How Far Apart Is Pigeon Forge And Gatlinburg?
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are both popular tourist destinations located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Known for their beautiful mountain scenery, abundance of attractions and entertainment, and proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, these two cities have become major vacation spots that attract over 10 million visitors per year.
Pigeon Forge is home to many amusement parks and attractions like Dollywood, dinner theater shows, and outlet malls. The city has a more commercial feel catered towards family fun and entertainment. Gatlinburg is located just north of Pigeon Forge and serves as a gateway town to the national park. It offers stunning mountain views, specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Both cities provide easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park where visitors can hike, camp, fish, and explore the scenic wilderness.
While Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg border each other, they each offer distinct experiences and attractions that draw millions of visitors each year. Their close proximity makes it easy for tourists to experience the best of both cities.
Exact Distance Between the Cities
The driving distance between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg along Highway 441 is approximately 7 miles according to Trippy. Highway 441, also known as Parkway, is the main road connecting these two popular tourist destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains region of Tennessee. Though only 7 miles apart, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer distinct experiences and attractions for visitors.
Driving Time Between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
The driving time between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is quite short thanks to the two cities’ proximity. The cities are only about 6 miles apart. This makes for just a 10-15 minute drive along Highway 441 between the main commercial centers of both destinations.
With light traffic, expect a drive time of 10 minutes between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. During busier tourist seasons and weekends, the drive may take 15 minutes. There aren’t any traffic lights or major intersections along this route, so the drive is quite easy and direct between the cities.
Even if you hit some traffic congestion, the drive remains under 20 minutes in almost all circumstances. The short drive time makes it easy to go back and forth between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to experience attractions, restaurants, and outdoor activities in both cities.
Major Attractions Along the Route
The drive between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg takes you past several major attractions that are definitely worth stopping to see. Three of the most popular are Dollywood, The Island, and the Titanic Museum.
Dollywood is a huge theme park owned by country singer Dolly Parton. This Smoky Mountain theme park has rollercoasters, water rides, shows, and restaurants. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time at Dollywood with its Appalachian crafts, music, and food.
The Island in Pigeon Forge is an entertainment complex with restaurants, shops, attractions like the giant Ferris wheel, and lively nightlife. It’s situated on the Pigeon Forge River next to Dollywood.
In Gatlinburg, you can visit a museum dedicated to the infamous Titanic ship. See artifacts from the actual Titanic as you learn about the ship’s maiden voyage and tragic sinking. This interactive museum brings history to life.
Public Transportation Options
There are several public transportation options available for traveling between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
One option is the GATRA public bus system. GATRA operates several routes that connect Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, with stops along the Parkway in both cities. The buses typically run every 20-30 minutes. Fares are affordable, ranging from $1-2 per ride. GATRA buses are wheelchair accessible.
Shuttle services are also available between the two cities. Companies like Fun Time Trolley offer direct transportation along the Spur road connecting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. These private shuttles run frequently and can be booked in advance. Fares are reasonable, starting around $5 one-way.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. This can be a convenient option for traveling between cities. Fares fluctuate based on demand but are often in the $15-25 range one-way between cities.
Taxis are also readily available for transportation between the cities. Cab companies like Smoky Mountain Taxi provide metered rides between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Standard rates are around $3-4 per mile.
Outdoor Activities Between the Cities
The scenic backdrop of the Smoky Mountains provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventure between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Some of the top outdoor activities include:
Hiking – There are dozens of hiking trails that connect Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, including trails along the Little Pigeon River and in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Popular hikes include the Twin Creeks Trail, the Schoolhouse Gap Trail, and the Old Sugarlands Trail. The hike between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg along the Little Pigeon River is about 13 miles.
Parks – The cities are home to numerous parks for recreation and relaxation. Pigeon Forge has Patriot Park and Wear Farm City Park. Gatlinburg has Herbert Holt Park, Mills Park, and Gatlinburg Trailhead Park.
