Can anybody help with info on Shagbark in Pigeon Forge?

[horseshowmom]

I'm looking at a cabin in Shagbark in Pigeon Forge for Christmas. I've read some reviews of some cabins in this area (not the one I'm looking at) that said they needed 4WD for the cabin they rented. The cabin listing that I'm looking at on VRBO says "This cabin ON PAVED LEVEL ROADS is easy to access in both summer and winter. NO four-wheel drive needed."

Does anybody have any personal knowledge of Shagbark? We do have a 4WD crew cab F-250, but I would prefer to go in our car (front wheel drive which normally does very well in winter conditions).

Thanks for any help!

 

[horseshowmom]

Bump

 

[lovemygoofy]

I've never heard of this particular area but I will tell you that just because the road is paved doesn't mean that a 4x4 wouldn't come in handy. Heck even in the summer going up the roads it seems like off roading.

The times we rented cabins there we used diamond mountain rentals with great success.

 

[laurie31]

We stayed in Shagbark last winter and LOVED it!

We've been going to Gatlinburg in the winter for 20+ years, and I think you will be fine in your regular car. My little Saturn does just fine up there. We do bring along chains in case of snow, but we've never needed them.

What we especially liked about Shagbark was that it is a gated community. We've never had a problem in Gatlinburg before...until two years ago, when our cabin was broken into and all our electronics were taken. Fortunately, we had our camera and camcorder with us, but we had left the chargers, extra batteries, etc. in the cabin, plus DH and his Dad left their cell phones in the cabin (we had gone hiking - no cell service out there), and those were taken as well. Anyway, we were a little gun-shy after that, and felt very safe in Shagbark.

(we have NEVER felt unsafe anywhere in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area, but the normal precautions that would applly anywhere - don't leave valuables visible in the car, lock your doors, etc. apply here too. The thing is, we DID lock our cabin, and that's why we left the camera bags there - so they wouldn't be left visible in the car. There were no signs of breaking/entering, so we believe it was an "inside job." Also, only OUR things were taken, none of the TVs, DVD players, etc. belonging to the cabin were disturbed. Very suspicious...)

Here are some pics taken in Shagbark, to give you an idea about the roads.

 

[paintnolish]

I've never stayed in Shagbark, but we've probably stayed just about everywhere else-paved and unpaved! It looks like you've got your answer to the roads question, but paved road can still be very, very steep. My fave combo is the steep, sharp turn! Be prepared for driving conditions a little different (scarier) than you are used to. I was chicken the first few times and almost did not make it up the hill because I started out too slowly! Anyway, I am sure you'll be fine in your car. We've never had chains or 4WD (always front wheel, though, you don't want to hear about XH's pick up going up the gravel road...almost got rid of him then!).

 

[horseshowmom]

Thanks! For some reason, I didn't get a notification on this thread having responses. I'm also leaning toward a gated community. The others seem very nice, but I know how easily someone could break in and take things.

Thanks again!