Pigeon Forge 4 Days.....Itinerary

[laurie31]

Yes. It's closed until May 21. (at least) Bummer. But it was desperately in need of repair.

I also belatedly second the "don't go to Applewood's on a Sunday" comment too. Not only is it (even more) crazy busy, but the menu is different. We prefer the weekday menu.

 

[minniebeth]

Yes. It's closed until May 21. (at least) Bummer. But it was desperately in need of repair.

I also belatedly second the "don't go to Applewood's on a Sunday" comment too. Not only is it (even more) crazy busy, but the menu is different. We prefer the weekday menu.

It is a bummer that it's still closed...this is our first trip to this area, can anyone recommend another alternative activity to see the beauty of the area?

 

[MoonFaerie]

Add to the 11.5% sales tax and I find much better deals here at our Outlets.

Like someone said, it's not 11.5% sales tax, only 9.75%.

The outlets are hit and miss. Some are true outlets, and some aren't. I head in (on weekday mornings only, lol) to hit a couple - the Cosmetics Company (hello discounted MAC!), Stride Rite (ds needs wide shoes, and I've never had to pay more than $20 for a pair), Gymboree, Banana Republic & J Crew. If you're into Coach, they have pretty good deals. My mom works there, and IIRC she said they were offering 20%-30% off this past weekend (depending on how much you spent). Oh, and the Nine West outlet, that's a fave of mine too.

About the outlets though, this part of your plan:

Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Show (men and kids back to cabin and ladies to the outlets)

might be problematic. I'm not sure how late that show gets out, but the outlets all close at 9 pm. (My mom said Black Bear isn't worth the cost, but I can't remember if that was because of the food or the show. She hated one and enjoyed the other.)

Country Tonight is supposed to be a really good show. I haven't seen it, but I haven't ever heard a negative review. We really like Cirque de Chine in Governors Crossing.

 

[MoonFaerie]

It is a bummer that it's still closed...this is our first trip to this area, can anyone recommend another alternative activity to see the beauty of the area?

Hmm, are you looking to drive through or do some hiking or were you interested in the old buildings?

 

[laurie31]

The Roaring Fork motor nature trail is right off the "main drag" in Galtlinburg (turn at traffic light #8) and is very pretty. There are a couple of old cabins you can go inside, and there is a short trail to Grotto Falls. I think even the 5 year olds in your group should be able to do that one. It's really not far, and it's interesting because you go BEHIND the falls when you reach the top. Also there is a shallow pool where you can safely wade. We had fun searching for salamanders in the mud (beside the trail) as we hiked up.

Also, along the drive is a series of waterfalls called the "Place of 1000 drips" that you can see right from your car. You can get out to take pics if you like, but there's no hiking involved.

The hike to Laurel Falls is also very easy (easy as in *paved trail*) but still very pretty. Very nice views.

If you're not up for hiking at all, just drive up to Newfound Gap. In fact, do that anyway. It's spectacular. You can also drive up to Clingman's Dome, but if you want to go all the way up to the observation tower, it's a short (but kind of steep) hike from the parking area. I think my kids were 4 and 6 when we did it, though, and it's paved too.

Go to the ranger station/visitor's center, Sugarlands to watch the 20 minute free video about the park and let your kids see the exhibits. You can also get advice from the rangers about what would be best for your group. There is waterfall out behind the station that you can easily walk to. Flat, very short. Your kids would also enjoy doing the Junior Ranger program. You can pick up the materials in the gift shop there.

 

[MoonFaerie]

Roaring Fork is closed for repaving thru the end of May too.

 

[minniebeth]

Hmm, are you looking to drive through or do some hiking or were you interested in the old buildings?

A little bit of each. We are going with a few families and there are various interests and abilities. We are spending a day in Dollywood, but then would like to do some things that would interest each group. My DS and DNephew would like to hike a little. A scenic drive would be nice too, as we have a handicapped member of our family, and I know my girls would love some of the old historic buildings, school houses. That's why Cades Cove sounded perfect, a little of each, but now that it's closed, would like to find an alternative. I'm an obsessive planner and would love to have some ideas so we can maximize our time!

