The Ultimate Guide To Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Tennessee

What’s your earliest memory? Mine is standing on the main strip in Gatlinburg, staring up at the dinosaur head sticking out of the top of the theater and being shocked when it moved. I couldn’t believe it!!!

Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge are all neighboring towns near the Smoky Mountains National Park and the area has really picked up popularity over the past several years. I always see new people asking for suggestions- I love that you’re getting to experience such a beautiful place!! The area has been our family vacation spot since the mid 90’s; It holds such a special place in my heart. Granted, it is WAY different now- it was much less crowded, with many more family run businesses back in the day, but none the less it is still my favorite place to recharge.

There are so many wonderful places to eat, play, and explore in town and in the surrounding areas, so I’ll do my best to break down some of my top recommendations by area as well as activity.

Where To Stay

There are several options for accommodations when visiting the area! From hotels and cabins to campgrounds and in park camping, theres something for everyone. As a kid, we camped in both a campground and in the park, but recently, we have done both hotel and cabins in the area. It really depeneds what you’re looking for. If you want a more wildlife and outdoorsy experience, I would camp. If you’re there for the attractions, food, and entertainment, I would go with a hotel. If you’re heading there for a romantic getaway or with a larger family and will be spending some time relaxing and not worried about going out, a cabin is probably the way to go. They are typically the most expensive route, but provide the best views and more privacy. I highly recommend booking a cabin through Airbnb or VRBO if you’re wanting to go that route- we have had awesome experiences!

Where to Eat in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

I am big on trying to eat places that we can’t get back home! While some are still chains that are other places in the country, if it’s not in Dallas or Northeast Ohio, I’m all about it. My favorites in the area are:

Brick & Spoon Pigeon Forge (breakfast)

Log Cabin Pancake House Gatlinburg (breakfast)

Sunliner Diner Pigeon Forge

Blue Moose Burgers & Wings Pigeon Forge

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que (both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg locations!)

Boss Hogg’s BBQ Shack Pigeon Forge

Alamo Steakhouse (both locations!)

Crawdaddy’s Seafood and Oyster Bar Gatlinburg Strip

Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar Gatlinburg Strip

Things To Do In Town- Pigeon Forge

Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers a variety of attractions that cater to different interests. Since you’re passionate about traveling and exploring, you might enjoy visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is known for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails. You could also check out the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park for panoramic views, and the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies for a unique underwater experience. Plus, don’t miss out on exploring the charming downtown area with its shops, restaurants, and local art scene. Enjoy your time in Gatlinburg!

In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, you’ll find a range of attractions that can make your trip enjoyable. Here are a few recommendations:

The Island in Pigeon Forge: This entertainment complex features shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. It’s a lively place to stroll around, enjoy some good food, and maybe catch a show.
Skyland Ranch: Skyland Ranch is a great place to spend a day with the family. With activities like the Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster, an observation tower with panoramic views of the mountains, canopy walks, miniature animal encounters, live entertainment, yard games, food trucks and shops, and more- theres something for everyone!
Alcatraz Crime Museum: It’s an intriguing and unique attraction that dives into the world of crime history, law enforcement, and justice. With a variety of interactive exhibits, artifacts, and displays, it’s a great place to satisfy your curiosity about criminal history while exploring the area.
Titanic Museum Attraction: If you’re into history and immersive experiences, the Titanic Museum can be intriguing. It offers a unique perspective on the tragic voyage and its passengers.
Pigeon Forge Snow: This indoor snow tubing park lets you experience the thrill of snow tubing no matter the season. It’s a fun and unique way to spend your time.
WonderWorks: An interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits, WonderWorks can be both entertaining and educational, offering a blend of learning and amusement.
Dollywood: This popular theme park offers a mix of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and a showcase of the region’s culture. It’s a great place to have fun and experience the local flavor.

There are also many dinner shows in Pigeon Forge, so be sure to check out the one that best suites your family! We went to the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud a few years ago and really enjoyed it. The show was entertaining, the food was served family style with large portions and delicious!

Things To Do In Town- Gatlinburg

Anakeesta: A mountain adventure park with zip lines, a treetop canopy walk, and gardens, providing both adventure and relaxation. Read more here!
Ober Gatlinburg: This mountain amusement park offers a range of activities, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to an aerial tramway, an alpine slide, shops and restaurants, there is fun things to do year-round.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park: Take a scenic ride on the SkyLift to the top of the mountain for panoramic views. There’s also the SkyBridge, a glass-bottom bridge that’s quite the experience.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: This massive aquarium is home to over 10,000 animals from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. You can see sharks, penguins, jellyfish, and more. There is also a tunnel surrounded by sharks, and a penguin habitat!
Mountain Coasters: There are several mountain coasters in town, at multiple thrill levels. We tried several, and I highly recommend going to a few!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium: This museum features a collection of oddities and unusual artifacts from around the world. You’ll see shrunken heads, two-headed animals, and all sorts of other strange and wonderful things.
Mini Golf: You can find many mini golf courses in town that are fun for the whole family.
Shopping: Gatlinburg’s downtown area is packed with shops, boutiques, and galleries offering unique crafts, local art, and souvenirs!
Dining: Gatlinburg has a variety of dining options, from Southern comfort food to international cuisine.
Gatlinburg Space Needle: This 407-foot observation tower offers panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains! It also offers beautiful views of the town lit up if you go at night time.

