Smoky Mountain DOs and DON'Ts

DO get out and explore.A visit to the Smokies isn’t complete without some time spent in the great outdoors. You can even book a Pigeon Forge cabin with mountain, valley, or creek views right from your back porch! But if you’re looking for ways to experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains firsthand, try a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With more than 800 miles of trails, you can see everything from wildlife and waterfalls to enduring homesteads built by the area’s first settlers. If hiking isn’t your thing, try biking instead or horseback riding or an ATV adventure or a hayride in Cades Cove. The Smokies are full of ways to soak up amazing scenery throughout your Pigeon Forge stay.
DON’T miss the big events.The Spring Rod Run Car Show. Earth Day Festival at Mynatt Park. The Dolly Homecoming Parade. Wilderness Wildlife Week. The Gatlinburg Beans & Cornbread Festival. Arrowmont’s Shine, Wine, & Dine. The Synchronous Fireflies in the national park. Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales. It’s no exaggeration when we say these are just a FEW of the many festivals, attractions, and events happening all year long in the Smoky Mountains. If you want to stay in touch with what’s coming up, be sure to stay connected with our Pigeon Forge Cabins blog, where we’ll keep you in the know for all the exciting events coming your way!
DO try something new. New attractions and restaurants open up all the time in the Smoky Mountains, including the newest museum in Pigeon Forge: Alcatraz East Crime Museum. Located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, this unique Smoky Mountain attraction features an in-depth look at the history of crime in America. See artifacts from Alcatraz, learning about crime scene investigation techniques, and view the white Ford Bronco driven by OJ Simpson in America’s most televised car chase! Other ideas for exciting new fun in the Smokies include a Wild West Dinner Show at Waldens Creek Stables, a ride on Ripley’s Glass Bottom Boat, and a taste of the mountains at Smith Creek Moonshine.
DON’T forget your walking shoes.The Great Smoky Mountains National Park isn’t the only place you’ll need your walking shoes in Pigeon Forge. Plan to spend an afternoon on the Parkway, and you can walk to hundreds of shops and local attractions, including the Old Mill Square beside Patriot Park. Or walk around the Tanger Outlets in nearby Sevierville. Or walk around The Island in Pigeon Forge, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, and rides galore. You get the idea, right? There’s tons of do in Pigeon Forge, but you’ll definitely want some comfortable shoes for navigating these downtown streets and attractions.
DO take advantage of local resources.Before you buy tickets for your downtown Pigeon Forge adventures, be sure to stop by the local office of our sister company, Cabins for YOU. Located at 349 East Parkway in Gatlinburg, this office contains tons of brochures and local coupons for Smoky Mountain restaurants and attractions. You’ll also want to take advantage of local resources like the Fun Time Trolley, which runs to Dollywood, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Wears Valley, and both directions on the Parkway for your convenience. Trolley tickets are extremely affordable, and this saves you the hassle of navigating downtown traffic on your own. Other resources to check out include the Gatlinburg app offered by the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau and, of course, our Pigeon Forge Cabins blog.
DON’T put off your reservation.If you’ve taken the time to sort through our Pigeon Forge cabins and found the perfect rental for your next visit to the Smokies, be sure to make your reservation as early possible! Especially if you’re visiting during peak season (summer and fall), you’ll want to book your cabin as soon as you can to avoid missing out on your ideal location or favorite mix of amenities. We have cabins that are minutes away from downtown Pigeon Forge, cabins with stunning mountain views, cabins with home theaters and indoor pools, and so much more. Look around on our website or call one of our reservation specialists at 866-513-7885, and we’ll help you find the cabin that’s just the right fit for this year’s visit to the Smokies.
DO bring the entire family.Although the Smokies are ideal for honeymoons and anniversaries, they’re also a family-friendly travel destination thanks to their variety of kid-friendly attractions and rides. Try a downtown rec center like Fun Stop Family Action Park & Big Top Arcade, or take the kids to The Island or Dollywood, where you’ll find rides geared toward different ages. Also, Ober Gatlinburg has a whole section dedicated to little ones called Kiddie Land. So bring the kids—toddlers and teenagers alike will find something fun to do in the Smokies! Even your furry best friends can come for a visit when you book one of our pet-friendly cabins. A visit to the Smokies is a vacation the whole family is sure to enjoy!