There are very few vacation options that can feel as relaxing and refreshing as escaping into nature. When you're tired of the daily grind of your job and the constant sounds and smells of traffic in the city, it is revitalizing to spend some time in the woods. As far as destinations for this sort of vacation go, it's hard to find a better place to be than Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Along with the beauty of the outdoors, it brings you a number of great restaurants, shopping venues, museums, and other attractions. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic retreat, or a hiking trip with your college friends, the Smoky Mountains have something to offer.

Because there are so many awesome things you can do in the area, you need to plan your trip out properly. This guide will go over some of the key tips you need to ensure you have the best possible time in Pigeon Forge.

Pick the right place to stay

While there are a number of hotels in the area, it might be in your best interest to find a different type of lodging. This is an area known for its breathtaking scenery and refreshing mountain air. You should try to stay in one of the many Pigeon Forge cabins so you can truly immerse yourself in nature. A cabin not only gives you a great sense of privacy, as you won't have to deal with any other guests or check-out times, but it feels like a home away from home.

As most cabins are at a fair distance from each other, you don't have to worry about noise levels. Whether that means you're the one hosting a party and blasting loud music, or you're a family looking to avoid that type of rowdy noise, a cabin is a perfect option. There is a sense of serenity that comes from waking up and stepping out right into the wilderness of the mountains you can't experience while staying at a hotel. As cabins are a popular option for the area, you will find many rental options at different price points, allowing you to adjust your budget.

Avoid the peak season

When you elect to go is partly dependent on which season you wish to see, but you should do your best to avoid peak tourist seasons. Pigeon Forge is a popular family destination, and most people come during the summer months when their kids are off from school. The region has a pretty temperate climate, so it does not get too hot or cold, making it enjoyable in the summer. But if you want to avoid the crowds, you should pick a different time of year to visit.

You could come in fall when the trees have turned to gorgeous shades of orange and yellow, and the scenery seems incredibly vibrant and colorful. If you're the sort who enjoys painting or photographing nature, fall months might suit you better.

Winter is also a great option, allowing you to enjoy the snow-capped mountains, cozy up to a fireplace, take in the holiday lights, and partake in the nearby ski resort. If you do need to go in the summer, you should find the best alternate routes to avoid the seasonal traffic jams. You don't want to waste your vacation days stuck in a slow-moving car.

Don't skip over the Great Smoky National Park

Some people try to avoid the town's National Park as that's the cliché place to visit during a trip to Pigeon Forge, but it's a cliché for a good reason. The park is 522,419 acres of beautiful natural landscapes, including wildlife, waterfalls, mountain views, and historic homes. It offers so much to explore that you could spend your entire vacation there and keep finding new places. It is also the perfect place for photographs, whether you're clicking away on your camera to capture beauty or preserve memories.

You could opt to go for the must-see parts of the park like Cades Cove and Clingman's Dome, or choose your own adventure and explore the unknown. Either way, you should definitely set aside at least one day for this area.

Look up Dollywood festivals

Dollywood might be the most popular attraction in the area, and while you can visit it any time of the year, it is best to go during one of their seasonal festivals. It would be in your best interest to look up the festival schedule for the year. Roughly speaking, they tend to have the Smoky Mountains Christmas event in December, the Festivals of Nations in April or March, the spring festival in April, a bluegrass festival at the start of summer, then the summer festival during July or August, and the harvest festival during October.

While these can be fun for anyone, they can be particularly exciting for kids. It gives them a chance to take in more colors, festivities, new foods, learn about the culture, and enjoy the energetic crowds. Dollywood offers several attractions, such as theme park rides, including one that allows you to fly with eagles. You could also ride the river or partake in the many cultural and crafts activities offered by the park.

Try to stay for a while

From the various parks to the museums and theatre shows, there is a lot to do in Pigeon Forge. When planning your vacation, you need to ask yourself one very important question. Is this the only time you will visit the area? If you plan on making this into an annual family trip, you can afford to approach it with a more laid back approach and explore slowly. But if this is going to be your only time in the Smoky Mountains, you need to make the most of it. Rather than rushing from one location to the other, you need to give yourself enough time to take in the sights and experience everything that Pigeon Forge offers. This is precisely why it might be in your best interest to stay for at least a week, if not longer.

Final thoughts

While it might give you pause to use up so many vacation days in just one area, Pigeon Forge is completely worth it. It is one of the most scenic places you can travel to, offering you the chance to explore nature and unwind. Alongside the mountains and waterfalls, you have the chance to enjoy bluegrass music, explore festivals, and go on amazing rides in the Dollywood amusement park. This will definitely be a vacation you'll remember forever.

Travel Tips United States

Are you ready to travel to the US and around? Here are some quick booking links and resources that I use myself for travel planning. These websites will help you to get started with your US itinerary!

Cheap Flights to the US

Skyscanner is my favorite search engine for finding cheap flights to the United States, from anywhere in the world. I always start my flight search here!

Transportation and Getting around within the US

Buses and trains: Busbud is one of the most reliable websites in when it comes to booking buses, and railway. Get an instant seat confirmation and start your overland travel worry-free.

Renting a car: Discovercars is one of the most trustworthy websites for online car rental bookings; they compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip.

Find a Place to Stay in the US

Hostels, hotels and resorts: Booking.com is excellent if you're looking for hotels from budget to luxury! It's one of the largest hotel booking websites in the world. Plenty of options to book now and pay later, or even pay at the hotel. Risk-free booking, many with free cancellation. My other go to is Agoda.

Homestays and Housesits: For a more authentic and local experience I recommend Homestay.com, a website where you can find places to stay with locals for such a great price. Personally, I'm obsessed with Trusted Housesitters, where you get to stay completely for free in exchange for pet care. Find out more in my article on How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation.

Fun Tours and Activities in the US

Get your Guide has plenty of fun activities in the United States, such as hiking tours and city sightseeing trips. There is plenty of choices to keep yourself entertained!

Klook is similar than the one above, but offers additional options such as airport transfers, SIM cards, and food & dining experiences. It' a great way to meet other travelers while exploring a new place!

eSIM - Stay connected with Internet

Get an eSIM before you go and have Internet available from the second you arrive! I highly recommend Roamless or JetPac - they're both highly ranked, inexpensive and reliable.

Travel Insurance

Never go adventuring without travel insurance! I recommend Genki or SafetyWing - they're both very affordable and will cover you in an emergency.

Do I need a Visa for the United States?

You can check on iVisa whether you need a visa and how long you are permitted to stay.

5 Tips For Making Your Trip To Pigeon Forge Memorable