While driving along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, a burst of color caught my attention. What first appeared to be one roadside mural turned out to be an entire collection of playful artwork at Bigfoot’s Country Barn Selfie Park & Gift Shop.
I decided to take a closer look—and found one of the most colorful photo stops in Pigeon Forge.
A Roadside Discovery Filled with Color
The outdoor photo park features murals inspired by Bigfoot, black bears, Smoky Mountain wildlife, country music and regional humor. Instead of simply decorating the walls, many of the scenes include freestanding cutouts and dimensional elements that invite visitors to become part of the artwork.
That interactive approach is what makes this stop especially fun. You can photograph the murals on their own, pose with the characters or experiment with different angles to make the foreground pieces line up with the painted scenes.
The variety also kept me moving from one mural to the next. Around one corner, Bigfoot disappears into oversized leaves and flowers. Elsewhere, bears dance beneath a “Photo Park” sign, moonshiners carry jugs under a glowing moon and native wildlife fills a long, brilliantly colored wall.
The Grand Ole Smoky Bear Band
One of the most memorable murals transforms a group of black bears into a country band performing on the “Grand Ole Smoky” stage. The scene includes bears playing the banjo, drums, upright bass and guitar, complete with painted stage lights and cheering bears in the foreground.
Muralist Leigh Ann Agee created the Grand Ole Smoky scene for the Country Barn photo park. According to the artist, the building once hosted musical performances, and that history inspired her fictional bear band and its playful country-music setting.
The freestanding audience pieces give the mural even more depth. From the right viewpoint, the painted performers, stage and cheering crowd combine into one lively photograph.
A Smoky Mountain Wildlife Mural
Another wall celebrates Pigeon Forge and the wildlife associated with the Smoky Mountains. A raccoon wearing an “I Love Country Barn” cap appears alongside a black bear, butterflies, birds, insects and other woodland creatures.
This mural deserves both a wide photograph and several close-ups. The complete wall shows how the animals, lettering and bright colors work together, while the smaller details reveal expressive faces and carefully painted textures that are easy to miss at first glance.
Tips for Photographing the Murals
Bring a phone or camera with enough available storage because there is far more here to photograph than a single Bigfoot mural.
Begin with a wide image of each complete scene. Then move closer for details such as the raccoon, roaring bear, flowers and musical instruments. Try both vertical and horizontal compositions, especially around the interactive displays.
Keep your camera as parallel to the wall as possible to prevent the buildings and murals from appearing tilted. Bright daylight helps bring out the saturated colors, but watch for glare and deep shadows before choosing your position.
Visiting Bigfoot’s Country Barn
Bigfoot’s Country Barn Selfie Park & Gift Shop is located at 2869 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Visitors enter the selfie park through the gift shop, and admission to the outdoor photo area is free.
Because the murals are part of an operating business, check the official website for current hours and access information before making a special trip.
If colorful roadside attractions, street art or quirky photo opportunities are part of your travel plans, this is an easy stop to add while exploring Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Which mural would you photograph first—the Grand Ole Smoky bear band, the wildlife wall or Bigfoot hiding among the flowers? Share your choice in the comments.
Find more murals, public art and creative places to photograph in the Street Art Maps and Photo Spots by Destination guide.
