Katy's Pigeon Forge Guidebook
Amusement Parks
Amusement focused activities.
Dollywood has quickly become a premier amusement destination. With easy access, award winning landscaping and holiday decorations and world class roller coasters, there's something for everyone. The price has, sadly, increased over the past few years, but if you live within a few hours' drive a season pass is where it's at. If you visit more than 2 times, you've paid for the pass, and upgrading to a gold pass offers in park discounts and makes parking free. This option also pays for itself in 2 uses.
797 locals recommend
Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks BlvdDollywood has quickly become a premier amusement destination. With easy access, award winning landscaping and holiday decorations and world class roller coasters, there's something for everyone. The price has, sadly, increased over the past few years, but if you live within a few hours' drive a season pass is where it's at. If you visit more than 2 times, you've paid for the pass, and upgrading to a gold pass offers in park discounts and makes parking free. This option also pays for itself in 2 uses.
Splash Country, the water park side of Dollywood, is a separate park from Dollywood, and has separate parking and admission. A lush oasis full of water slides and activities for all ages. I highly recommend renting a canopy (shade, 2 lounge chairs and a LOCKER) for your day at the park. It can be tricky when the park is crowded to find a lounge chair in the shade unless you get there early! A wonderful way to spend a day!
274 locals recommend
Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park
2700 Dollywood Parks BlvdSplash Country, the water park side of Dollywood, is a separate park from Dollywood, and has separate parking and admission. A lush oasis full of water slides and activities for all ages. I highly recommend renting a canopy (shade, 2 lounge chairs and a LOCKER) for your day at the park. It can be tricky when the park is crowded to find a lounge chair in the shade unless you get there early! A wonderful way to spend a day!
Sightseeing
A short drive (25-40 mins, depending on traffic) from our home is the entrance to one of the most beautiful places in the Appalachians. There are multiple scenic hikes, drives, and waterfalls in the park. Hwy 441 goes through the Park, south, and comes out the other side in Cherokee, NC.
81 locals recommend
Smokey Mountain National Park
A short drive (25-40 mins, depending on traffic) from our home is the entrance to one of the most beautiful places in the Appalachians. There are multiple scenic hikes, drives, and waterfalls in the park. Hwy 441 goes through the Park, south, and comes out the other side in Cherokee, NC.
Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and is NOT TO BE MISSED if you can make the moderately steep, 0.6 mile, paved walk from the parking lot to the observation tower. The view is unparalleled on clear days, but the Observation Tower can get socked in by clouds. Here is the Webcam to show you the current conditions. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/air/webcams.htm?site=grcd
319 locals recommend
Clingmans Dome
Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and is NOT TO BE MISSED if you can make the moderately steep, 0.6 mile, paved walk from the parking lot to the observation tower. The view is unparalleled on clear days, but the Observation Tower can get socked in by clouds. Here is the Webcam to show you the current conditions. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/air/webcams.htm?site=grcd
Gatlinburg is a wonderful, kitschy, little mountain town. Overall smaller and less busy than Pigeon Forge there are fun things to do and world class dining. The Sky lift will take you to Ober Gatlinburg, a snow/ski destination high on the Ridge over town. The Ripleys Aquarium is full of wonderful exhibits and has a handy parking garage behind it.
660 locals recommend
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a wonderful, kitschy, little mountain town. Overall smaller and less busy than Pigeon Forge there are fun things to do and world class dining. The Sky lift will take you to Ober Gatlinburg, a snow/ski destination high on the Ridge over town. The Ripleys Aquarium is full of wonderful exhibits and has a handy parking garage behind it.
Food Scene
Hands down, our MOST favorite place to dine in Gatlinburg. With a BEAUTIFUL, historic atmosphere and award winning menu, it's a sure thing for a special occasion. Definitely one of the pricier restaurants we ever go to, but I've never been disappointed. They do take reservations, and we would recommend them. NOTE: Decor is HEAVY with taxidermied game. If this is not your thing, then beware. :)
61 locals recommend
The Park Grill
1110 ParkwayHands down, our MOST favorite place to dine in Gatlinburg. With a BEAUTIFUL, historic atmosphere and award winning menu, it's a sure thing for a special occasion. Definitely one of the pricier restaurants we ever go to, but I've never been disappointed. They do take reservations, and we would recommend them. NOTE: Decor is HEAVY with taxidermied game. If this is not your thing, then beware. :)
This little brunch spot is AMAZING. It's very close to our home and easy to access. Food is flavorful and interesting, not just eggs and pancakes. Their claim to fame, though, is ridiculous Bloody Mary "Salad" which is a monster, homemade Bloody Mary with a salad-like skewer of garnish. Pretty fun to see, and many other tasty full-bar drinks. It's a small restaurant, so they get on a wait pretty quickly, but we've gone early and gotten right in. Also, if it's just a couple of you, look to the bar for a seat. They serve the full menu, there. SO GOOD!
