For more than 60 years, groups have flocked to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to spend time together and make cherished memories. Located just six miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country, and 35 miles from Knoxville, Pigeon Forge is a gateway city that welcomes more than 10 million guests each year. The popular vacation destination offers more than 80 different attractions—from mild and relaxing to outright adventurous—to keep folks entertained. Whether it’s a motorcoach group, student travelers, or a family reunion, Pigeon Forge rolls out the welcome mat year-round.
Set against the backdrop of the exquisite Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge provides a unique natural setting that travelers have long enjoyed. Popular excursions include a drive-through Cades Cove, where historical churches, schoolhouses, and homesteads offer an authentic glimpse into Appalachian history. A bonus is the diverse array of wildlife—think turkeys, deer, elk, and black bears—that make frequent appearances. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome has the highest altitude in GSMNP with spectacular vistas of the Land of Blue Smoke, the description the Cherokee used to describe the area, which often appears to have a mysterious, enveloping halo. Visitors also can explore more than 800 miles of hiking trails in the park.
Accessibility and accommodations are part of Pigeon Forge’s appeal. The destination boasts more than 14,500 overnight accommodations, including well-appointed resorts, multi-bedroom cabins, and hotels with great amenities. Lodging properties are conveniently located near Pigeon Forge’s many attractions that dot the city’s six-mile-long Parkway, making it easy to partake in the fun and excitement.
From sunup to sundown, group itineraries are filled with a variety of attractions. Pigeon Forge is home to Dolly Parton’s Dollywood, Tennessee’s No. 1 ticketed attraction, where extraordinary festivals, rides, and entertainment combine to create one of the country’s most unique and popular theme parks. In the summer months, Dollywood’s Splash Country water park is a sun-drenched oasis for water lovers. The Island in Pigeon Forge features great shopping, dining, and attractions, all in one location. Highlights include the 200-foot-tall Smoky Mountain Observation Wheel with incredible mountain views during the day and a dazzling light-filled cityscape at night. The Island’s free Fountain Show is a popular place for groups to gather before grabbing dinner or listening to a free concert from the Ole Smoky Moonshine outdoor stage.