Scenic Overlooks – Travelers can take in panoramic mountain views from scenic overlooks like Chimney Tops Overlook, Sugarlands Overlook, and the Foothills Parkway. These sights showcase the natural beauty of the Smokies.
Camping – Campgrounds between the cities include Twin Creek RV Resort, Camp Rudolph, and Smoky Bear Campgrounds. They offer tent and RV camping with mountain views.
Picnicking – Several parks have picnic facilities, including Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area near the Little Pigeon River.
With so much unspoiled wilderness, the stretch between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg provides the perfect playground for outdoor adventure. There are activities for all ages and skill levels.
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Lodging Options
There are many lodging options between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to accommodate various budgets and preferences. Cabins are a popular choice, offering privacy and scenic mountain views. Many modern cabins have full kitchens, hot tubs, and other amenities for a comfortable stay. For example, The Paddington Cabin is a traditional log home between the two cities with modern amenities (https://thepaddingtoncabin.com/).
Those looking for resort-style lodging can choose from many hotels and resorts between the cities. Brands like Margaritaville, Wyndham, and Dollywood have locations offering amenities like indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, spas, and family activities.
Top-rated resorts between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg include Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa, Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center, and The Park Vista DoubleTree. These provide luxury accommodations with mountain views and quick access to area attractions.
Dining and Shopping
There are plenty of delicious dining and shopping options between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Some top picks include:
Restaurants
Pancake Pantry – This popular breakfast spot in Gatlinburg serves up giant stacks of fluffy pancakes in a cozy, cabin-like setting.
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que – Located right between the two cities, Bennett’s is known for its Memphis-style barbecue, slow-smoked for hours over hickory wood.
The Old Mill – This historic Pigeon Forge restaurant located inside an old gristmill serves up Southern favorites like biscuits and fried chicken.
Diners
Sunliner Diner – A fun 1950s-themed diner in Pigeon Forge serving burgers, patty melts, milkshakes and more.
The Donut Friar – This Sevierville donut shop between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offers freshly-made donuts of all varieties.
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp – Located in Gatlinburg, this local favorite serves giant breakfasts all day long in a rustic cabin setting.
Stores
Tanger Outlets – This large outlet mall located in Sevierville features stores for apparel, accessories, shoes, home goods and more.
Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler – At this Pigeon Forge moonshine distillery, you can sample flavored moonshine and shop for Ole Smoky merch.
Village Shops – These shops located along the main strip in Gatlinburg offer everything from taffy and fudge to souvenirs and crafts.
Tips for Traveling Between Cities
The best times to travel between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are on weekdays or during the off-season months of January through March according to this guide. This avoids the peak congestion times on weekends and summer. Planning your trip during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon, can also help bypass heavy traffic.
When planning your trip, review a map of the area to find shortcuts and alternate routes between the cities. Allow extra time to account for traffic delays, especially if traveling on weekends or holidays. Check local event schedules, as large concerts or festivals can impact traffic.
Consider lodging availability if splitting your visit between both destinations. Booking accommodations in advance is recommended. Having a home base in one city can minimize back-and-forth driving.
Conclusion
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are two lively towns in the Great Smoky Mountains that are only about 6 miles apart. Even though they are close in proximity, they each offer unique attractions, dining, and lodging options for visitors. Traveling between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is easy whether you drive, take public transportation, or even walk or bike on the beautiful mountain roads and trails that connect the two cities. With lively entertainment and shopping as well as access to stunning outdoor recreation, both destinations make for an amazing Smoky Mountain getaway. Planning your visit to include both towns allows you to experience the best of what this area of Tennessee has to offer.
In summary, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are two vibrant mountain destinations that complement each other perfectly. Their close proximity makes it simple to experience the best of both cities when visiting the Smokies. Whether traveling with family, friends, or solo, these two towns offer magnificent scenery, endless entertainment, and true southern hospitality.
