Beloved Pigeon Forge Attraction Closes After 42 Years

In 1984, an attraction that would become an integral part of Pigeon Forge's nostalgic charm opened in the form of The Track. An old-school theme park in the vein of Cave City's Mammoth Valley Park (formerly Kentucky Action Park, which my family visited on multiple occasions), The Track featured miniature golf, bumper cars, and arcade games. It also had its star attraction. At Mammoth Valley, it's the scenic chairlift and alpine slide. At The Track, it's a multi-level go-kart track called Wild Woody.

Today, fans of Wild Woody and The Track are probably feeling a little nostalgic as the 42-year-old Smoky Mountains staple has ended its run. The attraction's final day was Saturday, October 31, when fans had one last opportunity to take a lap.

A Pigeon Forge Favorite for 42 Years

When The Track opened, it was the first of seven family entertainment locations eventually developed by the company. Over the next four decades, it welcomed millions of visitors and became a familiar fixture along the Pigeon Forge Parkway.

And while go-karts were obviously a big part of the appeal, there was plenty more to keep families entertained. The property featured multiple go-kart tracks, miniature golf, bumper cars, Blaster Boats equipped with water cannons, and an arcade. Younger visitors had their own destination, too, with Kids Country offering a carousel, Ferris wheel, airplanes, swings, a train and other rides.

But Wild Woody was the headliner. The three-level wooden track carried drivers approximately three and a half stories into the air before sending them back down for another lap. It was hard to miss along the Parkway, even if you weren't planning to stop.

More Than Just a Place to Race Go-Karts

Over the last 42 years, memorable experiences weren't just for guests. The company estimates that approximately 5,000 people worked at the Pigeon Forge location over the years. For many young people, it was their first job. General Manager Jeff Wolfe had been part of The Track family for more than 35 years.

According to WATE in Knoxville, the company was unable to renew its lease on the property. The news outlet reported the explanation from Alysyn Williams, the company's chief operating officer.

New attractions open all the time in East Tennessee, meaning new memories are being created every day. But 42 years is a long time, and those cherished memories are firmly established for the thousands upon thousands of people who spent time at The Track.