Where’s the Best Ice Cream in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge?
Whether you're in the mood for a classic scoop, a hand-spun shake, a sundae piled high, or a creative frozen treat, the Smoky Mountains region offers an abundance of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville are home to a wide variety of ice cream shops and dessert stops, each with its own unique flair. Below are a few notable places to indulge in something cool and creamy—though this is by no means an exhaustive list. Follow your cravings and explore as you go.
Apple Valley Creamery
Location: Sevierville, TN
Apple Valley Creamery is known for its homemade ice cream crafted with natural ingredients and a rich, creamy texture. Choose from more than 60 flavors—including sugar-free options—and enjoy traditional treats like cones, sundaes, milkshakes, and banana splits. While you're there, visit the on-site bakery for fresh cakes or explore the nearby winery and restaurants on the property.
Curl de la Crème
Location: Pigeon Forge, TN
Visit Curl de la Creme for a fully customized ice cream experience. Begin by selecting a base flavor like chocolate, vanilla, or mint, then choose mix-ins such as brownies, fruit, or candy. Toppings include M&M’s, sprinkles, marshmallows, coconut, and more. The finished product is served in a waffle taco, waffle bowl, or the inventive “Kremewich.” Vegan and gluten-free options are available, making it a welcoming choice for all dietary preferences.
Glade’s Soda Fountain
Location: Gatlinburg, TN
Located in the heart of the Arts & Crafts Community in Morning Mist Village, Glade's Soda Fountain offers a nostalgic return to the days of traditional soda shops. Choose from ice cream sodas, floats, malts, milkshakes, banana splits, and sundaes. For something truly indulgent, try an ice cream sandwich made with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.
Kilwins
Location: Gatlinburg, TN
At Kilwins, the aroma of handmade fudge and caramel fills the air as you select from a variety of premium ice cream flavors. Popular choices include New Orleans praline pecan and sea salt caramel, served in hand-rolled waffle cones. Visitors can also watch staff prepare treats like Mackinac Island fudge, caramel apples, and nut brittles—perfect additions to any dessert.
Mad Dog’s Creamery & Donuts
Locations: Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN
Mad Dog's Creamery and Donuts is a family-friendly (and pet-friendly) stop offering a broad menu of hand-dipped ice cream flavors such as Smoky Mountain Fudge, Rainbow Sherbet, and Yellow Brick Road. They also serve donuts, funnel cakes, milkshakes, and sundaes. Outdoor seating and water bowls are available for furry companions, making it a great place to bring the whole family.
Old Mill Creamery
Location: Pigeon Forge, TN
Part of the iconic Old Mill Square, Old Mill Creamery serves house-made ice cream inspired by local heritage and Southern flavors. Enjoy scoops of unique varieties like browned butter walnut or indulge in one of their thick milkshakes. For the indecisive, their ice cream flights allow you to sample several flavors in one visit. It’s an ideal stop, especially for those coming from or heading to Dollywood, just over a mile away.
Village Cafe & Creamery
Location: Gatlinburg, TN
Situated inside The Village Shops, Village Cafe & Creamery is a charming spot that offers a wide range of frozen treats along with specialty coffees and cold drinks. Menu highlights include classic floats, milkshakes, malts, and sodas—making it a perfect break while browsing the boutiques and galleries nearby.
From nostalgic soda fountains to modern, made-to-order creations, the Smoky Mountains are full of exceptional places to cool down with a frozen dessert. Whether you’re exploring the arts district, strolling through a shopping village, or relaxing near the river, you’re never far from a satisfying scoop.