GATLINBURG TENNESSEE - GATLINBURG Homes and Real Estate For Sale

One of the gateways to the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is one of the fastest growing tourist cities in Tennessee. Over 11 million visitors flock to Pigeon Forge annually to experience family attractions, live music, some of the best outlet mall shopping in the South and mountain hospitality. Located on US 441 or “the Parkway,” Pigeon Forge is a great stop for many visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National travel, with many choosing to stay in Pigeon Forge hotels. Pigeon Forge is within a day’s drive for two-thirds of the nation’s population. Pigeon Forge is five miles from Gatlinburg, 35 miles from Knoxville, and quite accessible from I-40.

Pigeon Forge is famous for Dollywood, a family entertainment park featuring rollercoasters and other theme park rides named after country music icon Dolly Parton. Long before Dollywood, however, and even the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park , people were drawn to the area by the lure of the Smokies themselves. Many families have lived here for generations. Though, increasingly, many young people have chosen to relocate to this mountain community, while many choose to retire in Pigeon Forge.

Pigeon Forge History

The area that is now Pigeon Forge was first settled by Europeans in the late 1700s. Pigeon Forge derives its name from an iron forge built by pioneer Isaac Love in 1820. Pigeons flocked on the banks of the river on which the iron forge was built. Love’s son William built a tub mill on the Pigeon River a short ten years later. This mill, now called The Old Mill is a National Historic Site and remains an operational tourist attraction.

The creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park prompted the transformation of Pigeon Forge from a sleepy farming community into a tourist destination. The town grew, but slowly, in the 40’s and the 50’s, with the real tourist boom beginning in the 1960’s. Because of limited land and strict zoning regulations in Gatlinburg, developers turned to Pigeon Forge as great place to build lodging and attractions for tourists visiting the Smokies. Attractions like Goldrush Junction and Silver Dollar City (after the attraction of the same name in Branson, Mo.) sprung up in the 60’s, taking advantage of the increasing national park tourism traffic.

As the 1980’s began, Pigeon Forge wished to capitalize on the influx of people and attention that the East Tennessee area would receive. The 1982 World’s Fair took place in nearby Knoxville, Tenn., and Pigeon Forge initiated an aggressive economic plan to take full advantage of the event. Development centered on theme parks, outlet malls, and live music venues. The outlet malls met with success, and by 1987, four outlet malls were open in Pigeon Forge. By the early 1990s, outlet malls accounted for 44% of the town's gross revenue. Also in the 80’s, country music icon lent her name to the revamping of Silver Dollar City. Today called Dollywood, this family-centered theme park highlights the culture of the mountains, along with its music, and is one of the most successful attractions in the Smoky Mountains area.

Pigeon Forge Parks & Recreation

Nestled in the picturesque Smokies, Pigeon Forge has plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. With both city parks and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park easily accessible to residents, Pigeon Forge is never short on outdoor fun!

City Park
This 18-acre park contains a lighted walking trail, softball/baseball fields, asphalt basketball courts, tennis courts, a volleyball court, horseshoe pit, pavilions, playgrounds, concession stands and a swimming pool.

Patriot Park
This 16-acre park contains a lighted walking trail, pavilion, picnic tables, a gazebo, soccer fields and park benches.

Pigeon Forge Local Events

Pigeon Forge has its share of annual events. Many of these festivals and events are as much of a draw as the Smokies themselves. You can't miss these special Pigeon Forge local events.

Pigeon Forge Harvest Festival
See delightful displays constructed from pumpkins, cornstalks, mums and other fall flowers. Dozens of talented artists demonstrate their talents and sell their creations at the Rotary Club Crafts Festival. Browse these arts and crafts while listening to live music.

StringTime in the Smokies
Each August, see some of the country’s finest bluegrass musicians pay tribute to the music to the Smoky Mountains with free concerts in Patriot Park.

Celebrate Freedom!
Every year during the month of August active military, the reserves, the National Guard, retired military personnel as well as military veterans, law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical services can participate in Celebrate Freedom!, a discount program offered by Pigeon Forge merchants. To receive this discount you must bring your ID to Pigeon Forge Welcome Center.

Winterfest
From November through February, see Pigeon Forge’s five million holiday lights illuminating the Parkway! Some events include Saddle up! Smoky Mountains Storytelling, and Wilderness Wildlife Week.

Mountain Quiltfest
During March Pigeon Forge a popular destination for quilters from across the nation. Participate in quilting classes and lectures conducted by some of the nation’s top quilting experts. View quilt exhibits, and quilt show participants compete for cash prizes.

For more information on local events in the area visit the events calendar by clicking here

Pigeon Forge Attractions

“Action-Packed” Pigeon Forge lives up to its names with the scores of attractions waiting for you and your family. Be sure to fit these attractions into your visit to the Smokies!

Bluff Mountain Adventure
Go on a guided ATV adventure through 7,000 acres. Ride on mountain trails, cross fresh-mountain streams, or see the falls or the top of the bluff for a spectacular, scenic view. This attraction is open year round, weather permitting.

Carbo's Police Museum
This collection of police item dates back to 1955. See over 5000 items on display including uniforms, badges, patches, firearms, restraints, drug paraphernalia and confiscated weapons.

Dinosaur Walk Museum
More than 60 life-sized dinosaur replicas are featured at the Dinosaur Walk Museum. Over 20 reptile exhibits featuring venomous snakes. Bring the kids for an unforgettable educational experience the whole family will enjoy!

Dollywood
See the best music, shows, attractions, crafts, family fun rides, rollercoaster, special events and Smoky Mountain traditions at Dolly Parton’s 118-acre entertainment park.

Dollywood's Splash Country
Have a Smoky Mountain water adventure with the whole family at Dollywood’s Splash Country! Over 25 acres of fun including 16 thrilling water slides, 2 interactive children’s areas, a 25,000 sq. ft. wave pool plus a lazy river await your family. Dollywood’s Splash Country is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Old Mill
On the National Register of Historic Places, the Old Mill is one of the photographed mills in the country. The 19th century grist mill is still operational today. See a piece of Pigeon Forge’s history!

River Rage Tube & Kayak Rentals
Enjoy all day river tubing with the whole family. Free shuttle and life vests provided. No Experience Necessary!

The Track
Do you have a need for speed? This action-packed recreation center features the ultimate in go-cart tracks, like the Wild Woody three-tiered go-kart/roller coaster hybrid, to big fun for little tykes at Kids Country. Enjoy miniature golf and Blaster Boats, and if you are very brave, take the plunge off of the bungee jumping tower!

Wonderworks
Enjoy totally upside down family fun at Wonderworks! Located on the north end of the Parkway, WonderWorks is hands-on, educational fun.

Zorb Smoky Mountains Inc.
This New Zealand fad has landed in the Smokies! Zorb is 11 feet high, 11 feet fat, round and bouncy orb in which you can roll down a 700 foot long hill! Try the Hydro Zorb for a slippery ride that's like a cross between a waterfall and a roller coaster or the Harnessed Zorb for maximum G-force as you are strapped in rotating head over heels. Zorb is open year round.

For more information on attractions in the area click here

For the official Pigeon Forge visitors guide website click here

For the Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce website click here

Gatlinburg Area Guide
Sevierville Area Guide