Should I go to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? (2023)

FAQs

Is it better to be in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg? ›

All in all, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are both incredible spots to visit. If you're looking to experience the true tourist experience of the Smoky Mountains, you'll want to visit Gatlinburg. If you're looking for an equally thrilling experience, but a little away from the crowds, Pigeon Forge is your answer.

Gatlinburg, population 3,944, is immediately adjacent to the park, just north of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It's more compact geographically than Pigeon Forge, squeezed by mountains on three sides. Its downtown district is more walkable than Pigeon Forge's and it is generally considered to have better restaurants.

If you're going to Gatlinburg, plan for at least three days. You can do it in two, but you'll feel a little rushed. Anything past three days and you're going to want to reach out to Pigeon Forge and explore what's happening over there.

You'll need at least three days to explore all the Pigeon Forge has to offer. There's a variety of family-friendly activities, including amusement parks, theaters and live music venues. You can also hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or visit Dollywood, the area's most popular attraction.

Since there's not much open space or alternative routes, this mountain town tends to get more crowded than Pigeon Forge. Beautiful Mountain Views – Gatlinburg is located at the foot of some of the most picturesque mountains in the country.

The best time to visit Gatlinburg is during the fall – specifically in September and October. During these months, beautiful fall foliage takes the stage, and temperatures are mild(highs between 65 and 80) which attracts travelers from all over.

Is Pigeon Forge worth visiting? Yes! With all the family-friendly activities, including shopping, food, theaters, and theme parks you will have an exciting time and maybe even try something new during your visit.

Dollywood quickly put Pigeon Forge on the map as a premier tourist destination. Since then, Pigeon Forge has only continued to grow in popularity. Today, it is home to dozens of attractions and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy everything from go-karts and roller coasters to country music shows and pottery studios.

Gatlinburg became a tourist attraction because it's easy to get to, offers endless opportunities for recreation, and its own unique Appalachian culture. Gatlinburg is home to a wide variety of unique things to do.

So, when it comes down to it, Pigeon Forge is generally the cheaper option when comparing lodging, activities, and restaurants. However, there are exceptions to every rule. Be sure to compare prices for each city before making your final decision.

What is the slowest time of the year for Gatlinburg Tennessee? ›

Though Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains are truly a year-round destination, the off-season in Gatlinburg is during January, February, and March. However, these months still see lots of visitors, this "off-season" is simply less busy than other times of the year.

If you're looking to save on your next vacation, consider visiting Gatlinburg in January, February or May. These months are typically the least expensive times to travel, due to lower demand.

The magical sweet spot to visit Pigeon Forge is from the last week of April through the end of May. The reason for this is that school spring breaks last from March until around mid-April. There is also the opening of Dollywood in March and the massive Spring Rod Run in mid-April.

If you don't have time for a full week-long vacation in Gatlinburg TN, a three-day escape is the next best thing! A long weekend is just enough time to experience the most popular attractions and restaurants in the Smoky Mountain area.

As a bird flies, the distance between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is about five miles total. The roadways between the cities take you on many twists and turns, however. So, you can expect to travel just over eight miles along the Parkway before arriving at your destination.

Yes! Gatlinburg, TN is worth visiting! This beautiful mountain town built along Little River is just across the border of North Carolina in Tennessee.

The least busy time to visit Pigeon Forge is during the winter, as long as you avoid the major holidays. Many attractions have special displays and events for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so you might encounter crowds at restaurants and tourist locations.

Summer is the busiest time of year in Pigeon Forge, but that doesn't mean it's not a great time to visit. The weather is still beautiful and there's so much to do. Just be prepared for large crowds. Fall is a wonderful time to visit Pigeon Forge.

Gatlinburg was ranked fifth on the Trending Destinations of the World list, among places like Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Less Traffic in Gatlinburg

That's exactly why a vacation in the middle of the week will be good for you. Most tourists take their vacations on the weekends when it's most convenient. If you go against the grain on this, you'll still deal with a little traffic, but it'll be mild in comparison to the weekends.

What month does the leaves change in Gatlinburg? ›

From early to mid-October, fall colors develop above 4,000 feet. To enjoy them, drive the Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Foothills Parkway. The fall color display usually reaches peak at mid and lower elevations between mid-October and early November.

The many Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg restaurants, accommodations, and entertainment venues, which are by definition tourist trap establishments, have all helped to attract people to this unique part of the country and meet their needs while they are here.

For the most part, Pigeon Forge is not pedestrian friendly. Attractions are spread along a 5-mile section of Parkway that is heavy with traffic most of the day and usually into the evening. There are sidewalks, but crossing can be difficult – the road is six lanes wide, and stoplights are far apart.

Dolly Parton celebrates Dollywood's 2023 season opener. PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — Dolly Parton was in Pigeon Forge on Friday as her Dollywood theme park began its 38th season. Dollywood season passholders were welcomed into the theme park on Friday as part of a preview day plus a special appearance by Parton.

If you have more flexibility during your stay, you can use these expert tips to avoid crowds when visiting Pigeon Forge. Drive Early or Late at Night – When arriving in the Smoky Mountains, you can avoid traffic by arriving early in the day. Likewise, you can avoid congested roadways by driving later in the evening.