53 locals recommend
Brick and Spoon - Pigeon Forge
136 Community Center DriveThis little brunch spot is AMAZING. It's very close to our home and easy to access. Food is flavorful and interesting, not just eggs and pancakes. Their claim to fame, though, is ridiculous Bloody Mary "Salad" which is a monster, homemade Bloody Mary with a salad-like skewer of garnish. Pretty fun to see, and many other tasty full-bar drinks. It's a small restaurant, so they get on a wait pretty quickly, but we've gone early and gotten right in. Also, if it's just a couple of you, look to the bar for a seat. They serve the full menu, there. SO GOOD!
Hands down the BEST pizza in Pigeon Forge. Soft, foldable slices with tasty crust and toppings. They are often very busy and also do a brisk carry-out business. It's totally worth planning to get during off-peak hours or waiting for during busy times. There are 2 locations pretty close to our place. The Pigeon Forge location is closer, but in the HEART of the Parkway bustle. The Sevierville location is a bit further away, but travel time there and back might be less. NOTE: NO ARCADE AT SEVIERVILLE LOCATION
42 locals recommend
Big Daddy's Pizzeria & Arcade
3053 ParkwayHands down the BEST pizza in Pigeon Forge. Soft, foldable slices with tasty crust and toppings. They are often very busy and also do a brisk carry-out business. It's totally worth planning to get during off-peak hours or waiting for during busy times. There are 2 locations pretty close to our place. The Pigeon Forge location is closer, but in the HEART of the Parkway bustle. The Sevierville location is a bit further away, but travel time there and back might be less. NOTE: NO ARCADE AT SEVIERVILLE LOCATION
Brewery
Our favorite place for beer drinking close to home. Easy access to it from side roads,makes it a quick in and out. They brew 6 permanent, different beers ranging from pilsner to stout and an additional 4 seasonal beers for a total of 10 on tap at any given time. They have a full cocktail menu, as well, and food is good quality bar fare in a sports type atmosphere. They do beer flights for cheap! Overall, one of our favorite places.
140 locals recommend
Smoky Mountain Popcorn Co.
2530 ParkwayOur favorite place for beer drinking close to home. Easy access to it from side roads,makes it a quick in and out. They brew 6 permanent, different beers ranging from pilsner to stout and an additional 4 seasonal beers for a total of 10 on tap at any given time. They have a full cocktail menu, as well, and food is good quality bar fare in a sports type atmosphere. They do beer flights for cheap! Overall, one of our favorite places.
Entertainment
This movie theater is a CRAZY little secret, super close to our home, right on the Parkway! Stadium seating, good quality theaters, $5 TICKETS! ALL THE TIME! The concessions are high, but overall it's a bit better value than MOST movie theaters and it's CLOSE!
https://www.phoenixtheatres.com/location/26090/The-Forge-Cinemas-Showtimes
16 locals recommend
The Forge Cinemas
2530 ParkwayThis movie theater is a CRAZY little secret, super close to our home, right on the Parkway! Stadium seating, good quality theaters, $5 TICKETS! ALL THE TIME! The concessions are high, but overall it's a bit better value than MOST movie theaters and it's CLOSE!
https://www.phoenixtheatres.com/location/26090/The-Forge-Cinemas-Showtimes
I wanted to not like the Island, but I just can't help it. There are some terrific attractions and shopping, there. It starts off with an enormous FREE parking lot, with frequent shuttles to the main entrance, and LOTS to see and do. Many interesting shops, restaurants and rides, including the iconic 200 ft Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, visible from all over Pigeon Forge. There is no admission fee to go into the Island area, but rides are varying prices.
