Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Guide

by The Back Seat View

Gatlinburg’s rustic alpine charm is nestled into the Great Smoky Mountains, with enough mouth-watering restaurants, hiking trails, and family attractions to entertain for a month. The Smoky Mountains are a yearly family tradition, with over 30 trips worth of memories. Unfortunately, half the South has this family tradition. Gatlinburg averages over 14 million visitors a year with neighboring towns Pigeon Forge and Sevierville hosting 11 million each. My Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Guide helps you navigate the crowds with planning.

With the fall leaves and Christmas lights drawing the largest crowds, Gatlinburg doesn’t have an official off-season. Gatlinburg is the perfect romantic weekend, family vacation, and conference location due to its versatility and new attractions. However, the mountains remain the same, providing rest to your weary soul.

Let’s Vacation

Before strolling the streets, park the car at the parking decks behind Ripley’s Aquarium. If you walk from your hotel, all the traffic lights are numbered, so meet us at traffic light #5.

The Village

The Village area downtown, with 27 unique boutiques in an Old World atmosphere and home to The Pancake Pantry, is my favorite area.

The Pancake Pantry welcomes you to a 60-year tradition with 24 specialty pancakes. Ordering the Parisienne Crepes with whole strawberries rolled in thin crepes sprinkled with powdered sugar and whipped cream is worth the trip. A long pancake line will pass The Donut Friar, so grab a few donuts and cinnamon bread for later. The Pancake Pantry was Tennessee’s first pancake house, and it’s the best.

Ripley’s Aquarium

After breakfast, we head to the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies it is our FAVORITE ATTRACTION with the cutest penguin parade.

We always have a fun couple of hours with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures to explore and a 1.3 million-gallon saltwater aquarium. It is a little pricey at $40/person, but this is a tourist town. The boys always ask to go, and I’ve never regretted going.

Anakeesta

Hop on the chairlift for a ride up the mountain for swinging bridges, photo ops, and sweeping views. The mountain coaster, zip lines, playgrounds, and restaurants entertain for a few hours in good weather.

Anakeesta tickets are good all day, so ride up at night for the lights. The chairlift line is always an HOUR long, so pay in advance for the Express line. I don’t have a fear of heights, but this chairlift is a little scary.

In my opinion, it’s pricey for what you get and it’s not a theme park. Tickets start near $40, and the two coaster rides ($15 each) and zipline ($60) are extra. My teenagers rarely select this activity, but it’s great for views, photo areas and the playground.

Anakeesta is outside, so check the weather. Cliff Tops Bar and Grill is a good option for lunch. No Way Jose’s Cantina, at traffic light 5, is delicious.

We budget for two attractions daily, so we are off to dinner at the traditional places The Peddler, Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que, or the Alamo Steakhouse.

Crockett’s

On Day Two, meet us at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp for gravy & biscuits, and cinnamon rolls. Go early or do online check-in two hours before to avoid the wait.

OBER Gatlinburg

After I have my taffy from the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, made daily since the 1950s, we can ride the tram or drive up to Ober Gatlinburg.

Snow Tubing

Ober Gatlinburg means snow tubing, skiing, ice skating, and the best alpine sledding. A dozen children’s activities, wildlife habitats, and snack bars can fill your time. Snow tubing is crazy busy, so book almost a month out for weekends and holidays at $45 per person. Snow tubing and alpine sledding are the only two activities I pay for.

The activities in the all-day pass are always crowded, and snow tubing is omitted. We eat before we go and drive to the parking lot, the Tram is too expensive. Ober is OLD, so think vintage experience.

ACTIVITIES

• We play mini-golf at Hillbilly Golf or Gatlin’s Fun Center, which also has bumper cars, laser tag, and a ropes course.

• Dozens of arcades, distilleries, and wine shops are on the main parkway.
• There are numerous Ripley attractions from Believe it or Not Gatlinburg, Haunted Adventure, Mountain Coaster, and the Moving Theater to fill your days.

Sky Park

Gatlinburg Sky Park has North America’s longest suspension bridge with EPIC views, but it’s usually packed with people. It runs around $40 a person and buy those tickets in advance to skip the lines. Most people don’t pre-purchase due to the weather being unpredictable. At least once, ride the chair lift and experience the views.

Honestly, after a couple of days with expensive activities, we need to spend time in the FREE outdoors.

SMOKY MOUNTAINS

• The Great Smoky Mountains are the crown jewel of Gatlinburg and deserve a day or week for exploring all the trails, waterfalls, old cabins, and breathtaking views.
• Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in the park.
• Fishing is permitted throughout the park with a fishing license.
• In June, millions of fireflies appear to mate in Elkmont. You enter a lottery, and your parking pass is $25 if you win. Camping at Elkmont runs for $30.

