Looking to vacation in Pigeon Forge TN

[bbak30]

We love the Dixie Stampede. Awesome food and show.
I HIGHLY recommend Jayell Ranch for zip lining, ATVs and horseback riding. They had a package that made it all affordable. We had an absolute blast. The employees were sooo nice.
Best part was that my youngest DD started running a fever later in the day and wasn't feeling well. I mentioned that I was going to take her back to the cabin and skip the ATVs and one of the employees insisted on taking me back to the office for a refund. Not expected and very much appreciated.

 

[bbak30]

Have fun. Be prepared that you will spend close to what you spend at Disney. I just kept saying to myself hmmm I thought this was a cheaper trip but with all the gimmicks to spend money it was not so much.

YES! I did feel very nickeled and dimed. At Disney it's pretty much all included with admission and that's not the case in Piegon Forge. Very touristy. It can get very expensive. Still a good time though.

 

[abcboys]

It can nickel and dime you to death but it doesn't have to. If you do all of the attraction you will definitely spend money like Disney. Look for groupons before you go. Enjoy the beauty of the smoky mountains. Enjoy some hikes, picnics, playing in streams in addition to the touristy things and you will have a good time without breaking the bank. Here is my trip report I put on Tripadvisor if anyone cares to read it.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTop...p_Report_June_18_25-Gatlinburg_Tennessee.html

 

[lisaross]

We did it last summer. Dollywood was a good 1.5 days. We checked it out after 4 the first day and went on couple rides and then were back first thing the next morning to do a whole day.
We stayed in Pigeon Forge at Music Road Resort and it was very nice and breakfast included and great pool and waterslides for kids. Staff was very friendly.
My kids really enjoyed the magic show at WOnderworks. We also loved the Apple Barn for dinner. Yummy....especially the donuts. Surprisingly we ate at CHeddars too and this was one of our favs and was great prices. The Island for us was just a money waster. WE loved Dixie Stampede. Also did outlet shopping in Seiverville. WE did some hiking in mountains one day and we really enjoyed this too and for me it was fav part of trip and was free. Cades Cove Route or something like that.
Be warned it is very touristy and we went into Gaitlinburg and only stopped for few minutes as was crazy.
I think if I went back I might consider renting cabin in mountains through vaction rental company or something but depends what you are looking for.
Have fun. Be prepared that you will spend close to what you spend at Disney. I just kept saying to myself hmmm I thought this was a cheaper trip but with all the gimmicks to spend money it was not so much.

How many days did you go for? And how old are your kids?

 

[Sugar Jones]

Oh yeah our trip last summer was at least as much as our last trip to Disney. And we ate 50% of meals in our Condo. Applewood Farm was the best meal we had there. So delicious!!!

 

[lisaross]

Can I ask how long some of u stayed and how much you spent?

We fly to Disney and it cost us a lot, but we stay about 8 days -

 

[Styx Fan]

Hmm, so for a 7-10 day plan...
1 day and 1 1/2 day for Dollywood
3 1/2 days for dinner shows/evening shows - maybe Dixie Stampede, Hatfield and McCoy, and Comedy Barn (or the new Dixie Lumberjack or the Murder Myster one), but I will decide closer and when deals come out
1/2 day for caverns/underground lakes
1/2 day for family-level white water rafting
1/2 day for horse back riding or hiking in the mountains
1 to 2 days for other attractions (either Ripley's Aquarium and its attractions and/or Titanic, Wonderworks or the Island)
1 day for Knoxville - I'd like to see the World's Fair stuff, since the Simpsons episode peaked my interest - I know it was redone and awesome now and I figure I could visit some other attractions, too
1-2 days for indoor water park (if at my resort - I am choosing between 2 - one has free mini golf/pools and we could stay an extra 2 days and one has the free water park, but we'd stay shorter - we'd enjoy one of the resort's attractions for at least 1 full day), mini golf, shopping, local restaurants, extra hiking, or maybe a side trip to Nashville or NC...
2 date nights for my spouse and I - who knows what we'd do, but I always plan for these in my vacation when I get Nana to come...

