Summary
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands as the most visited national park in the United States, drawing significant traffic in gateway towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This influx is particularly pronounced during the summer and on autumn weekends when the leaves in the Smoky Mountains dramatically transform.
Travelers heading to and from the park navigate through downtown Gatlinburg along Parkway/US 441. This thoroughfare extends northward for 7 miles, leading to Pigeon Forge, famous for Dollywood. While Gatlinburg is easily explored on foot, Pigeon Forge presents more challenges for walkers. Depending on your specific destination, shuttles provide a cost-effective means to access major attractions in both locations. For optimal convenience, download the Gatlinburg app, which offers trolley maps and real-time updates about parking availability in city lots.
Exploring on Foot: Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Gatlinburg
Downtown Gatlinburg boasts a compact and walkable layout, yet it is crucial to note that sidewalks can become quite congested. The primary route, Parkway/US 441, leads directly to the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Be aware that this main section typically experiences heavy traffic.
A more serene route can be found by following River Rd south from Parkway at Stoplight 5. While this path sidesteps the main tourist hubs, it provides a lovely walk along the banks of the Little Pigeon River. Moreover, the 2-mile Gatlinburg Trail connects the southern edge of downtown with the Sugarlands Visitor Center inside the national park.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge, predominantly, is not pedestrian-friendly. Major attractions stretch over a 5-mile span along Parkway, which is frequently congested throughout the day. Although sidewalks are available, crossing the wide avenues can be cumbersome, given the six-lane width and the considerable distances between attractions.
However, the Riverwalk Greenway offers one pedestrian-friendly alternative. This shaded, 6-mile multi-use greenway runs alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, commencing near Patriot Park on Butler St and connecting with the Island entertainment district and the Pigeon Forge Community Center.
Taking a Trolley or Shuttle
Gatlinburg
The city operates free trolleys on three routes throughout Gatlinburg, all of which stop at the Gatlinburg Mass Transit Center next to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies—offering easy access for visitors.
The Purple Route loops through downtown Parkway and River Rd, connecting numerous attractions while linking to the Park & Ride at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, located about 2 miles north of downtown.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge features six routes on the Fun Time Trolley, five of which operate year-round. The remaining route is seasonal, specifically serving Dollywood’s Splash Country. All trolleys stop at Patriot Park (186 Old Mill Ave), where parking is complimentary.
The fares depend on the route, charged per trip unless you have purchased a day pass. Trolley service operates from 8:00am to midnight from March through October, with reduced hours during off-seasons. An all-day pass is attractively priced at $3 and can be obtained at the mass transit office at Patriot Park.
Getting Around by Car
Gatlinburg
Exploring downtown Gatlinburg does not require a vehicle, as most attractions are concentrated within a 1-mile stretch of Parkway. Nevertheless, traffic builds during the summer and on weekends, making driving somewhat sluggish. To explore deeper into the national park, however, renting a car is essential.
Parking
The city has established two sizable parking garages, each providing approximately 365 spots. One is conveniently located at Ripley’s Aquarium (161 Greystone Heights Rd), while the second can be found at the McMahan Parking Garage (520 Parkway) at Stoplight #3. Each garage charges $10 per day. Additionally, free park-and-ride lots are located at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and another along Hwy 321 at the City Hall complex. After parking, simply hop on a shuttle to downtown.
Pigeon Forge
In contrast, travelers in Pigeon Forge generally require a car, given that the area extends 5 miles along Parkway, which features six lanes in many areas. Although the trolleys stop at over 200 locations, driving may provide additional convenience.
It’s important to note that parking at Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country is priced at $25 per day. A more affordable alternative involves parking at the free lot at Patriot Park and utilizing the trolley service. If there’s a convenient stop near your hotel, you could catch a trolley, eliminating the need for a car entirely.
Car Rental
Eight car rental agencies operate at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, which is the most suitable location for renting a vehicle if you plan to explore the gateway towns and the national park. The airport is located 35 miles from Pigeon Forge and about 45 miles from Gatlinburg.
Electric-Car Charging Stations
Pigeon Forge offers eleven free charging stations, including locations at the city-run Mountain Lot (2989 Teaster Lane), the Island, and the Titanic Museum.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing Options
Taxi services are readily available throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, alongside ride-sharing options such as Uber and Lyft. A taxi to Pigeon Forge ranges from $60 to $70, while fares to Gatlinburg generally range from $80 to $100. However, ride-share pricing may vary.
It’s advisable to book a taxi in advance, as hailing one directly can prove challenging, particularly in Pigeon Forge.
Seeing the Sights by Bike
Due to the heavy traffic along Parkway, cycling in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is typically not recommended.
Trails and Greenways
Biking from the southern outskirts of Gatlinburg into the national park is achievable via the two-mile Gatlinburg Trail, which concludes at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. In Townsend, the Townsend Bike Trail provides a paved route running alongside US 321 for about 5 miles, offering picturesque views of the Little River.
Pigeon Forge’s Riverwalk Greenway stretches approximately 4 miles through the city. Able to be accessed near Patriot Park or at the Island, this greenway offers a splendid cycling experience.
Within the national park, the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Rd closes to motorized vehicles on Wednesdays from early May through September, allowing cyclists to view wildlife and historic sites without the congestion of cars.
Accessible Travel in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
All mass-transit trolleys in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are equipped with lifts to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Accessing the lifts is seamless at any designated trolley stop.
ADA paratransit services may be accessible for origin-to-destination transport in Gatlinburg for individuals whose disabilities hinder them from using the fixed-route service. Nonetheless, riders must apply and gain approval first. In Pigeon Forge, requests for a paratransit van pickup can be made by calling 865-453-6444, with a fare set at $1 per trip.
While sidewalks in Gatlinburg can be steep and crowded, making them less ideal for individuals using wheelchairs or strollers, the Ober Gatlinburg tram provides an accessible means to escape the hustle. Note, however, that not all activities at the summit accommodate wheelchairs.
The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, a paved half-mile path situated in a second-growth forest south of Sugarlands Visitor Center, serves as an accessible trail along a stream, complete with interpretive exhibits on local natural features.