Parking Pass

• Starting in 2023, you must have a parking pass on your car TO PARK inside The Smokies.
• A daily pass is $5, and a weekly pass is $15, sold at the Visitor Centers, or the National Park Service can mail it to you.
• The park is still free to visit and drive around.

Hikes

• Laurel Falls is the park’s most popular 2.5-mile roundtrip family hike. It’s a paved trail but hilly and without much parking.

• Andrews Bald Trail is 3.5 miles, moderately difficult, in the Clingman’s Dome area, with panoramic views.
• Chimney Tops is 3.3 miles, moderately difficult, in the Mt. Leconte Area, for panoramic views.
• There are over 150 hiking trails in the Smokies, so grab a map at the visitor’s center.

The Sugarland Visitor Center

• Cataract Falls is short, 1/10 of a mile, with several footbridges crossing a creek. The trail is always packed with toddlers.
• Walk to the falls, then take the 1.2-mile Fighting Creek Trail loop out to a cabin.

Roaring Fork

• The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail at traffic light 8 in Gatlinburg is a must-do.
• It’s a five-mile, one-way scenic loop.
• We visit early or late in the day to avoid the traffic and find parking.
• It’s a quiet, scenic drive through the woods and a great place to see bears.
• Grotto Falls is a 3-mile round trip moderate rating trail to a 25-foot falls.
• Place of A Thousand Drips is a roadside waterfall.
• Rainbow Falls is very popular as a 5.4-mile round trip, strenuous hike. The falls parking is a before starting the motor trail. They say it’s gorgeous, and I’ll have to take their word for it because my family doesn’t do strenuous hikes.
• The road is usually closed in winter and traffic packed by mid-day in summer.
• Before entering the Roaring Fork Trail, stop at Noah “Bud” Ogle’s mountain farmstead to visit a streamside tub mill and plumbing.
• Twin Creeks Trail is roundtrip 4.5 miles easy, walking alongside the creek with log cabins.

Gatlinburg Trail

• Gatlinburg trail is 3.9 miles total and is accessible off the street of Gatlinburg near traffic light 10.
• The trail runs by the stream to the Sugarland Visitor Center.
• You can walk as far as you want and turn around with your dog.

Restaurant Recap

• Pancake Pantry is the reason we come!
• Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
• Donut Friar for cinnamon bread.
• No Way Jose’s Cantina is affordable, and ideally located by the aquarium.
• The Peddler Steakhouse is everyone’s tradition. Good food with a creek view.
• Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que is a 30-year hickory smoked tradition.
• Alamo Steakhouse has a location in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg due to its popularity with steaks and burgers.
• JT Hannah’s Kitchen is burgers, steaks, and ribs.
• Glades Soda Fountain is off the main drag with an old-fashioned soda counter.
• There’s more chain restaurants than can be counted.

Gatlinburg LODGING

• Lodging options are endless.
• The main question in Gatlinburg is the distance from the main strip due to nightmare traffic. Can I walk or is there a trolley stop nearby?
• People usually group Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge together and say, “I’m going to Gatlinburg.”
• So, double-check that the hotel’s location is actually Gatlinburg.
• The Park Vista by Hilton in Gatlinburg has mountain views, and it’s located on the City’s Trolley Route.
• Greystone Lodge On the River is family-owned in Gatlinburg overlooking the stream. It is steps from the aquarium and perfect for walking the town.
• Renting a cabin with VRBO, Airbnb, or Cabins of the Smoky Mountains are the most popular options.
• During winter, avoid cabins with steep driveways due to being snowed in.
• If you are coming for the mountains, Gatlinburg is the gate keeper. Christmas trips for Dollywood, should stay in Pigeon Forge.

Pigeon Forge Lodging

• Pigeon Forge has Dollywood’s Dream More Resort, The Inn at Christmas Place, and Margaritaville Island Hotel for resort stays.
• I’m usually in one of the many Hilton hotels like the Home2 Suites.
• Wilderness at the Smokies is family-friendly, with three waterparks and the largest indoor waterpark. It’s directly across the street from Soaky Mountain Waterpark. My guys love staying here because the two- to five-bedroom condos have huge kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms. This is basically a Great Wolf Lodge with dining and activities for days complete with a Candy Cabin for dessert.

• Nature camping means the National Park, Cades Cove campgrounds and Townsend.
• There’s a KOA in Pigeon Forge to be near attractions.
• Under Canvas offers a glamping experience, but it’s more expensive than a hotel.
• Sanctuary Treehouse Resort is only 10 miles outside Pigeon Forge.