My family is not nature-phobic, but they enjoy the "entertainment style" of Orlando...so while I would like to soak in all the nature, if I do this trip, I'm trying to balance my top 3 nature desires (underground caverns, white water and the mountains) with getting them as entertained as they like on vacation - they are big fans of Ripley's, so that's why that's on my list - since our resort would be my timeshare rental fees (so paid for) and we would drive (keeping the travel cost way low), I figure I can spent about $100/day per adult and $60/day per kid and still come out 50% ahead of my Orlando trip costs (so I could splurge and double my planned daily costs, but I'd rather see how I could do at my budget, knowing we eat at least 1 meal a day, and probably 2, in our timeshare kitchen). However, I'd love to have the trip be even cheaper...

Does this seem like a reasonable 1st hack at a plan?

I can't imagine going to this area and not allowing at least 2 full days for the mountains. There is so much hiking to be had at any skill level or length. The drive from Gatlinburg over the mountains is just beautiful and if you stop for the overlooks it does take pretty much a day. A well marked side road takes you to the highest point in the mountains at Clingmans Dome. You come to a parking lot and then walk up a circling side walk up to a wonderful lookout. The drive is fun just from the perspective of the narrow lanes and sharp curves, lol! The other place my family has always gone is to Cades Cove. This part of the national park is entered from the town of Townsend, about an hour from Pigeon Forge along the base of the mountains. Others have mentioned Cades Cove as well. There is an 11 mile looping road that takes you past many old homes and churches. Some short hikes will take take you to other sights. Lots of wild wife, may even see a bear if you look close and are lucky. I have seen them on most of my trips. There is no food available in Cades Cove except some snacks so take a picnic. Cades Cove is also a day.

Both of these days would have no admission charges or fees. The park service has an office between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg that could give you info on park programs, again at low or no cost. But be warned, traffic does get heavy anywhere in those areas, but not as much in the spring as in the summer.

I know you said your family likes the entertainment things, but if you spent these 2 days you would still have lots of time for other things and seen the most popular parts of the Smokey Mountains.

I would not try to throw Nashville into this trip, it is a few hours away in the middle of the state.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I can't imagine going to this area and not allowing at least 2 full days for the mountains. There is so much hiking to be had at any skill level or length. The drive from Gatlinburg over the mountains is just beautiful and if you stop for the overlooks it does take pretty much a day. A well marked side road takes you to the highest point in the mountains at Clingmans Dome. You come to a parking lot and then walk up a circling side walk up to a wonderful lookout. The drive is fun just from the perspective of the narrow lanes and sharp curves, lol! The other place my family has always gone is to Cades Cove. This part of the national park is entered from the town of Townsend, about an hour from Pigeon Forge along the base of the mountains. Others have mentioned Cades Cove as well. There is an 11 mile looping road that takes you past many old homes and churches. Some short hikes will take take you to other sights. Lots of wild wife, may even see a bear if you look close and are lucky. I have seen them on most of my trips. There is no food available in Cades Cove except some snacks so take a picnic. Cades Cove is also a day.

Both of these days would have no admission charges or fees. The park service has an office between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg that could give you info on park programs, again at low or no cost. But be warned, traffic does get heavy anywhere in those areas, but not as much in the spring as in the summer.

I know you said your family likes the entertainment things, but if you spent these 2 days you would still have lots of time for other things and seen the most popular parts of the Smokey Mountains.

I would not try to throw Nashville into this trip, it is a few hours away in the middle of the state.

Thanks. I think I agree that dumping Nashville for another trip is a better plan (especially since my family is not really into country music and since changing hotels and/or taking that long a drive mid-trip aren't usually that fun...

When I wrote the 1/2 days for nature stuff, that's b/c we'd likely do a date night or dinner theater at night (so it's like daytime/nighttime planning). I want 3 days of nature stuff and it seems the caves and whitewater rafting are the top 2 (a family member wants to join and they insist they take me for the 1st time rafting and my whole family wants to try out the caverns, especially since if it's summer, 58 degrees might be awesome to be in one afternoon) and I think 1 day of hikes will be what my family wants...but I usually plan a down day or two (you saw the 2 hotels days) where if they really love it, I could fit another day in. Although mentioning winding, narrow roads is not a check in the plus column - let's say the main driver of my family likes wide, open roads to drive on.

