Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are the perfect destinations for a short but memorable trip. These charming towns located in the Great Smoky Mountains offer a blend of natural beauty, exciting attractions, and family friendly activities. When planning a weekend getaway, Pigeon Forge, TN, provides everything you need for a spectacular mountain retreat. Here is a three day itinerary packed with expert local tips to help you make the most of your adventure.
Day 1: Dollywood and The Island in Pigeon Forge
Kick off your adventure with a full day visit to Dollywood. This massive theme park has something for everyone, from thrilling roller coasters like the Wild Eagle to more gentle rides suitable for younger children. Take in a live show featuring traditional Appalachian performances that highlight the cultural heritage of the region. Stop by the crafts area to see local artisans blowing glass and carving wood. Do not miss the famous, freshly baked cinnamon bread at the Grist Mill before you leave.
Dollywood
Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Phone: (800) 365-5996
After a fun filled day at Dollywood, head over to The Island in Pigeon Forge in the evening. This entertainment complex requires no admission fee, making it an easy addition to your schedule. Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a towering two hundred foot Ferris wheel featuring climate controlled glass gondolas, for a stunning view of the area. Play games at the arcade and enjoy the spectacular dancing fountains synchronized to a lively musical soundtrack.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
Address: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Phone: (865) 286-0119
Day 2: Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg Attractions
Spend your second morning exploring the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Start with an early hike to Laurel Falls. This family friendly, two and a half mile round trip trail features a paved walking path that leads directly to a beautiful eighty foot waterfall. Arriving early helps you secure a parking spot at the busy trailhead. For a more leisurely adventure, drive through the Cades Cove Loop Road. This eleven mile driving path circles a lush valley floor where you can spot wildlife such as deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Keep in mind that any vehicle parked inside the national park boundaries for more than fifteen minutes must display a valid parking tag.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Sugarlands Visitor Center)
Address: 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 436-1200
After enjoying the park, head to Gatlinburg in the afternoon. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, where kids will be thrilled by the massive underwater tunnel and the glass bottom boat ride. Later, take the Gatlinburg SkyLift to the top of the mountain. Once at SkyLift Park, walk across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, which features transparent glass floor panels at its highest point. End your day with a stroll along the Gatlinburg Strip to explore unique shops and local eateries.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Address: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 430-8808
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Address: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 436-4307
Day 3: Anakeesta and Ober Mountain
On your final day, start with a visit to Anakeesta, an outdoor adventure park sitting high above Gatlinburg. Take the Chondola, a hybrid chairlift and enclosed gondola system, to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain. Enjoy the suspended treetop canopy walk, fly through the forest on the dueling ziplines, and let the kids explore the treehouse village playground. For a more relaxing experience, stroll through the beautiful botanical Vista Gardens and climb the AnaVista observation tower to take in the stunning panoramic mountain views.
Anakeesta
Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 325-2400
In the afternoon, head to Ober Mountain, a year round amusement park and ski area. You will take the massive Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg up to the resort. During the warmer months, you can enjoy activities like the alpine slide, the mountain coaster, and the wildlife encounter, where you can safely observe black bears and other native animals. In the winter season, Ober Mountain transforms into a premier destination for skiing, snowboarding, and indoor ice skating. It is the perfect place to cap off your trip with some fun and excitement.
Ober Mountain
Address: 1001 Parkway Suite 2, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 436-5423
Find Your Home Base
A pigeon forge getaway is the perfect solution for families looking to escape to the mountains. SkyView Rentals offers a wide range of luxurious, custom built homes and log cabins located in the heart of town. Our rentals provide easy access to all the area attractions, shopping, and restaurants while still offering a peaceful retreat where you can relax and unwind. Furthermore, if you want to extend your stay, checking out local gatlinburg trips is a fantastic idea to explore surrounding counties.
Our properties are perfect for vacations, offering plenty of space and premium amenities to keep everyone entertained. Whether you are planning a large family reunion, a quick trip with friends, or a special anniversary, we have the perfect accommodation to meet your needs. Browse through our diverse selection of properties and find the ideal home base for your journey today.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Pigeon Forge Getaways
Do I need a parking pass for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, vehicles parking for more than fifteen minutes anywhere within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are required to display a valid parking tag, which can be purchased at visitor centers.
How do you get to the top of Anakeesta or Ober Mountain?
Both mountaintop adventure parks require guests to ride an aerial lift from downtown Gatlinburg. Anakeesta utilizes the Chondola system, while Ober Mountain uses a massive Aerial Tramway.
FAQs About SkyView Rentals
Are the duck pin bowling alleys open to the public?
No. The authentic duck pin bowling alleys are private amenities reserved exclusively for the guests renting those specific homes.
Do your cabins provide full kitchens for preparing meals?
Yes, every luxury cabin features a modern, fully equipped kitchen. This makes it incredibly easy to pack picnic lunches and prepare hearty breakfasts before hitting the hiking trails.
Do you provide property management for mountain cabins?
We do! Our professional property management team handles everything from local marketing and dynamic pricing to round the clock guest support, ensuring maximum return on investment for cabin owners.