Making a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains soon and not too sure where to start? We get it! There is a lot to do and a lot to see. The Smoky Mountains contain Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Asheville to start. When it comes to all of these different cities with their own flare of excitement, how do you choose which one as a home base for your vacation?
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have to be the more popular places to stay when it comes to vacationing in the Smoky Mountains. While Pigeon Forge is home to famous attractions like Dollywood and the Island at Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg is home to popular attractions like Anakeesta and the Space Needle. When it comes to narrowing down which one to visit, it can be a little tricky.
If you’re looking forward to a vacation in the mountains, this is your guide!
Pigeon Forge
Activities To Enjoy in Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is full of unique activities to enjoy! Whether it’s hopping on a comedy bus tour, indulging in a fabulous dinner show, or having some educational fun in one of the many museums it has to offer — you’re bound to fall in love with this town.
Top Ranked Things to Do in Pigeon Forge:
- The Island in Pigeon Forge: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Titanic Museum: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Goat Coaster at Goats on the Roof: 1341 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Dollywood: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Ole Smoky Moonshine: 423 6th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede: 3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Big Dude Rock Ranch: 909 Little Cove Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Outdoor Gravity Park: 203 Sugar Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Mountain Mile: 2655 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Smoky Mountain Ziplines: 509 Mill Creek Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Staying in the city limits of Pigeon Forge would mean that you would be in close access to all of these beloved attractions — including Dollywood! Some Pigeon Forge Cabins even offer one free admission to some of these fan favorites. If you do decide to stay in Gatlinburg, however, it isn’t far from Pigeon Forge.
You’ll just have to plan around a commute of anywhere from 15 to 35 minutes — depending on traffic.
Restaurants in Pigeon Forge
Talk about some delectable eats that wait in Pigeon Forge. There’s french toast and bananas, smothering BBQ, sweet goodness, and other truly unique finds. Each restaurant knows exactly how to make your mouth water with each flavorful dish.
Top Ranked Restaurants in Pigeon Forge:
- The Old Mill Restaurant: 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Alamo Steakhouse: 3050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Brick and Spoon: 136 Community Center Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Yeehaw Brewing Co.: 423 6th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
- Calhoun’s: 2532 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Old Mill Creamery: 171 Old Mill Ave #3515, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Gaucho Urbano: 111 Valley Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Lil Black Bear Cafe: 3068 Veterans Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Cinnaholic: 2655 Teaster Ln #220, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Wild Bear Tavern: 4236 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy craft brews, wineries, and coffee shops! You’ll never run out of options when it comes to good eats while visiting Pigeon Forge.
Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge
Smoky Escape
Where you decide to lodge is an important part of the memories you make during your vacation. If you’re looking to stay within the Pigeon Forge city limits, having a cabin either within a walkable distance or within a 5-minute distance to grand attractions and restaurants is an added benefit. There are cabins with hot tubs, pet-friendly options, the best bang for your buck, cabins with gorgeous views, cabins with pools, and much more! With the right cabin in the right spot, you’ll remember this vacation for years to come.
Top Ranked Cabins in Pigeon Forge:
- A Bear’s Poolside View – 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 8
- Splashin and Relaxin – 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 8
- Beary Comfy – 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 8
- Smoky Mountain Magic – 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Sleeps 10
- Mountain Music – 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 8
- Crazy Like A Fox – 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 8
- Smoky’s Splash – 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 10
- Bears Fore-rest – 2 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6
- Cub Castle – 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 8
- Smoky Escape – 8 Bedrooms, 8.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 20
To see other blogs on Unusual Activities to Enjoy in Pigeon Forge, Kid-Friendly Cabins, and more: visit our Pigeon Forge Blogs and take a look at some important information you cannot miss!
Gatlinburg
Activities to Enjoy in Gatlinburg
When it comes to great and thrilling attractions, Gatlinburg definitely does not disappoint. Sure, Gatlinburg is a little bit more tourist-based, but of course it is! Once you ride through incredible scenery on the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park or zip through the curves of mountains on the Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster, you’ll easily see why it’s such a hot spot for fun vacations.
Top Ranked Things to Do in Gatlinburg:
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Gatlinburg SkyLift Park: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Smoky Mountain Outdoors
- Anakeesta: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- CLIMB Works Zipline Tour: 155 Branam Hollow Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Ober Gatlinburg: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Ole Smoky Moonshine: 903 Parkway #128, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Gatlinburg Space Needle: 115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Hillbilly Golf: 340 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Goodwater Winery: 651 Parkway #105, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Gatlinburg also has plenty of Ripley’s favorites, along with mini-golf, wineries, and adorable shops! If you want to stay within the Gatlinburg city limits, then staying in the heart of the fun will do you some good.
Restaurants in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg not only has some awesome attractions, but the eateries are definitely something to be admired. If you’ve never been to a tea room or if you’ve been craving some out-of-this-world steak, Gatlinburg is the spot for you.
Top Ranked Restaurants in Gatlinburg:
- Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar: 437 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Greenbrier Restaurant: 370 Newman Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Delauder’s BBQ: 1875 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Wild Plum Tea Room: 555 Buckhorn Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- The Donut Friar: 634 Parkway #15, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Pancake Pantry: 628 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Hungry Bear BBQ: 490 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Glades Soda Fountain: 601 Glades Rd # 20, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Tennessee Jed’s: 631 Parkway Suite A8, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Split Rail Eats: 849 Glades Rd Suite 1B1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Whether it’s Mexican cuisine, BBQ southern cooking, or seafood — this town truly has it all. Don’t forget about the moonshine distillery and small chocolate stops along the way.
Stunning Gatlinburg Cabins
Gatlinburg Overlook
Again, when it comes to cabins, they are an important and memorable part of your stay! There are plenty of Gatlinburg cabins and resorts with large balconies overlooking the Smoky Mountains, hot tubs to jump into after a long day, and fire pits to keep you warm at night. With so much to love about Gatlinburg, you’ll want a nice and relaxing night in the cabin of your dreams only a few minutes down the road.
Top Ranked Cabins in Gatlinburg:
- Eagle’s Point Lodge – 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Sleeps 16
- Lap of Luxury – 6 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, Sleeps 16
- Mountain Memories – 2 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Sleeps 5
- Livin It Up – 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 2
- Big Sky View – 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6
- Life’s Escape – 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6
- Gatlinburg Overlook – 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 16
- Parkside Lodge – 6 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, Sleeps 26
- Forever Young – 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 4
- Pinnacle Vista – 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Sleeps 10
To see more informational blogs like Gatlinburg Cabins for Large Groups, Cinnamon Cake Donut Recipe, and much more: visit our Gatlinburg blog page!
All in all, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are both incredible spots to visit. If you’re looking to experience the true tourist experience of the Smoky Mountains, you’ll want to visit Gatlinburg. If you’re looking for an equally thrilling experience, but a little away from the crowds, Pigeon Forge is your answer. Either way, you have the option to drive a short ways to the other city to indulge in a little of both. You’ll never lose out when choosing to vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains.