PIGEON FORGE

Pigeon Forge is a six-lane town, 20 minutes outside Gatlinburg. The town is not pretty or walkable, and filled with traffic. People love the cheaper hotels, endless activities, restaurant selection, and Dollywood. It’s been nicknamed “Red Neck Vegas.” I can’t tell where Pigeon Forge ends and Sevierville starts. It feels like one big town.

TIPS:

• The welcome center and most hotels have a coupon guidebook for attractions.
• Roads run parallel to the six-lane highway, but Google will never give you these options.
• Pull up maps and navigate yourself to avoid traffic.
• If you are heading into Gatlinburg for the day, do it early to find parking.
• Gatlinburg gets “FULL” and will stop entry during Christmas holidays.
• I have rented a cheap hotel on the Gatlinburg strip to park and rest during the “Gatlinburg” day of a December vacation. $80 for a hotel with parking or hope the parking deck is open for $40. It was worth the money for the kids to nap.
• Plan activities near each other to decrease time in traffic.
• Buy must-do activity tickets in advance and pray for good weather.
• The real magic is inside the Smoky Mountains, so don’t get lost in the high-energy town attractions.

Dollywood

• My favorite activity is, hands down, Dollywood at Christmas.

• Dollywood’s magic rivals Disney with its light displays, Christmas shows, and park decorations.

• Year round Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country waterpark are worth every dollar.
• The theme park hosts 50 rides, several high-energy shows, and plenty of dining options. Imagination, history, and a friendly staff fill the park.
• The Dollywood Dream More Resort and Spa is gorgeous.
• Daily tickets are $92 a day, or a 2-day ticket for $119.
• Dollywood is the top attraction in all of TN for all seasons.
• Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a four-course dinner horse show that sells out, especially at Christmas. The tickets run from $60 to $90, depending on the day.

Pigeon Forge Snow

• Pigeon Forge Snow is year-round, indoor sledding, and it’s a family favorite for all.
• Nobody gets cold or rained on, and no reservations, so it’s easy to plan.
• An hour of tubing runs $30, and Dad can sit on the balcony and watch for free.
• The Blue Moose is a burgers and wings place nearby for lunch.

Deer Farm

Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo allow feeding Zebra, reindeer, Elk, goats, giant bunnies, a zonkie and miniature horses.

The boys love walking amongst the deer and hand-feeding them. This petting zoo is just fun, and my teenagers love it! If the kids want to horseback ride, make a reservation. The tickets run around $16 for adults and $10 for kids.

Titanic

The Titanic Museum starts around $40 a person, and you need tickets days to weeks in advance. The giant museum exhibits Titanic artifacts and memorabilia, complete with a replica of the famous staircase. Experience the Titanic and an iceberg cold as you stroll the deck of the famous ship. It’s rated the 2^nd best attraction in town but it’s for those that enjoy history.

The Island

The Island has small amusement park rides, the Ferris Wheel, shops, hotels, and restaurants. It’s a great place to walk around at night, mini Gatlinburg, but my teenagers don’t like it. Big convention groups come here, so it’s crowded.

Skyland Ranch

Skyland Ranch is relatively new and boasts the longest Mountain Coaster, Wild Stallion, gorgeous views, and a miniature petting zoo. It has the best location across from the Tanger Outlets, for shopping Vineyard Vines. The Five Oaks Farm Kitchen is next door for dinner. Making the entire family happy, without traffic, is a win.

Extra ACTIVITIES

• Crave Golf Club is a candy-themed miniature golf course with a course inside. It is my favorite course.

• The Track, Xtreme Racing Center, and NASCAR Speed Park are the best go-karts.
• Parrot Mountain and Gardens has hundreds of birds, including toucans, magpies, macaws, and parrots.
• Beyond the Lens! is pop culture with reality video games, escape rooms, and walking the red carpet like a celebrity.
• Outdoor Gravity Park is climbing into a giant inflatable ball and rolling down the hill. It’s similar to a slip-and-slide experience, but I have not found anyone to do this with.
• The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is the most popular, with the longest downhill track in the United States. It was the first alpine coaster in town and can reach speeds of 27mph.
• Goats on the Roof has an alpine coaster, gem mining, goats and a restaurant.
• Unlimited arcades, ziplines, go-karts, waterparks, and dinner shows fill the town.

Museums

• WonderWorks is the upside-down building on the main strip. It resembles a science museum with hands-on exhibits, a ropes course, and laser tag. It’s for school-aged kids and teenagers.
• Alcatraz East Crime Museum is a replica of the prison with O.J. Simpson’s Bronco and Ted Bundy’s Beetle. Learning about crimes is for older families with teenagers.
• Hollywood Wax Museum with the HUGE GORILLA on the building is fun for photos and learning about the stars.

