feed the animals, which is highly recommended for the best experience. Bringing cash is a good idea for this. TikTokReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can interact with a wide variety of animals, including deer, goats, camels, zebras, zonkeys, rabbits, and more! Many visitors highlight the joy of feeding and petting the deer and baby goats. TikTokInstagram+3

Yes, the farm offers horseback riding with beautiful trails. The horses are described as gentle, making it suitable for families and beginners. Instagram+1

Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for young children to have close-up interactions with animals in a safe and supervised environment. Many parents find it a dream come true for their kids. Instagram+2

Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended, as you'll be walking around the farm and potentially interacting with animals. Instagram

Yes, photography is encouraged! You'll have plenty of opportunities to capture memorable moments with the animals. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The farm typically has a gift shop that may offer snacks and drinks. For full meals, it's best to dine in Pigeon Forge or Sevierville before or after your visit. Reddit

While outside food might be allowed for personal consumption, it's generally not permitted to feed your own food to the animals. Stick to the feed purchased at the farm. TikTok

The gift shop often sells typical convenience items like chips, drinks, and small snacks. Reddit

Yes, the surrounding areas of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville offer a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to family restaurants. Reddit

While there might not be dedicated picnic areas, you can enjoy your snacks purchased on-site. For a full picnic, consider a nearby park. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Anywhere you can get close to the animals! The deer enclosure, baby goat area, and even the exotic animal exhibits offer fantastic photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram+2

Yes, the farm's setup allows for very close interactions, making it easy to capture clear and engaging photos of the animals. TikTokInstagram

Generally, no. You're welcome to take photos and videos to capture your memories. Just be mindful of other visitors and the animals' comfort. Instagram

Focus on interactions: feeding the deer, holding a baby goat, or a gentle pat on a friendly animal. Candid shots often turn out the best! Instagram+1

While great for personal photos, if you're a professional photographer seeking specific shots, inquire with the farm about any special arrangements or guidelines. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

This farm is a dream come true for families! The ability to feed and pet animals like deer and goats creates unforgettable moments for little ones. TikTokInstagram+1 The staff are noted for being exceptionally pleasant and helpful, making the experience smooth and enjoyable for parents. Reddit Consider booking horseback rides in advance, as they are a huge hit with kids and adults alike. Instagram+1

Bring cash for animal feed to maximize interaction. The variety of animals, from farm favorites to more exotic species, keeps children engaged and entertained. It's a perfect spot for creating cherished family memories in the Smoky Mountains. Instagram

❤️ Couples & Friends

Looking for a unique and fun outing with your partner or friends? The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm offers a refreshing change of pace. Enjoy a scenic horseback ride together, or spend an afternoon giggling as you feed the friendly deer and goats. Instagram+1 It's a great spot for candid photos and shared experiences that go beyond the typical tourist attractions. Instagram+1

This destination is perfect for those seeking genuine interactions and a chance to unwind in a charming, animal-filled environment. It’s often cited as a highlight of trips to the area, offering a memorable experience for any duo. TikTok

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

While there's an admission fee, the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm offers significant value through its interactive experiences. Purchasing animal feed is a small cost for hours of entertainment and unique photo opportunities. TikTokReddit Horseback riding is an additional cost, but many find it well worth the price for the quality of the trails and horses. Instagram+1

Consider visiting on a weekday morning to potentially avoid peak crowds and maximize your interaction time. Packing your own snacks or planning a picnic in a nearby park can also help manage food expenses. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Animal Encounters: Up Close and Personal

The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm truly shines when it comes to direct animal interaction. Visitors consistently rave about the opportunity to feed and pet the deer, describing it as a highlight of their trip. TikTokInstagram The farm also boasts a variety of exotic animals, including camels, zebras, and zonkeys, offering a unique chance to see creatures you might not encounter elsewhere. Instagram+1 The staff's dedication to the animals' well-being is evident, contributing to a positive and enriching experience for both visitors and the animals. Reddit

Beyond the deer, the petting zoo area is a major draw, especially for families. The chance to hold baby goats, for instance, is frequently mentioned as an incredibly sweet and memorable moment. Instagram This hands-on approach makes the farm a fantastic educational and fun outing, allowing guests to learn about different species while creating lasting memories. Remember to bring cash for feed to maximize these incredible interaction opportunities. TikTokReddit

Horseback Riding Adventures

For those looking for a bit more adventure, the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm offers horseback riding. The trails are noted for their beauty, winding through scenic landscapes. Instagram Many visitors praise the gentle nature of the horses, making the experience enjoyable and accessible even for those who are not experienced riders. Instagram

The staff at the stables are highlighted for their helpfulness and ability to make the experience easy and fun for everyone, including children. Instagram Whether you're on a family vacation or a couples' getaway, the horseback riding provides a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy the stunning Smoky Mountain surroundings. Booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak travel times, to ensure you can secure your preferred riding slot. Instagram

A Local Gem for Travelers

The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm is often described as a hidden gem by visitors, offering a genuine and less commercialized experience compared to some of the larger attractions in the area. TikTok It's a place that locals and returning visitors highly recommend for its unique animal encounters and friendly atmosphere. Reddit

Travelers appreciate the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of animals in a setting that feels both educational and incredibly fun. The staff's passion for animal care and their willingness to share information about the animals further enhance the visit. Reddit It's a destination that consistently leaves visitors with smiles and a desire to return, making it a must-visit for animal lovers and families exploring the Smoky Mountains. TikTokInstagram

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