 

[minniebeth]

The Roaring Fork motor nature trail is right off the "main drag" in Galtlinburg (turn at traffic light #8) and is very pretty. There are a couple of old cabins you can go inside, and there is a short trail to Grotto Falls. I think even the 5 year olds in your group should be able to do that one. It's really not far, and it's interesting because you go BEHIND the falls when you reach the top. Also there is a shallow pool where you can safely wade. We had fun searching for salamanders in the mud (beside the trail) as we hiked up.

Also, along the drive is a series of waterfalls called the "Place of 1000 drips" that you can see right from your car. You can get out to take pics if you like, but there's no hiking involved.

The hike to Laurel Falls is also very easy (easy as in *paved trail*) but still very pretty. Very nice views.

If you're not up for hiking at all, just drive up to Newfound Gap. In fact, do that anyway. It's spectacular. You can also drive up to Clingman's Dome, but if you want to go all the way up to the observation tower, it's a short (but kind of steep) hike from the parking area. I think my kids were 4 and 6 when we did it, though, and it's paved too.

Go to the ranger station/visitor's center, Sugarlands to watch the 20 minute free video about the park and let your kids see the exhibits. You can also get advice from the rangers about what would be best for your group. There is waterfall out behind the station that you can easily walk to. Flat, very short. Your kids would also enjoy doing the Junior Ranger program. You can pick up the materials in the gift shop there.

PERFECT!!! Thank you so much!!

 

[Katie Dawn]

As a Knoxville native I'd like to say, "Welcome!" You are going to have a great time!

Cades Cove: don't give up on it just yet! It IS closed right now BUT, it's set to re-open in late May so I bet by July you'll be good to go! https://sercms.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cades-cove-road-improvement.htm I think if you can definitely get there by 6:30pm you could probably get what you want accomplished but it will be really tight! You may find you want to stop at several of the buildings along the way but you probably won't have time that night -- if you find that is true you can just adjust your itinerary and come back another day! Definitely pick up a booklet from the little boxes at the entrance (costs less than a $1) which someone can read out loud as you drive. It will really bring the buildings alive. This is not an "interpretive" area... these were real people with real stories that settled in Cades Cove and lived their lives there.

I think the "Applewood Restaurant on a Sunday is gonna be crazy!" argument is a valid one. And it's a bit of a drive from the Pigeon Forge end of Wears Valley Road to the Townsend end. Wears Valley is a little two lane road that doesn't lend itself to fast driving. If you leave at 9am when are you anticipating arriving in Pigeon Forge? Applewood? (Depending on the traffic situation there could be a significant amount of time between when you get off the interstate exit and when you actually arrive in Pigeon Forge!) Are you coming from the North, South, East, West?

If I was working with your itinerary I might skip Applewood (for that day anyway,) check into the cabin earlier (when can you do that?) and try to get to Cades Cove an hour or so earlier. You could eat at a different restaurant (that won't be so involved) in Sevierville/Pigeon Forge (in other words, a restaurant that will be on the way to your cabin.) There are a few (limited number) of places to eat in Townsend.

Also, let me introduce you to the newest attraction opening in Pigeon Forge in April. It's a total tourist trap... but isn't that what Pigeon Forge is all about? http://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/ I am really looking forward to visiting this... can you imagine walking up that staircase from the movie?

Next, here's some info on the Roaring Fork trail:
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/roaringfork.htm
And other auto tours, including Newfound Gap:
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/autotouring.htm

All kinds of different maps of the park (I always really appreciate these):
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/maps.htm

Info on waterfall hikes (which are my favorite!,) and scrolling down will give you a little more info on the Laurel Falls trail: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm#CP_JUMP_60585 It is not a difficult hike -- there are changes in elevation up and down but as I remember none of them are steep. (Minniebeth: I do think this could be difficult for someone either pushing their own wheelchair or for someone who was pushing another person in a wheelchair... I second the the little hikes around Sugarland Visitors Center in this case)

Your group will love tubing!

I hope that is helpful! Enjoy your vacation!