369 locals recommend
The Island Dr
The Island DriveI wanted to not like the Island, but I just can't help it. There are some terrific attractions and shopping, there. It starts off with an enormous FREE parking lot, with frequent shuttles to the main entrance, and LOTS to see and do. Many interesting shops, restaurants and rides, including the iconic 200 ft Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, visible from all over Pigeon Forge. There is no admission fee to go into the Island area, but rides are varying prices.
Located on the Island, in the heart of Pigeon Forge, the 200 ft tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is an iconic attraction and is visible from all over Pigeon Forge. It has all glass enclosed, climate controlled gondolas that seat up to 6 people. The views are second to none, and I have taken a few folks who were not crazy about heights that said the gondola felt safe and cozy. Ticket prices vary based on ride packages, with a single ride ticket price of $15 for adults and $10 for 11 yo and under.
NOTE: NOT FOR ACROPHIBICS.
22 locals recommend
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
131 The Island DrLocated on the Island, in the heart of Pigeon Forge, the 200 ft tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is an iconic attraction and is visible from all over Pigeon Forge. It has all glass enclosed, climate controlled gondolas that seat up to 6 people. The views are second to none, and I have taken a few folks who were not crazy about heights that said the gondola felt safe and cozy. Ticket prices vary based on ride packages, with a single ride ticket price of $15 for adults and $10 for 11 yo and under.
NOTE: NOT FOR ACROPHIBICS.
Shopping
Officially called the Incredible Christmas Place, this Christmas shop TOTALLY lives up to the name. Open year round to display a truly enormous selection of Christmas decor items, you will see endless ideas and holiday beauty. If you like Christmas, this is the place for you. Around the holidays they have a wonderful Santa to visit and make pictures with. Much of what I have gotten from the Christmas Place are amazing design ideas, but I have also purchased many one of a kind items here, and they have a very large, very professionally done personalized ornament desk. Only a short drive from our home.
34 locals recommend
Christmas Place
2470 ParkwayOfficially called the Incredible Christmas Place, this Christmas shop TOTALLY lives up to the name. Open year round to display a truly enormous selection of Christmas decor items, you will see endless ideas and holiday beauty. If you like Christmas, this is the place for you. Around the holidays they have a wonderful Santa to visit and make pictures with. Much of what I have gotten from the Christmas Place are amazing design ideas, but I have also purchased many one of a kind items here, and they have a very large, very professionally done personalized ornament desk. Only a short drive from our home.
Another potentially crowded area, but really a destination for name brand stores. Lots of parking and a few eateries, but really it's all about having 90+ popular stores in one place. About 10 mins from our place, open daily 10a-9p, 10a-7p on Sundays.
455 locals recommend
Tanger Outlets Sevierville
1645 ParkwayAnother potentially crowded area, but really a destination for name brand stores. Lots of parking and a few eateries, but really it's all about having 90+ popular stores in one place. About 10 mins from our place, open daily 10a-9p, 10a-7p on Sundays.
City advice
Getting around
TRAFFIC!
Traffic in Pigeon Forge can be a real headache, especially on weekends. Plan your trips out using a traffic app (Google Maps or Waze) if you can. They can direct you to side roads with less congestion.
The Funtime Trolley is also an option. There is a trolley stop a short walk (~10 mins) from our house. We are near the Wears Valley line. The trolleys run every 45-60 mins. This line will connect you to the Patriot Park main terminal. There you can catch trolleys to Dollywood/Splash Country, Gatlinburg, or local routes on the Parkway. http://www.cityofpigeonforge.com/routes-and-schedules.aspx
Book before you go
Dinner Shows
There are some wonderfully entertaining dinner shows in Pigeon Forge. They have VERY high production values and most of them have decent food, but don't expect to get a seat the same day or sometimes even the same week. Most are booked in advance.
Getting around
Avoid busy restaurants
Dining is an incredibly popular activity in Pigeon Forge. Many people complain that the restaurants are "just TOO crowded". You CAN mitigate this problem:
1. GO EARLY! Or late! I know this one sounds obvious, but if you are traveling with a group, it will take you LONGER THAN YOU THINK to even get to a restaurant. Breakfast? Be there by 8:15a. Lunch? Go after 2p. Dinner? Be there by 5p or after 9p. DODGE the crowds!
2. Avoid chain restaurants. They are ABSOLUTELY the busiest in town. You can eat at Red Lobster at home.
3. Make reservations or choose restaurants with call ahead seating.