Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

An aerial view of a town with a large parking lot, a river, and surrounding mountains.
A tree with autumn leaves, a grassy field, and mountains in the background.
A historic building with a clock tower, arched windows, and a stone staircase.
A rustic log cabin surrounded by a wooden fence, set in a wooded area with fallen leaves on the ground.
A theater with a marquee advertising performances.

This town, on the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has unusual tourist attractions, evening shows and plenty of local history.

Pigeon Forge, a major tourist stop on the way to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, knows how to keep visitors entertained. There are dozens of theaters and entertainment venues hosting everything from musicals to magic shows, as well as amusement parks, museums and the ever-popular Dollywood.

Catch a trolley and explore the town. Trolley fares are low, and there are stops at more than a hundred different destinations. Spend a day at Dollywood, the theme park named after country music star Dolly Parton. You’ll find rides for all ages, along with classic country music, restaurants and gift shops. Go for a splash in the nearby Dollywood Splash Country Water Adventure Park. Older kids and adults will love the selection of slides and rides, while youngsters can mess about in a specially-designed play area.

Go prospecting in the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine, where you can buy a bucket and collect gems of all shapes, types, and sizes. For more fun, check out the TOMB Egyptian Adventure. You’ll have to solve problems and outsmart the Pharaoh to escape. History buffs and boat lovers alike should take a look at the Titanic Museum Attraction. It features interactive exhibits and dozens of fun and educational activities.

For some local history, stop by Old Mill Square. Admire the old buildings, enjoy the atmosphere, and grab a bite to eat or shop for souvenirs. Take some time out in a natural setting at Parrot Mountain and Gardens, a refuge for injured or homeless birds. Here you can admire the birds up-close and feed them from the palm of your hand.

If you’re looking for a fun night out, head to one of many comedy clubs, see a musical, or be wowed by magicians. There’s a huge selection of entertainment venues around town, so you’re bound to find something to your taste.

Country Cascades Waterpark Resort

Country Cascades Waterpark Resort

3.5 out of 5
204 Sharon Dr Pigeon Forge TN
The price is NZ$340 per night from 16 July to 17 July
NZ$340
16 July - 17 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Pigeon Forge. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,762 reviews)
"The only two gripes I have were that the mattress was terrible and there really wasn’t a usable gym for what u would need. The cardio area only had a treadmill a bike and some sort of cable machine. It was doable but not sufficient. The pool area and slides were clean and even seen them checking ..."

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Country Cascades Waterpark Resort
Wilderness at the Smokies – River Lodge Suites

Wilderness at the Smokies – River Lodge Suites

4 out of 5
1424 Old Knoxville Highway Sevierville TN
The price is NZ$371 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$371
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Sevierville. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and 7 restaurants. Popular attractions Titanic Museum and Wilderness at the Smokies ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (334 reviews)
"The room was clean, life guards were very attentive, good variety of water slides, but the arcade and food were very expensive."

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Wilderness at the Smokies – River Lodge Suites
Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside

Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside

2.5 out of 5
2440 Parkway Pigeon Forge TN
The price is NZ$177 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$177
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Pigeon Forge. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,988 reviews)
"The rooms and property are very clean. The breakfast leaves something to help desired. Clean property with nice staff,would stay again"

Reviewed on 28 June 2026

Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Deer Ridge Mountain Resort

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort

3 out of 5
3710 Weber Rd Gatlinburg TN
Stay at this apartment in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Little Pigeon River and Bent Creek Golf Club ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (285 reviews)
"The apartment was spacious but bathroom was small. Beautiful view from balcony. It definitely could use some updates. Pool was nice also. I didn't like the fact that some items in the kitchen were broken. They didn't replace them. Ceiling light needed a new light bulb.."

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

4 out of 5
Gatlinburg TN
Stay at this spa hotel in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,261 reviews)
"We have a wonderful time!!!"

Reviewed on 25 June 2026

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg

Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg

3 out of 5
315 East Pkwy Gatlinburg TN
Stay at this aparthotel in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Anakeesta and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies ...
6.2/10 (135 reviews)
"The room was clean and ready for us to check in. Will stay again very convenient to every thing."

Reviewed on 26 June 2026

Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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