National Park

There are many amazing areas of the National Park to visit! We always make time to visit Cades Cove, which is an 11-mile one-way loop that has the BEST views of the areas natural beauty, historic buildings, and a LOT of wildlife! You can drive or bike along this road, but it is closed to traffic from May 3 through September 27, 2023, making it the best day to take your bicycle out without the addition of vehicles!

Another favorite of ours is the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. This is a narrow, winding, one-way loop road with amazing lookouts, beautiful streams, and provides an excellent opportunity to see some wildlife! The road is often open from early spring through fall, and I recommend heading over either early in the morning, or in the evening about an hour before sunset.

Here are some important things to note when heading into the park areas:

Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. The mountains’ elevation can lead to rapid weather changes, so bring layers and rain gear.
Hiking Trails: There’s a trail for everyone, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Alum Cave Trail, Clingmans Dome, and Laurel Falls are popular choices, so choose based on your comfort level.
Parking passes: Now required if you are in one area for more than 15 minutes. You can order an annual tag for $40, week pass for $15, or a day pass for $5. Purchase a day or week pass here.
Wildlife Viewing: Keep your distance from wildlife! The area is home to black bears, deer, and more. Maintain a safe distance and never feed the animals.
Scenic Drives: Cades Cove, Newfound Gap Road, and the Roaring Fork Motor Trail offer stunning vistas. Take your time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery along these routes.
Visitor Centers: Stop by visitor centers for maps, information, and guidance on current trail conditions. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is a good starting point.
Picnicking: There are designated picnic areas. Pack a meal and enjoy it in these beautiful settings. Be mindful about leaving any food in vehicles though when you exit, as bears are known to open doors and climb inside!
Photography: The Smokies are a photographer’s dream! Bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes, misty mornings, and beautiful fall colors.
Respect Nature: Please do not litter!! Leave with everything you bring in, and follow park guidelines to preserve the natural beauty.
Plan Ahead: Accommodations can fill up quickly, so book in advance if you’re staying overnight. Also, check for any road closures or trail updates before you go! They can change often due to weather or animal activity.
Cell Service: Cell service can be spotty, so it’s a good idea to have a physical map and let someone know your plans.

Visit the National Parks website for more information!

Traffic

Traffic can be touchy in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Dinner time and traffic lights cause the biggest back up, and weekends and holidays are the busiest times! There is a cut across from Pigeon Forge to the other side of Gatlinburg to avoid traffic if you’re not stopping in town. As far as parking goes, each place in Pigeon Forge has it’s own lot so it’s not too bad (with the exception of the island, which I’d recommend arriving early, but also has a shuttle to take you right to the main area!) However, parking in Gatlinburg can really be a doozy. My favorite place to park is on River Road, which is behind the Mountain Mall and near the Aquarium. There is free side street parking if you’re lucky, but also the lots are a little bit cheaper ($10-15) as opposed to the $20 lots everywhere else.

Quick Tips:

Plan Ahead: This area can get busy, especially during peak seasons (Summer and Fall.) Decide what you want to do in advance, booking attractions, accommodations, and any shows you want to see.
Use the Coupons: You can find coupon books all along the strip, in a lot of the restaurants and hotels, and at the visitors centers. They are FULL of coupons to get discounts on dinners, shops, and attractions! I also recommend checking groupon before booking activities. They always have great local deals!
Stay Flexible: While planning is important, also be open to adjusting your schedule based on weather or unexpected opportunities that you might come across!
Get the Passes: Consider getting attraction passes or combo tickets if you plan to visit multiple attractions. These can save you money and offer a convenient way to explore.
Arrive Early: If you’re visiting popular attractions like Dollywood or the Island in Pigeon Forge, arriving early can help you beat the crowds and make the most of your day.
Local Cuisine: While I know some want to save money to put towards attractions, I really enjoy eating all of the neat and delicious food in the area that I can’t get back home! There is a wide variety of food from grab and go, to delicious steak restaurants.
Avoid Peak Meal Times: Try to avoid peak meal times to avoid long wait times. We usually did an early lunch, and would try to eat dinner either earlier (4:30-5) or late (8:00+) to avoid the large crowds.
Transportation: Parking can really be tricky- especially in Gatlinburg! There is a great trolley system in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It’s an affordable and convenient way to get around without worrying about parking! While parking is easier in Pigeon Forge since it involves more driving from place to place as opposed to Gatlinburg which is walking a strip, I would still recommend going early for a good spot. The cheapest places to park in Gatlinburg are back near the Aquarium behind the Mountain Mall! There is free side street parking (if you’re lucky enough to find a spot!) and the lots tend to run about $10-15 as opposed to most lots, which are $20.
Outdoor Activities: With the Great Smoky Mountains nearby, take advantage of outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty! We love Roaring Fork Motor Trail in Gatlinburg during the evening for wonderful sunsets and glimpses of wildlife! (This is where I have seen the most bears!)
Check for Shows and Events: Pigeon Forge often hosts live shows, concerts, and events. Check the local event calendar to see if there’s something you’d enjoy during your visit.
Be Mindful of Time: Time tends to fly when you’re having fun, so be mindful of the time to ensure you have enough hours in the day to experience everything you want. This is also important while hiking to ensure you don’t end up somewhere in the woods while running out of sunlight!