Pigeon Forge Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Pigeon Forge with our comprehensive guide full of tips on where to stay, what to see, and what to do.


Introduction to Pigeon Forge

Nestled in the eastern part of Tennessee, Pigeon Forge offers visitors the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds, with breathtaking natural scenery and high-octane activities. From Dollywood Amusement Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge has no shortage of attractions, restaurants, and accommodations to make your visit memorable.

List of Places to Visit in Pigeon Forge

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Titanic Museum

Honoring the famous ship that sank on its maiden voyage, the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge offers a glimpse into this infamous disaster. The museum houses numerous artifacts ranging from personal items to suitcases and even a full-scale replica of the grand staircase.

Old Mill Square

Visit Pigeon Forge’s historic district, Old Mill Square, to see the still-functioning water-powered gristmill that dates back to the early 19th century. Here, visitors can also take a pottery class, shop in local boutiques, and enjoy Southern comfort food at The Old Mill Restaurant.

Natural Attractions of Pigeon Forge: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the most visited national parks in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts stunning views of the mountain range and is home to over 1,500 black bears. Visitors can hike, bike, camp, fish, and even take a scenic drive through the park to admire the foliage and wildlife.

Pigeon River

For adrenaline-seekers, Pigeon River offers exhilarating white water rafting trips. From Class I to Class IV rapids, visitors can choose their level of adventure and enjoy the beauty of the lush surroundings.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pigeon Forge

Rainbow Falls Trail

This popular trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a moderate 5.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the stunning Rainbow Falls. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the beauty of the forest and the chance to spot local wildlife like black bears and deer.

Riverwalk Greenway

For a more leisurely stroll or bike ride, the Riverwalk Greenway offers a scenic path along the Little Pigeon River. The trail is paved and easy to navigate, making it perfect for families and those looking to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Best Things to Do in Pigeon Forge: Activities and Tours

Dollywood Amusement Park

Owned by country music legend Dolly Parton, Dollywood is a theme park with roller coasters, live music shows, and thrill rides. The park is also home to the Dollywood Splash Country water park and the Dollywood DreamMore Resort & Spa.

Flyaway Indoor Skydiving

For a unique adrenaline-pumping experience, Flyaway Indoor Skydiving allows visitors to experience the sensation of skydiving without actually jumping out of a plane. This indoor skydiving facility offers a safe and thrilling way to fly.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pigeon Forge

Day Activity
1 Visit Dollywood Amusement Park
2 Hike Rainbow Falls Trail in Great Smoky Mountains NP
3 Explore Old Mill Square and take a pottery class
4 Raft on the Pigeon River
5 Visit the Titanic Museum
6 Bike along the Riverwalk Greenway
7 Relax and enjoy the amenities at the DreamMore Spa in Dollywood

Food and Drink Scene of Pigeon Forge

Must-Try Dishes

Burgers at The Island

The Island in Pigeon Forge is home to a variety of restaurants, but the burgers at Mellow Mushroom and Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant are a must-try. Made with locally sourced ingredients and served with hand-cut fries, these burgers are a tasty and satisfying meal.

Southern Comfort Food at The Old Mill Restaurant

Located in Old Mill Square, The Old Mill Restaurant offers classic Southern comfort food like vegetable soup, fried chicken, and mashed potatoes, all served family-style.

Local Beverages

Moonshine at Ole Smoky Distillery

Moonshine is a staple in East Tennessee, and the Ole Smoky Distillery is the perfect place to sample this local favorite. The distillery offers a variety of flavors, from classic moonshine to fruit-infused varieties, and even a moonshine-donut pairing.

Craft Beer at Smoky Mountain Brewery

With several locations in East Tennessee, Smoky Mountain Brewery offers a variety of craft beers that pair well with the hearty menu items like the brewery’s signature pizza.

Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Clarion Inn Dollywood Area

Located just steps away from Dollywood, the Clarion Inn Dollywood Area is a convenient and affordable option for visitors. The hotel features an indoor pool, free breakfast, and a game room that is perfect for families.

Margaritaville Island Hotel

For a luxury stay in Pigeon Forge, the Margaritaville Island Hotel offers spacious rooms with balcony views, three on-site restaurants, and a rooftop pool that overlooks The Island.

What to Buy in Pigeon Forge: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Handmade Pottery from Pigeon River Pottery

Located in Old Mill Square, Pigeon River Pottery offers handcrafted pottery items like mugs, vases, and bowls that make a beautiful and unique souvenir.

Moonshine and Local Whiskey

For those who enjoy a good drink, Ole Smoky Distillery and Sugarlands Distilling Company offer a range of moonshine and whiskey varieties to bring home and enjoy.

Local Culture and Customs of Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is steeped in Southern hospitality and traditions. It is recommended to greet locals with a smile and a friendly “hello” or “howdy.” Sundays are generally reserved for church and family time, so some businesses may have limited hours or be closed entirely on this day.

Best Time to Visit Pigeon Forge

The best time to visit Pigeon Forge is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer months (June to August) are the busiest and most expensive, but offer the opportunity to enjoy water activities and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pigeon Forge

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Enjoy the natural scenery and wildlife responsibly
  • Support small local businesses

Don’t:

  • Speed or drive recklessly on mountain roads
  • Leave trash or litter in the national park or other natural areas
  • Disrespect local residents or visitors

Safety and Health

Safety in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a relatively safe destination for visitors. However, it is recommended to take standard safety precautions such as locking car doors, avoiding carrying large amounts of cash, and not leaving personal belongings unattended.

Health in Pigeon Forge

Visitors should take standard precautions to protect themselves from the sun, such as wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated. Additionally, it is recommended to bring insect repellent to protect against ticks and other insects in the natural areas.

Getting to Pigeon Forge: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Pigeon Forge

The closest major airport to Pigeon Forge is McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, TN. From there, visitors can rent a car or arrange transportation to Pigeon Forge.

Bus Stations Near Pigeon Forge

The closest bus station to Pigeon Forge is in Sevierville, TN, approximately 5 miles away. The bus station offers connections to other major cities in Tennessee.

Other Options

Driving to Pigeon Forge is a popular option, as it is easily accessible from several highways and major cities in the southeastern United States.

How to Get Around in Pigeon Forge

The best way to get around Pigeon Forge is by car. Alternatively, visitors can use ride-sharing services like Uber or taxi services. There is also a trolley service that runs through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN.

Where to Go Next from Pigeon Forge: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Gatlinburg, TN

Located just a few miles south of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg offers a charming downtown area with local shops, great restaurants, and outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.

Asheville, NC

For a more urban destination, Asheville, NC is just a few hours away by car. Known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor activities, and craft breweries, Asheville is a unique and eclectic destination.

Conclusion

With its natural beauty, exciting attractions, and Southern hospitality, Pigeon Forge offers visitors a perfect destination for a fun-filled and memorable trip. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or relaxation in luxury accommodations, Pigeon Forge has something for everyone.