 

[Cajun_country]

Thanks. I think I agree that dumping Nashville for another trip is a better plan (especially since my family is not really into country music and since changing hotels and/or taking that long a drive mid-trip aren't usually that fun...

When I wrote the 1/2 days for nature stuff, that's b/c we'd likely do a date night or dinner theater at night (so it's like daytime/nighttime planning). I want 3 days of nature stuff and it seems the caves and whitewater rafting are the top 2 (a family member wants to join and they insist they take me for the 1st time rafting and my whole family wants to try out the caverns, especially since if it's summer, 58 degrees might be awesome to be in one afternoon) and I think 1 day of hikes will be what my family wants...but I usually plan a down day or two (you saw the 2 hotels days) where if they really love it, I could fit another day in. Although mentioning winding, narrow roads is not a check in the plus column - let's say the main driver of my family likes wide, open roads to drive on.

You probably could do some hiking and sight seeing on the day that you have the caverns planned. It's been years since i've been in one, but I don't remember it taking away that much of our time and would be a day you could plan some easy hikes with. Even with the white water rafting you could manage something else probably. If anyone goes to the Dixie Stampede, I do not recommend a seat on the first row or two- we had dirt fly into our food with the horses (I'm sure we could have asked for more perhaps).
Definitely pack some dramamine

 

[100AcreWood]

We just returned last night from our Pigeon Forge trip. I'm happy to answer any questions but here is a brief trip report. We have visited many theme parks over the years as my dh and oldest dd are both thrill seeking roller coaster riders.

Day 1 - Asheville, NC
We visited the Western North Carolina Nature Center in the afternoon. The zoo was small but the habitats were nicely done.
Day 2 - Asheville, NC
We visited the Biltmore. The outside is so amazing and massive I thought being next to the actual house was much more interesting than actually touring the inside. We also toured the grounds.
Day 2 (Night)- Pigeon Forge, TN
We left the Biltmore and headed to PF where we checked into our cabin before venturing out for the night. We were in for a surprise. Our cabin was high up a mountain. Our mini van barely made it up the climb and dh stated we would only leave once a day and then stay out because there was no way he was climbing that hill more than once a day! They really should have told us that before we signed the rental agreement. The cabin itself was nice but the beds were awful. The view of course was great once you climbed the mountain. We were in between two resident homes which were very poorly maintained and that was a little weird to be staying in a strange area between two people's houses. We left that night for dinner. We checked out the Island. It was like Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach but not as good.
Day 3 - Pigeon Forge, TN
We went to the Tanger Outlets that morning. It was one of the better outlets we have visited. We had lunch at Big Daddy's Pizzeria. It was great! Then we headed to Dollywood at 3pm. Dollywood was not busy. We never waited longer than 10 minutes for any ride. The bees were unbelievable though. There were a lot of drink stations which was great but they attracted the bees. Those aggressive bees would actually chase you for the drink. Getting a refillable mug was a good plan and we made great use of it.
Day 4 - Pigeon Forge, TN
We went back to Dollywood. The kids enjoyed it better the second day once we knew our way around. The crowds were still gone and we never waited longer than 10 minutes for any ride. Overall, after visiting many theme parks we agreed we were glad we checked it out but it was not as good as Busch Gardens which is closer to us and not well maintained. Several areas had not been painted in a long time and the areas under coasters were not well kept like Busch. Dh really liked the Wild Eagle and they rode that several times. Again, glad we tried it but we won't be back. There are too many other things we would rather do in the area and save the money.
Day 5 - Pigeon Forge, TN
Our plan was to visit Clingsmans Dome but it was raining there. So we went to Magiquest before heading home. It was great and the kids loved it. We had only been in the Great Wolf Lodge MQs so we were not used to having a time limit. It was fun and I would recommend it.

Hope that was somewhat helpful. I asked everyone if they would rather return to PG or go to Myrtle Beach and everyone agreed we preferred Myrtle Beach. That said, there is a TON of stuff to do there. And I would definitely ask more questions when renting a cabin or I would stay at the Wyndham which looked awesome!

