Things To Do In Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Hey Everyone! It’s time for some travelling updates and stories of my voyaging! Hope you all are as excited about it, as me?

Well, finally the “dry travelling spell” broke! Thanks to the weather Gods, we (Me and my Huz) were able to spread our wings and go for the much-anticipated extended weekend trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Yay!

One of the most popular tourist destinations, much-publicized for the “colors of the fall”, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge boasts of – fascinating scenic beauty, locally owned restaurants serving scrumptious food, Dollywood theme park and the Stampede theater (both owned by country music superstar Dolly Parton), Ober Gatlinburg (which is the only ski resort in Tennessee!), Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg Sky Lift, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Hollywood Star Cars Museum and Anakeesta (one of the best amusement parks in Gatlinburg) to name a few, not forgetting the breathtaking trails and trekking opportunities!
Indeed a traveler’s paradise, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge sure do have so much history, fun, treks n’ trails and food to offer and LOVE!

Well, it took us 6 h 50 min to reach our destination (Pigeon Forge) from Memphis, Tennessee (Distance covered – 425.5 mi/684.7 km) via I-40 and I-40 E. With some exaggerated bends and picture-perfect scenic views – the drive gets better by the hour.

Fact – Gatlinburg is the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which is the most visited National Park in the United States! This free park is a National Treasure and offers over 800 square miles of beautiful nature, wildlife, & plant life to view & hike! Interestingly, The Smoky Mountains get their name from the natural layer of fog that tends to hang over the top of the range, and that is just as gorgeous as it sounds!

Fun Fact – One of the most surprising facts about Gatlinburg is how many people get married here. The Smoky Mountain city hosts more weddings than any other location in America, with the exception of Las Vegas. I guess, saying “I do” gets much easier in the environs of most picturesque places in the US!

If you are visiting the Smoky Mountains, there is no better way to truly experience the area than by staying in a cabin! Our abode for this trip was Timber Tops Luxury Cabin Rentals, one of the premier luxury cabin rental companies in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area. A perfect, kaleidoscopic lodging space, with themed cabins – this is a perfect place to sit-back, unbend and just RELAX! Offering gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and due to its proximity to Dollywood (and all other attractions) – this was our superlative choice of residence.

Our pick, out of the 100 cabins in offer was – The (Romantic) Four Seasons – an elegantly furnished, log cabin warranting amazingly spectacular views over the Smoky Mountains during all four seasons of the year. With an open-plan main living area, featuring stylish furniture, a stacked stone electric fireplace, a large flat screen HDTV with DVD, a fully equipped kitchen, a dinning table seating four, a king bedroom with a private full bathroom on the ground floor and a pool table, an air hockey table, another flat screen TV and a private two people tub on the loft area with four-person hot tub and some rockers on the deck – Ah, this place was HEAVEN! (Yes, they have WiFi too!)

Highlight – In addition, several of the properties are pet friendly. When making reservations, you will be able to customize your rental according to your preferences.

WHAT WE SAW

When it comes down to family fun, there are a plethora of options and SO much to explore, see and do in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.

1 ANAKEESTA

With a tagline of “there’s magic in the mountains” – this place surely does not disappoint! Anakeesta (referring to high ground, literally meaning “the place of the balsams”) is a must visit tourist attraction, offering ample “fun activities” for all age groups.
From an exhilarating Chondola Ride up 600’ to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain (with a choice between – open-air 4 person chair or 6 person enclosed gondola), a scenic Tree Canopy Walk displaying 40’ – 60’ birds eye view above the forest floor along a series of 16 connected sky bridges suspended in the trees, a Memorial Forest Walk offering tribute for the tragic events that occurred during the 2016 wildfire, an exciting Children’s Tree-house Village Playground, an entertaining Gem Mining Activity, to an invigorating Dueling Zip-line Adventure consisting of – three (1100, 1000 and 500 feet in lengths) side-by-side racing zip-lines at more than 150 feet above ground and two 50 feet repealing tower drops – visit to Anakeesta is a “must-do” in your Gatlinburg itinerary!
With Smokehouse BBQ Food Truck and Pearl’s Pie in the Sky as food options and Catching Fireflies boutique and Great Outdoors Trading Company as shopping potentials and umpteen breathtaking views and zillion “photography” opportunities – a day at Anakeesta will undoubtedly help you create memories that will last a lifetime! Yessss, the experience leaves you enthralled!

Highlight – Excellent staff and crew! Stupendous zip line – now off my bucket list!

2 RIPLEY’S MOVING THEATER

Well, this is something that Me and my Huz had to do for the REAL-D 5D Moving Theater experience! With two short movies that totaled between 15-20 minutes of screen time (at $12.99 per adult), a thrillingly bumpy ride and some enjoyable special effects – this theater is super fun and entertaining! Be prepared to get a little banged up though, coz the ride is a little rigorous.

