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​Dear Travel Friend,

My first visit to Pigeon Forge was in the summer of 2017 and I was simply blown away by the trip! My children were bouncing out of their seats to get out and explore. I spent time at Dollywoood and had so much fun! Come for the weekend and explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and take in all there is to do and see in this distinct Tennessee destination!  

Erik

PIGEON FORGE - A LITTLE LIGHT READING

FAST FACTS
Destination Name: Pigeon Forge
State: Tennessee
​Closest Major Airport(s): McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is a public and military airport 12 miles south of Knoxville. Over 20 airline carriers fly approximately 30 flights per week.
Time Zone: Eastern
Currency: US Dollar
Continent: North America​
Country: USA
Primary Language: English
More Facts (source: mypigeonforge.com): 
  • ​Pigeon Forge is a small town with a resident population of approximately 6,000. However, more than 10 million people visit every year, and more than 2 million stay overnight.
  • To house all of those overnight guests, Pigeon Forge has more than 14,000 lodging units in hotels, motels, condos, cabins and campgrounds.
  • Because of the year-round volume of visitors, Pigeon Forge has municipal services and facilities for a city of approximately 50,000 residents.
  • Two-thirds of the nation’s population east of the Mississippi River lives within a day’s drive of Pigeon Forge.
  • Pigeon Forge is in East Tennessee, approximately 35 miles from Knoxville. The area’s municipal airport is Knoxville’s McGhee-Tyson Airport. It is in the Eastern Time Zone.
  • The town takes the first part of its name from the Little Pigeon River, which itself got its name from the great numbers of passenger pigeons that once roosted on its banks. The second part of the town’s name comes from an iron forge built by early settler Isaac Love in 1817. The site of that forge is near today’s Old Mill.
  • The Old Mill, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1830 and is in operation today.
  • Pigeon Forge’s next-door neighbor is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the U.S. (more than 9 million people a year). Elevations range from 875 to 6,643 feet. It is one of the most biologically diverse locations in the world. More than 17,000 species have been identified in the park.
  • Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee (6,643 feet), is in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is less than an hour’s drive from Pigeon Forge.
  • Dollywood, Tennessee’s most visited commercial attraction, is in Pigeon Forge. It is open from late March through December and attracts more than 2 million guests each year.
TRANSPORTATION
​Location: Pigeon Forge is located on Tennessee's eastern side, at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Air: Located about 40 minutes from Pigeon Forge, McGhee Tyson Airport is one of the most convenient and accessible regional airports in the nation. For updated flight information, visit flyknoxville.org.

Car: Pigeon Forge is located off I-40 south and east of Knoxville. ​
THE WEATHER
​Summer is my favorite season to visit Pigeon Forge. Spring is also magnificent - especially during the Dogwood season. Winter is usually mild but because of the higher elevation, Pigeon Forge usually receives annual snowfall. Summers can get muggy so pack hot-weather clothes.
Video: Erik's Travel Tip No. 167: What To Do When it Rains
WHERE TO STAY
Coming soon
WHERE TO EAT
Coming soon

HELPFUL LINKS
Most destinations in the U.S. have an official tourism bureau. Learn more by watching this video. In addition, here are links to the official bureaus for this destination, the state and the USA. 

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Official Pigeon Forge CVB Site

Official State Tourism Bureau Site

MEET ERIK THE TRAVEL GUY!

​I am on a mission to get you traveling more often, staying longer and experiencing the potentially life-changing, positive power of travel. Here, you can count on the latest travel news, information, videos, tips, blog posts and podcasts from the online travel community to equip you with relevant information and advice. We'll also feature the latest news about our nationally syndicated television series "Beyond Your Backyard" which is seen by millions of viewers each week in 90% of US Households. Thank you for visiting!

​Erik ​