 

[kymom99]

On our first trip to the smokeys my whole family stayed in a chalet. That was before the days of Internet and reviews. The chalet was ok but way up on ski mountain. Like you, our trips to town were limited. All or none. Since then I have stayed more in town. I think if you did that you would enjoy it more. We have also stated in a couple cabins but they were not far from town. Give it some time and try again

 

[lisaross]

We just returned last night from our Pigeon Forge trip. I'm happy to answer any questions but here is a brief trip report. We have visited many theme parks over the years as my dh and oldest dd are both thrill seeking roller coaster riders.

Day 1 - Asheville, NC
We visited the Western North Carolina Nature Center in the afternoon. The zoo was small but the habitats were nicely done.
Day 2 - Asheville, NC
We visited the Biltmore. The outside is so amazing and massive I thought being next to the actual house was much more interesting than actually touring the inside. We also toured the grounds.
Day 2 (Night)- Pigeon Forge, TN
We left the Biltmore and headed to PF where we checked into our cabin before venturing out for the night. We were in for a surprise. Our cabin was high up a mountain. Our mini van barely made it up the climb and dh stated we would only leave once a day and then stay out because there was no way he was climbing that hill more than once a day! They really should have told us that before we signed the rental agreement. The cabin itself was nice but the beds were awful. The view of course was great once you climbed the mountain. We were in between two resident homes which were very poorly maintained and that was a little weird to be staying in a strange area between two people's houses. We left that night for dinner. We checked out the Island. It was like Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach but not as good.
Day 3 - Pigeon Forge, TN
We went to the Tanger Outlets that morning. It was one of the better outlets we have visited. We had lunch at Big Daddy's Pizzeria. It was great! Then we headed to Dollywood at 3pm. Dollywood was not busy. We never waited longer than 10 minutes for any ride. The bees were unbelievable though. There were a lot of drink stations which was great but they attracted the bees. Those aggressive bees would actually chase you for the drink. Getting a refillable mug was a good plan and we made great use of it.
Day 4 - Pigeon Forge, TN
We went back to Dollywood. The kids enjoyed it better the second day once we knew our way around. The crowds were still gone and we never waited longer than 10 minutes for any ride. Overall, after visiting many theme parks we agreed we were glad we checked it out but it was not as good as Busch Gardens which is closer to us and not well maintained. Several areas had not been painted in a long time and the areas under coasters were not well kept like Busch. Dh really liked the Wild Eagle and they rode that several times. Again, glad we tried it but we won't be back. There are too many other things we would rather do in the area and save the money.
Day 5 - Pigeon Forge, TN
Our plan was to visit Clingsmans Dome but it was raining there. So we went to Magiquest before heading home. It was great and the kids loved it. We had only been in the Great Wolf Lodge MQs so we were not used to having a time limit. It was fun and I would recommend it.

Hope that was somewhat helpful. I asked everyone if they would rather return to PG or go to Myrtle Beach and everyone agreed we preferred Myrtle Beach. That said, there is a TON of stuff to do there. And I would definitely ask more questions when renting a cabin or I would stay at the Wyndham which looked awesome!

Thanks for posting a review. Did you walk around pigeon forge at all? How did u find the parking? Do you think a full day at Dollywood would be good enough? I have us booked at a motel in pigeon forge- we will have 4 full days in town.

 

[lisaross]

Which hiking trails would you recommend? We have 2 boys 14 and 16 neither are that into hiking so I would like to WOW them. But at the same time, not looking for a full day hike - 1/2 in the mountains would be enough - maybe 2 1/2 days

 

[100AcreWood]

Unfortunately the one day we planned to venture into the mountains it was raining. The radar showed rain everywhere in the area. I would have liked to visit Cades Cove. We were planning to go to Clingsmans Dome which I think would have definitely provided a wow factor.

We spent three nights in PF. Since we wanted to do the 3pm entry into Dollywood we had to stay close to town the first day. You can definitely see all of Dollywood in 1 day.

Have a great trip!

 

[Govols1997]

Check out Tremont. There is a great hike to a gorgeous waterfall. It's called Spruce Flats Falls. Only a little over a mile each way, but it's hilly. Laurel Falls is popular, but it's a paved path and not a real "hike."

