The majority of attractions in the state of Tennessee drive a lot of interest from travelers belonging to different parts of the world. The place has a rich history, and some iconic things like Mountain Dew, cotton candy, and Moon Pie originated from what is also known as The Volunteer State. At the same time, the state holds a geographic distinction for having a central location as it borders more states than any other in the US.
The factors that add to Tennessee’s value as a tourist hub are the Great Smoky Mountains and the numerous resort towns nestled in and around it. In particular, the picturesque town of Pigeon Forge. The town has witnessed a spike in popularity over time since it is home to Dollywood, one of the most well-known amusement parks in the nation.
Pigeon Forge may be a mountain town with a modest population of the around 6,500, but it draws tourists from the all over the nation and beyond with its southern culture and country music.
Planning a trip to Pigeon Forge in the coming days? Here are a few tips that will ensure you have the best experience possible will out here:
Pick your lodging choice carefully
When it comes to accommodation, Pigeon Forge is definitely going to surprise you with the diversity that it offers. Pigeon Forge has everything from luxurious hotels to the most incredible cabins with mesmerizing views of the mountains. But if you want the best experience when traveling with family and friends, booking cabins near Dollywood is the right way to do it. This way, you’ll be closer to where you’ll spend most of your time.
Offering picturesque views of the majestic Smoky Mountains, you can spend time enveloped in privacy and comfort. Don’t be fooled, though, that modern cabins don’t offer the same facilities as hotels these days because they do. While some amenities may differ, you can easily find cabins with pools, game rooms, and hot tubs all over Pigeon Forge.
Pick the right activities before you get here
Besides the incredible choices for lodging, Pigeon Forge has a lot more to offer for people with all types of tastes. This includes outdoor activities like zip lining, whitewater rafting, and watching dinner shows that showcase the town’s culture, traditions, and talent. It is best to find out the things that interest you beforehand so you have an itinerary planned: Here are some ideas worth considering:
1. Outdoor fun
No matter what type of activity you are looking to do in this mountain resort town, you can find it easily. Do you want to ride a mountain coaster soaring through these marvels of nature or want to take a zip-line across the sky for a bird’s eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains? You get to experience all of this and much more, including zip-lining or just hiking to discover the hidden treasures in the mountains.
2. Museums and shows
Whether you want to show your kids something fascinating or want to enjoy a brilliant demonstration of the art, music, and entertainment that Pigeon Forge has to offer, you can visit either one of the many museums across the city or go to various shows hosted regularly. You will not be the left disappointed at all. If you’re planning on attending the dinner shows, be sure to book tickets in advance since these are a popular attraction, and seats fill up pretty fast. Also, some of the shows only run on specific days of the week.
3. Shop for souvenirs
Pigeon Forge is known as a shopper’s paradise, and more specifically, the handicrafts from this area are second to none. You can look for the perfect gift or memorabilia you want to keep yourself as a reminder that you visited this beautiful place.
Pick the right season
The Great Smoky Mountains and its neighboring towns attract over 14 million tourists every year, which means Pigeon Forge is most likely crowded during peak season. Most people come here in summer because school’s off, and that’s the best time to visit with family and friends. It’s a great time to go; the weather’s great, but be prepared for large crowds and higher rates for accommodation and other travel expenses.
Au contraire, if you want a less crowded and more peaceful vacation, plan your trip during the shoulder months. These include April and May, and September and October. You won’t have to wait in long queues to get tickets for attractions and prices will also be cheaper. Even though the influx of visitors increases during winter, Christmas in Pigeon Forge is still worth seeing.
Pack the right stuff
July is the hottest month in Pigeon Forge, with an average high of 86°F and a low of 68°F. So it’s best to pack light and in layers so you can remove stuff and make yourself feel comfortable as the temperature changes during the day. Be sure to bring your walking/hiking shoes since there will be plenty of walking, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Check the weather for rain and carry an umbrella if necessary.
The cold season starts in late November and ends at the beginning of March, with an average daily high temperature below 56°F. These are the months during which it can also snow. So if you’re traveling during this season, pack warm clothes to stay cozy.
Conclusion
Pigeon Forge may be a small resort town with a handful of residents, but that doesn’t mean it is anything less than fascinating. Surrounded by the towering Great Smoky Mountains, it offers some of the most incredible views anywhere on the planet. On top of that, there are a plethora of lodging options coupled with some amazing activities. No matter whom you visit with, be it family, friends, or just backpacking solo; you will find something to do in all these cases. With a trip to Pigeon Forge, you will surely not be disappointed, but only if you plan it well.