3 GATLINBURG MOUNTAIN COASTER

Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is a one-off thrill ride which is an another “must do” fun activity in Gatlinburg! With single or double rider cars meandering down the mountain on a “specially designed” silent track – this coaster is all about high-speed, adventure and excitement. Reasonably priced at $16 for an adult, with their own free parking, Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is absolutely worth your time and money.

4 GATLINBURG SPACE NEEDLE

This a 407′ observation tower that overlooks fascinating Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Offering a 360° mesmerizing view of the city and the mountains from its 400′ high observation deck, all year round and free view finders – this needle sure does top our “recommended list of things to do in Gatlinburg!” A little over priced at $10.95 for an adult, this ride could do with some new paint and renovation.

5 THE VILLAGE SHOPS 

Offering Gatlinburg’s finest shopping experience, The Village is the place to shop, eat, unwind and enjoy. With 27 archaic boutiques, eateries, galleries and clothiers set in a quaint, European-themed village ambiance – this place surely takes you back to the old-fashioned ways/days! A fun “photographic” place with pretty fountains and cobble-stone walkways to hangout and spend your time at.

6 OLE SMOKY DISTILLERY – BARRELHOUSE 

The Ole Smoky families are among the first to step foot in the Smoky Mountains and just like the other local families out here, they have honed the art of whiskey making in order to survive during the tough economic times – bringing out the true American authentic experience!
With $5 tasting sessions (for 12 pours) right here at the shoppe, which involves sampling of their – Original Unaged Corn Whiskey, White Lightnin’, Moonshine Cherries, Blackberry, The World famous “Apple Pie”, Strawberry, Lemon drop and other seasonal and special flavors that aren’t available in package stores – an adjourn at Ole Smoky Distillery – Barrelhouse is rightful and well justified!
4 Moonshine Jars (a free cooler) and 2 T-Shirts later, we were pretty happy high!

Highlight – Great bartenders! Super informative and engaging staff!

7 LID’L DOLLY FACTORY STORE 

For more than a quarter of a century, Lid’l Dolly’s Factory Store has been a Pigeon Forge mainstay and is a “must visit” space to pick up quilts, super adorable handcrafted southern belle girls’ dresses, souvenirs, novelties and trinkets. With more than 300 quilt designs this outlet is a “Bedding Paradise!”
With affordable prices, excellent quality, additional discounts, and super friendly and helpful staff – Lid’l Dolly Factory Store is a place to shop till you drop!

Highlight – You can hear the sewing machines in the background as they hand-make the southern belle girls’ dresses – which is such a rare sight/sound in today’s “machine oriented” world!

8 CLINGMANS DOME 

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for tourists willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top. Besides the trail to the summit, there are other several trails that start on Clingmans Dome Road and parking area. The famous Appalachian Trail (AT) crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its journey from Georgia to Maine!
With breathtaking views and spectacular scenery – This place surely did take my breath away! (Literally! Ha!) Also, the fabulous drive to reach this place is an added bonus.

Fun Fact – Clouds, precipitation and cold temperatures are common at Clingmans Dome. Interestingly, the temperatures at the dome can be 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in the surrounding lowlands! In fact, the cool, wet conditions on Clingmans Dome’s summit makes the spruce-fir forest that grows there a coniferous rain-forest.

Note – Pets and bicycles are not permitted on the paved trail to the observation tower. Also, although paved, the trail to the tower is too steep to be wheelchair accessible.

9 LITTLE RIVER– 

Little River rises in Sevier County inside the national park on the north slope of Clingmans Dome. Meandering through the length of roads, it’s scenically breathtaking and picturesque. A must stop for some “photo ops!”

Other places to see – With a great deal of historic and scenic attractions to appreciate, experience and visit, you might need more than just two days for Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
The other famous tourist attractions being – Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg Sky-Lift, Amazing Mirror Maze, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Dollywood and The Track Family Fun Park. Undoubtedly, there is something for everybody here!

For the “adrenaline junkies” this place is “NIRVANA!” Read here for some excellent trek n’ trail details – Hiking In The Smokies!
Since the weather wasn’t that great when we visited Gatlinburg, we sadly couldn’t do any of the trails though we really wanted to! (Well, on the brighter side, we’ll be back for more!)

So there you go folks – 5 days of unadulterated fun and experience!
Yes, Gatlinburg definitely offers a lot of things to do, attractions to see, and places to eat! Undoubtedly, it is the easiest city to love and the hardest to leave. No matter who you are and where you from, there is always a part of you that can fit in here comfortably and snugly. If you’ve never been to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, now is the time to add it to your “cities to see” list! From outstanding panoramic views, adrenaline pumping adventures, enthralling garden landscapes to lethargic “jacuzzi” sessions and simple foothill living – Smokies is the place to be at!
The mountains are calling and you should go!

PS – Stay tuned for “Part Two” coming soon, where I’ll tell you about “Where To Eat” in The Smoky Mountains. To be honest, I actually didn’t anticipate the endlessness of this post (thanks to a zillion photos!) and hence, it’s better that I break it up for your convenience and mine. 

Here’s to travelling, discovering new places and crossing borders! Cheers!

Love,