Getting around Pigeon Forge on your vacation doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. We have some easy tips for traveling in the city that will make your stay much more enjoyable!
1. Take the trolley.
One of the easiest, most affordable, and downright fun ways of getting around Pigeon Forge is on the Fun Time Trolley that services both Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. The trolley operates between 8 a.m. and midnight on a daily basis from early March through October. In November and December, the trolley operates between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. You can take the trolley to all of your favorite Pigeon Forge destinations, including North Parkway, South Parkway, Dollywood, and Dollywood’s Splash Country. And the ticket prices for all of these destinations are a mere $.50! Main Street trolleys run every 20 to 25 minutes; Dollywood trolleys run every 15 to 20 minutes. For more information about ticket prices and other routes, click here.
2. Travel at non-peak times.
Sometimes the hustle and bustle of Pigeon Forge traffic is just unavoidable, but one tip for getting around it as best as you can is to come to Pigeon Forge during the off season. This includes the winter months—February through mid-March is the ideal time to come. Also, try to travel on the weekdays instead of the weekends. This may not always be possible, but it will be much easier to get in and out of Pigeon Forge if you can avoid the weekend flux of visitors. Another tip is to drive into town during the mornings and late evenings. This will help you avoid heavy afternoon traffic into the city. Check out our blog for more Pigeon Forge traffic tips.
3. Walk.
You can kill several birds with one stone if you plan on parking the car and getting around on your own two feet while in Pigeon Forge. This will help you save money on gas, avoid heavy traffic, and get some great exercise and fresh air! Downtown Pigeon Forge makes walking an easy choice for your transportation. Most of the stores and attractions you’ll want to check out will be on the Parkway. So all you have to do is find a parking spot close by, and you’ll be set for an afternoon of Pigeon Forge fun! And be sure to wear your Fitbit so you can count your calories. You might even earn yourself an extra scoop of ice cream at The Old Mill Creamery with all that exercise!
4. Check the traffic ahead of time.
A quick Google search can save you TONS of time on the road if you will check traffic conditions before you leave your Pigeon Forge cabin for the day. Most of our cabins come with high speed wireless Internet service, so you can easily check websites like localconditions.com for weather and traffic information. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park also has its own webpage for road and facility closures, if you are planning to visit the park during your stay in Pigeon Forge. Plan ahead and save yourself the headache of hours of unplanned time sitting in the car.
5. Be prepared.
No matter how much planning and plotting you do, there are times when getting around Pigeon Forge will simply mean having to wait a little while. An unexpected traffic accident or temporary detour may have you spending more time in the car than you intended. The best thing to do is be prepared. Keep non-perishable (and non-melting) snacks in the car like nuts, dried fruit, and peanut butter crackers, as well as water bottles. Also, keep your favorite music handy and a game or two for the kids to play while you’re waiting around. You may be surprised to find that even getting stuck in Pigeon Forge traffic is just another way to have a great time as a family while you’re away!
