Ten million tourists visit Pigeon Forge each year. Want to avoid these tourist crowds and see the real Pigeon Forge? Take these tips from locals.
Ride the city’s trolleys.
Don’t waste precious vacation time hunting for parking and sitting in traffic. Park once, then hop aboard the cheap, convenient trolleys. Trolleys serve more than 200 stops, from 8 a.m. until midnight.
Park for free at the LeConte Center.
The LeConte Center, Pigeon Forge’s convention center, has two free parking lots just a short walk from trolley stops. There’s free parking at the city’s Patriot Park, too. Pro tip: Arrive early for stress-free parking.
Stay in a cabin rental instead of a hotel.
Hotels cluster along the crowded Parkway. When you stay in a hotel, you’re close to attractions, but you’re also close to noisy throngs. A cabin gives you easy access to downtown while also treating you to privacy, your own parking spot, and amenities you don’t have to share with strangers. Live like a local while you’re here, in a cabin you can call home.
Lots of tourists miss terrific, quirky attractions.
At Goats on the Roof, ride a mountain coaster, then feed the adorable goats, who really do live on the roof. At Outdoor Gravity Park, roll downhill inside a huge, inflated ball. At Red Rocket Retro Arcade, time travel to the ‘90s to play arcade games like you’re a kid again. Go off the beaten path to find locally loved delights!
The Island is a great theme park alternative.
Dollywood is Pigeon Forge’s famous crown jewel. But locals know that for theme park rides and tasty eats, for less dough, you should head to The Island. There’s no general admission fee. The Island features rides, a ropes course, a virtual reality flying adventure, a true crime museum, and restaurants from celebrity chef Paula Deen and music legend Jimmy Buffett.
Sevierville is a gem.
Sevierville is a neighboring historic town where you can see Dolly Parton’s statue, eat authentic Appalachian cuisine, and enjoy spectacular views. Don’t focus on Pigeon Forge so much that you miss the small-town charm and world-class food in Sevierville.
Go online today and reserve a Pigeon Forge cabin. Then enjoy your mountain getaway with less stress and more fun!