Shops

• Christmas traditions begin at the Christmas Place filled with Christmas spirit. It’s one of the largest Christmas shops in the country.

• The Tanger Outlets for Vineyard Vines, Adidas, and popup Lululemon.
• The Smoky Mountain Knife Works Store is the largest knife store in the world, and the guys LOVE it. Over 1.5 million people visit the over 100,000-square-foot store yearly.

SHOWS

• Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a very popular four-course meal with horse stunts.
• The Comedy Barn Theater is a funny, family tradition. The show has a variety of entertainers, and it’s always hysterical!
• Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show provides a fabulous pulled pork and fried chicken meal with fun entertainment. It’s a classic.
• Country Tonite Theatre is a country concert from new music to the classics.
• Pirates Voyage is the newest show, with fights between pirates and mermaids.

Restaurants

There are a zillion restaurants, and everyone has their favorites.

• The Apple Barn and Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant for the apple butter, apple fritters, mint julep, apple pies, and fried chicken. I’m NOT leaving vacation without apple butter and fritters! Their dried apples and apple butter are my absolute favorites, so I’m buying enough to last all year. The apple butter is a 50-year tradition for a reason.

• The Five Oaks Farm Kitchen has the best farm-fresh food and biscuits. It’s an easy dinner choice located by the outlets with low wait times.

• The Old Mill Restaurant is one of the oldest gristmills in America and the most photographed. There’s usually a two-hour wait, but it’s worth it. You can put your name on the waitlist and shop until it’s time for a classic Southern dinner. Locals will always recommend the Old Mill.
• Huck Finn’s Catfish has been a 50-year tradition with ALL ’U CAN EAT Catfish. They have the awards to justify the crowds.
• Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que is a 26-year tradition with 14-hour hickory smoked meat.

Side Trips

Cades Cove

• Cade’s Cove is half a day exploring the trails, John Oliver’s Cabin, and the outdoors.
• It’s an 11-mile loop that has wildlife traffic jams.
• Arrive early morning for a peaceful experience.
• The visitor center has historic buildings and bathrooms.
• Abram Falls is a 5-mile round trip hike.
• We pack a picnic lunch because food options are limited.
• Townsend and Cade’s Cove are popular camping options.
• I plan 2 hours for the loop drive and 4 hours if we are hiking Abram Falls.
• It’s a 90 minute drive from Gatlinburg and an hour from Pigeon Forge.
• Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing is a fun way to finish the day.
• This can be a bumper-to-bumper mid-day nightmare.
• It’s a beloved family tradition!

Cherokee and Bryson City

• Cherokee, NC, has elk at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center or the Cataloochee Valley.
• Hike Deep Waterfalls Loop a 2.4 mile round trip.
• Juney Whank Falls Loop (0.6 miles roundtrip) is near Bryson City.
• Bryson City is around an hour from Gatlinburg, depending on the weather.
• The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is fantastic all year.
• Bryson City’s Polar Express Train ride is the ultimate Christmas activity.
• Polar Express tickets need to be purchased in October.
• We arrived a few hours before our train departed to enjoy the cute town.

The Lost Sea Adventure

• The Lost Sea is boating through a cave in Sweetwater, TN.
• Explore Craighead Caverns while boating around on an underground lake.
• It’s about an hour and a half outside Gatlinburg for a unique adventure.

The Ancient Lore Village

• The Lore Village is an hour from Gatlinburg, near Knoxville.
• The village brings magic to life with a whimsical, hobbit feel.
• I love detailed and unique places to stay overnight on the way to vacation.

Christmas Season Guide

• Gatlinburg is one of my favorite Christmas towns. The town goes all out with lights and snowmen for Winterfest. The snowmen are all over the city and the CUTEST.

• There’s nothing better than strolling the street surrounded by enchanting lights and festivities. Every attraction is covered in decorations, so ride the trolley and look at the lights. The parade is usually the first weekend in December.

• The Christmas Place has Santa and the best trees.
• For a Resort stay the Christmas Inn is the best.
• In Pigeon Forge, Dollywood is off the charts with decorations, lights, and holiday shows. Dollywood sparkles with light tunnels, life-size snow globes, and a nativity.

• Dolly’s Stampede restaurant is a classic Christmas choice.
• Bryson City, an hour’s drive, has the REAL Polar Express departing in a Hallmark Movie town.

I hope you decide to visit Gatlinburg to experience the Magic in the Mountains. Thank you for reading my Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Guide. For another TN weekend getaway try Chattanooga. Top Attractions in Chattanooga explores the city with the world’s steepest incline passenger rail line, the world’s longest pedestrian bridge, and one of the best aquariums in the country.

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