The town has a lot of rural beauty and is peaceful with vintage charm. It's a spot where one can unwind and refresh while getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life. In addition, Pigeon Forge also seems to be a bustling tourist destination as well, home to bizarre museums and renowned theme parks.

The two peak seasons in Gatlinburg are summer (June, July and August) and the month of October, when the fall foliage is at its zenith. July is the busiest month of the summer season, while weekends in October draw the largest crowds in the fall.

Ziplines and whitewater rafting, world-class golf and fishing, and 800 miles of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is one of America's premier outdoor destinations. Biking, bird watching, and horseback riding are also recommended activities to try while you're outside in Gatlinburg.

While a hotel might be great for a trip to New York City, if you're vacationing in Gatlinburg, TN, a cabin rental is far and away the best place to stay. A cabin provides an authentic Smoky Mountain experience that you simply can't find with any other type of lodging.

Is Pigeon Forge a party town? ›

Whether you love live theater and comedy shows or are looking for adventure, you'll find it all in this small mountain town in Tennessee. Grab a bite to eat and then head out for a night on the town for beverages, desserts, and laughter galore to fully take advantage of the exciting nightlife Pigeon Forge has to offer.

While Pigeon Forge is a popular place to be all year round, some months are a little less crowded than others. Your best bet is to visit during the winter. Once the holiday season has passed and before springtime hits, fewer visitors than usual come to the area.

Late spring and early fall are particularly good times to visit if you're looking for bears. Early morning (6 – 10 a.m.) and late afternoon ( 3 – 7 p.m.) are the best times for bear viewing in Cades Cove. In addition to bears, Cades Cove is a great place to see wild turkey, deer, raccoons, and groundhogs.

Most nights have lows at or below freezing, but lows of -20°F are possible at high elevations. In the low elevations, snows of 1" or more occur 1-5 times a year. Snow falls more frequently in the higher mountains and up to two feet can fall during a storm.

The National Park Service reports snow storms in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains happen mostly in February and January. This is because, on average, precipitation levels tend to be higher during these two months. So how much does it snow, you might ask? Gatlinburg sees about 9 inches of snow each year, on average.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are busy during the holidays, leaving the Parkway congested. If traffic is slow in town, enjoy the LED light displays that will surely brighten the trip! Roads can also become icy at times, so make sure you are well prepared for local weather conditions.

Plus, with so much to do indoors and out, Dollywood is a guaranteed fun time, no matter the weather. I'll tell you that my favorite times to visit Dollywood (weather-wise) is April-during a non-spring break week-and September. My favorite times to visit Dollywood's Splash Country are early June and late August.

Arriving when the park opens at 10 AM is a great way to dodge crowds any time of year. Additionally, a portion of the park opens around 9:30 in the morning prior to the official opening time.

What is the 5 mile loop in Gatlinburg? ›

The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, gristmills, and other historic buildings. Please note that the road is closed in winter.

The city of Gatlinburg is easily walkable and the inexpensive trolley that operates 365 days a year offers service to nearby attractions. However, you'll need a car to take advantage of the scenic driving loops or to access areas of the national park that aren't within walking distance.

Bars in Gatlinburg

For a small mountain town, Gatlinburg nightlife is lively and fun. So when you've got cabin fever and are ready for a night on the town, there's a variety of Gatlinburg bars and clubs, both family friendly and twenty-one and older, within several miles of Elk Springs Resort sure to delight.

They both have a lot in common, with their many theme park attractions, all-American shows, and the famous Dolly Parton Stampede. While Pigeon Forge is the gateway to the stunning Great Smoky Mountains, Branson is the gateway to the majestic Ozark Mountains. Both are family-friendly destinations.

The five-mile strip runs through the city and is lined with local businesses. There is so much to do on the Parkway that it's impossible to do everything in one week, much less one day! Here you can find some of the best Pigeon Forge dining, shopping, accommodations and attractions.

Compare and Save

So, when it comes down to it, Pigeon Forge is generally the cheaper option when comparing lodging, activities, and restaurants. However, there are exceptions to every rule.

Yes! Pigeon Forge, TN is worth visiting! This Tennessee mountain town just across the border of North Carolina is full of musical theaters, unique attractions, and yummy restaurants.

Today, it is home to dozens of attractions and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy everything from go-karts and roller coasters to country music shows and pottery studios. There truly is something for everyone in Pigeon Forge! So there you have it!

If you don't have time for a full week-long vacation in Gatlinburg TN, a three-day escape is the next best thing! A long weekend is just enough time to experience the most popular attractions and restaurants in the Smoky Mountain area.

Even if you don't see a bear on the trail, it's extremely likely that you will see one while you're driving around the area, especially if you take a drive along any of the motor nature trails or Newfound Gap Road. Cades Cove is one of the most popular spots to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains.

What is the best time of year to visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge? ›

The best time to visit Gatlinburg is between September and October. The two peak seasons in Gatlinburg are summer (June, July and August) and the month of October, when the fall foliage is at its zenith. July is the busiest month of the summer season, while weekends in October draw the largest crowds in the fall.

Yes! Gatlinburg, TN is worth visiting! This beautiful mountain town built along Little River is just across the border of North Carolina in Tennessee.