 

[Cristy]

After our recent vacation to Pigeon Forge for a couple of days (Smoky Mountain Knife Works, MagiQuest, Hillbilly Golf, Dixie Stampede, Great Smoky Mountains) we traveled to Chattanooga which is about 2 21/2 hours away. The grandkids loved the High Point Climbing, the Tennessee Aquarium and Riverfront, and Lookout Mountain at Rock City. We stayed at Hampton Inns at both locations. The one in Pigeon Forge is walking distance to MagiQuest and Denny's, had a wonderful pool area outside with a kid's play area. The one in Chattanooga had a fun slide into the pool that I went down too!

 

[kymom99]

You can drive the roaring fork motor trail and get out at pull off spots. That way you don't have to walk as much but you can see some beautiful scenery

 

[NinaBella]

Our mini van barely made it up the climb and dh stated we would only leave once a day and then stay out because there was no way he was climbing that hill more than once a day! They really should have told us that before we signed the rental agreement. The cabin itself was nice but the beds were awful. The view of course was great once you climbed the mountain.

'

Interesting. The cabins I have stayed in in NC area the company has a visible statement that they recommend a all wheel drive vehicle (4-wheel drive) to get to most cabins. I might categorize this as not knowing about alligators in Florida. If you are staying in a cabin in the mountains, I would expect to go up steep hills to get to the cabin. That is the layout of the mountain land. Fortunately, for our cabin stays in the winter, the community HOA pays to have the snow plowed or else we our heavy SUV not have made it up the drive to the cul de sac with the three cabins to include ours. Minivans are are light vehicles in comparison to SUV's. My dad is from NC so we visited the mountain areas several times growing up.

Here is a copy and paste from one of the rental companies near the ski resort in the NC mountains we have visited: Depending on the home, 4WD, chains or sometimes both may be required when visiting the mountains in winter. Access to this home may not be suitable for vehicles with rear wheel drive, limited ground clearance, or motorcycles even during summer months. We are happy to help you find the home with the access you are most comfortable with, any time of year!

 

[mom2t]

Hmm, so for a 7-10 day plan...
1 day and 1 1/2 day for Dollywood
3 1/2 days for dinner shows/evening shows - maybe Dixie Stampede, Hatfield and McCoy, and Comedy Barn (or the new Dixie Lumberjack or the Murder Myster one), but I will decide closer and when deals come out
1/2 day for caverns/underground lakes
1/2 day for family-level white water rafting
1/2 day for horse back riding or hiking in the mountains
1 to 2 days for other attractions (either Ripley's Aquarium and its attractions and/or Titanic, Wonderworks or the Island)
1 day for Knoxville - I'd like to see the World's Fair stuff, since the Simpsons episode peaked my interest - I know it was redone and awesome now and I figure I could visit some other attractions, too
1-2 days for indoor water park (if at my resort - I am choosing between 2 - one has free mini golf/pools and we could stay an extra 2 days and one has the free water park, but we'd stay shorter - we'd enjoy one of the resort's attractions for at least 1 full day), mini golf, shopping, local restaurants, extra hiking, or maybe a side trip to Nashville or NC...
2 date nights for my spouse and I - who knows what we'd do, but I always plan for these in my vacation when I get Nana to come...

My family is not nature-phobic, but they enjoy the "entertainment style" of Orlando...so while I would like to soak in all the nature, if I do this trip, I'm trying to balance my top 3 nature desires (underground caverns, white water and the mountains) with getting them as entertained as they like on vacation - they are big fans of Ripley's, so that's why that's on my list - since our resort would be my timeshare rental fees (so paid for) and we would drive (keeping the travel cost way low), I figure I can spent about $100/day per adult and $60/day per kid and still come out 50% ahead of my Orlando trip costs (so I could splurge and double my planned daily costs, but I'd rather see how I could do at my budget, knowing we eat at least 1 meal a day, and probably 2, in our timeshare kitchen). However, I'd love to have the trip be even cheaper...

Does this seem like a reasonable 1st hack at a plan?

If you are looking at an indoor water park, I highly recommend Wilderness in the Smokies. You would have to drive over from Sieverville and traffic can be bad but it is great there.

 

[mom2t]

Go to Cade's Coves very early in the morning or 5ish in the evening to see the animals eating. Go early if you want to hike to waterfalls.