You’ve probably visited Pigeon Forge for many years and consider yourself very familiar with the area. You know all the local restaurants, the coolest hang outs, and how to navigate thorough the town when traffic gets busy! If you think you know everything there is to know about Pigeon Forge, though – think again! Check out these ten things you probably didn’t know about Pigeon Forge.
- 1. More than 10 million people visit Pigeon Forge annually, either for family vacations or overnight trips.
- 2. The bustling town only has a permanent population of about 6,000…mostly those who work in the tourist industry.
- 3. Pigeon Forge got it’s name from the passenger pigeons that were once abundant in the area – it is said that when they all took to the air, the sky went dark! The second half of the name came from the iron forge that was a major part of early settler’s lives.
- 4. Dollywood is the town’s most visited attraction, bringing in about 2.5 million visitors annually.
- 5. Dolly Parton was born in Sevier County, which surrounds the city of Pigeon Forge.
- 6. Pigeon Forge is within one day’s drive of two-thirds of the United States…which is probably why the area is so popular!
- 7. The Great Smoky Mountains were originally named “Land of the Blue Mist,” hence the “smoky!”
- 8. Pigeon Forge is home to an indoor skydiving tunnel that blows winds of 115 miles per hour!
- 9. Pigeon Forge has a trolley that runs daily from 8:30AM to midnight, making more than 100 stops! The trolley fair is 25 cents – a steal for those who would rather not drive!
- 10. The Smoky Mountains host 21,000 weddings every year. Home to more than one dozen wedding chapels, the Smokies are a romantic and perfect place to say “I Do!”
Pigeon Forge is an interesting town full of rich history and unique and fun entertainment options. If you’ve never visited Pigeon Forge before, make your plans and come see us!