Best ways to spend time in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge: Tips from an insider
Allie Clouse2021 is the summer to travel, and two perennial hot spots near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are poised to bring in a flood of fun-seeking visitors.
Thanks to the centralized location, outdoor adventures and family-focused fun, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are great road trip destinations.
Now that more than half of American adults have received a COVID-19 vaccine, entertainment is opening again. If you're planning a trip to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg in 2021, here's everything you should add to your agenda.
Where to stay in Galtinburg and Pigeon Forge
A childhood retreat with adult amenities: Treehouse Grove
Stay among the leaves at this secluded treehouse resort in Gatlinburg.
Treehouse Grove's eight custom-designed treehouses provide private space and luxurious amenities for those who want to stay in style. The treehouses also are a short walk away from shared picnic tables, grills and fire pits, as well as activities like fishing on the Norton Creek Resort property.
Reservations for fall are open.
Live like a local: Our favorite East Tennessee Airbnbs
From a medieval castle with a Tennessee twist to an RV on the river, visitors are sure to find a stay that fits their unique style.
Vacation rentals are great for finding local favorites and experiencing East Tennessee to the fullest. Airbnb allows users to search for stays with specific filters so they can book the perfect place for their trip.
Have fun:Need a getaway? Here are the coolest Airbnbs around East Tennessee
Dream big: Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa
Unwind at Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain oasis DreamMore Resort and Spa.
Located in Pigeon Forge, a short trolley ride away from DollyDollywood's Splash Country, DreamMore is an attraction in its own right. The resort includes indoor and outdoor pools, Southern-style fare and shopping, activities for youngsters and more inside its doors.
In 2023, The Dollywood Company plans to open HeartSong Lodge & Resort, a rustic retreat with even more amenities.
Mountain latitude, island attitude: Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Margaritaville Resort in Gatlinburg offers the best of both worlds – beach vibes in the heart of the mountains.
The 133,000-square-foot resort sits on a four-acre river island in downtown Gatlinburg, just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Anakeesta Outdoor Theme Park. The resort features the License to Chill Bar, Landshark Bar & Grill, the St. Somewhere Spa, 3,000 square feet of event space, indoor and outdoor pools, double-loop water slide, splash pad, hammocks and fire pits.
Island time:Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg named best new hotel nationwide
More:Here are some of the best day and weekend trips within driving distance of Knoxville
Things to do in Pigeon Forge
Try something new
Why play at all the same places in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? This summer, a slew of new attractions are coming and an improved transit system promises to simplify the headache of travel for visitors.
Be one of the first to visit the restaurants coming to The Mountain Mile & Tower Shops and SkyFly: Soar America, a 4D flying theater ride at The Island in Pigeon Forge, this summer. Other attractions like Toy Box Mini Golf and Rowdy Bear Mountain's Power Coaster are already open and inviting new guests.
Learn more about upcoming attractions in Pigeon Forge by reading Knox News's coverage.
What would Dolly do?: Dollywood properties
You've heard of Dollywood, but did you know Dolly Parton owns 10 attractions in East Tennessee? Play at Dollywood's theme park or Splash Country then attend a dinner show for supper.
The Dollywood Company operates Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg favorites including Dolly Parton's Stampede, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud and more.
Play day and night: The Island in Pigeon Forge
Whether you enjoy sipping on drinks at Dude's Daiquiris or spinning on The Flying Horse Carousel, there's something for everyone at The Island.
It's a free spot that pulls together rides, restaurants, bars and shops with famous names. It's good for multigenerational families, couples and friends. The Island is open every day.
More:Take it outside! The best outdoor attractions and activities in East Tennessee for 2021
Things to do in Gatlinburg
See the Smokies from above: SkyLift Park
Gatlinburg guests have enjoyed SkyLift Park since 1954, but after the devastating 2016 Gatlinburg wildfires, the park has made improvements that elevate visitors' experience higher than ever before.
Glass panels along the park's SkyBridge, the longest North American pedestrian suspension bridge, were doubled in 2020. Now, visitors can peer down the daunting 150 feet below them while walking across six 5-by-5 see-through squares. If you're afraid of heights, take the SkyTrail, a pathway that connects both sides of the bridge.
Family time above it all: Anakeesta
Looking to slow down and take in the views? Explore Anakeesta's majestic mountain scenery, dining and drinking options, nature-inspired attractions and more.
Visitors of all ages can find something to enjoy at the theme park, including the ride up on chair lifts, an enclosed "chondola" or truck. Anakeesta is open every day of the week with special events throughout the summer. The park is the perfect place to get away from the busy downtown Gatlinburg sidewalks.
Take a hike: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Get back to basics by visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's the reason why you're in town! Thanks to recently completed renovation projects, hiking trails are more accessible than ever. There are trails to fit all abilities.
Renovations along the Trillium Gap Trail, which hikers use to reach Grotto Falls, Brushy Mountain, Mount LeConte and the reservation-only LeConte Lodge, were finished at the end of 2020. Now, the trail has fewer tripping hazards and should last longer.
You can check out the Trillium Gap Trail renovations for yourself from the trailhead off Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg. The parking lot fills up fast, so arrive early, or you may have to hike to the trailhead from your parking spot farther down the road. Other favorite hikes are Alum Cave, Abrams Falls and Laurel Falls.
Go to nps.gov/grsm/index.htm for information about hiking, fishing, cycling and more.