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Pigeon Forge and the
Great Smoky Mountains
The Roots of Pigeon Forge
Many, many years before Tennessee was a state, Pigeon Forge was a Cherokee
Indian hunting ground located in what had come to be known as the "Lost
State of Franklin." It was after the Revolutionary War that the State of
Franklin and the Cherokee Indians agreed to peace with the signing of the
Treaty at Dumplin’ Creek. Pigeon Forge was once part of North Carolina.
Settlers first reached the area in 1788, when the area was governed by North
Carolina. Pigeon Forge was the site of an iron forge built in 1820 by Isaac
Love. His son built the Historic Old Mill in 1830. The other half of Pigeon
Forge's namesake is the passenger pigeon. Although passenger pigeons are now
extinct, the community of Pigeon Forge preserves the memory of bygone era that
brings to mind the rich diversity of life in the wilderness frontier that was
East Tennessee. By 1907, the town's population had grown to just 154 residents.
But, by the 1930s, the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains had begun to lure
visitors to the area. In 1934, when Great Smoky Mountains National Park was
established, the first guest cottages were built along the river.
Pigeon Forge's reputation as
a friendly resort town steadily grew from there. Today, more than 11 million
guests visit this flourishing Smoky Mountain city each year. Voted one of the
South's favorite shopping spots by Southern Living readers, Pigeon Forge is
equally famous for its more than 200 factory outlets and specialty stores.
The Old Mill
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The Old Mill is a nationally recognized Historical Site and is located on the
West Prong of the Little Pigeon River in the heart of Pigeon Forge. In the old
days, it was the heart of the community and served as a gathering spot for
villagers. During the Civil War, looms were set up on the second floor to make
woven articles for soldiers. The area around the Old Mill was first settled by
pioneers near a river in the early 1800s. The river was named Little Pigeon
because of its popularity with pigeons, and the name was given to the community
as well. William Love dammed up the Little Pigeon River and began construction
of the first building of the Old Mill. He utilized 40-foot-long,
14"-by-14" Yellow Poplar logs, which are clearly visible even today.
Huge river rocks serve as pillars to support the structure. This is one of the
most photographed structures in Tennessee. The mill has been in continuous daily
operation since its completion in 1830.
Dress casual and come prepared to relax
Casual attire is what it is all about and that's a big part of being on
vacation in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. It's pretty
much the standard around here. We have a couple of restaurants where you might
feel like sprucing up a little, but it's really up to you.
In spring and fall, days
start off cool, warm up and then cool off again. Winter temperatures generally
stay in the 30-50 degree range so heavier clothing is appropriate. No matter
what time of year, if you're planning on a visit to the mountains, bring along
a wrap. Higher elevations may get even prettier but it means cooler
temperatures, too.
Location is
everything
Pigeon Forge is located in the eastern portion of the beautiful state of Tennessee
in an area known for its traditional Appalachian crafts, music and folklore.
The overwhelming beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains is visible everywhere you
look.
Two-thirds of the nation's population lives
within a day's driving distance. Interstates I-40, I-75 and I-81 are all
nearby.
Pigeon Forge is 35 miles southeast of Knoxville, 5 miles north of Gatlinburg
and 5 miles north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Countless
accommodations are offered in the Pigeon Forge area, American Patriot Getaways
offers some of the best, most luxurious and affordable cabins,
chalets and condos with easy access to an abundance of fun. Centered between
Sevierville, Gatlinburg and the National Park, your vacation adventure is
always just minutes away. You can get anywhere quickly by car, but if you want
to just sit back and relax, you can take advantage of the Pigeon Forge Fun Time
Trolley. You can find stops throughout town to take you anywhere you want to
go.
What to do in Pigeon Forge
Pigeons Forge’s most popular and the most visited theme park in Tennessee, Dollywood,
is just the beginning. With countless go-cart tracks, arcades and miniature
golf courses, Pigeon Forge is a ton of fun for the young and young at heart.
For the thrill seekers, you can take a flying leap off a bungee tower, shoot
into the air on a sling-shot, do some indoor skydiving at Flyaway
or roll down a hill in a giant ball at Zorb. Enjoy a game of
laser tag or cool off from the summer heat at Dolly's Splash Country.
All of this
excitement might rustle up quite an appetite. Pigeon Forge offers a wonderful
selection of restaurants. From fine dining to fast food and everything in
between, the dining in Pigeon Forge is second to none. And if you enjoy the
great outdoors, you can discover golfing pleasure at one of the area's lovely
courses, or take a stroll down to Patriot Park and enjoy a walk
on the river.
If shopping is
what you're looking for, you have found paradise. Pigeon Forge offers four
outlet malls and countless shopping centers for you to peruse. Offering
everything from home décor and crafts to clothing and trinkets, you can find
name brand items at outlet prices and one of a kind buys all over town.
When the sun
goes down in Pigeon Forge, it's time to pick up the pace. The city features
nine major theaters and even more shows. You have easy access to numerous
entertainment options for the entire family. All along the Parkway you can find
shows filled with comedy, music, magic and action, giving you an overwhelming
choice for your evening entertainment.
So, with all
that there is to see and do in Pigeon Forge, we're positive that you will have
an unforgettable adventure. You will always find something new and unexpected
in this little town in the Smokies. When you’re done with all there is to do in
Pigeon Forge, don’t forget Gatlinburg is only a short drive away.
Climate and Temperature
The climate in Pigeon Forge
is almost perfect. Summer is usually balmy with an average temperature of 84
degrees. Winter is moderately cold with an average temperature of 39.2 degrees.
Pigeon Forge Time
Zone
Pigeon Forge is in the Eastern Time Zone. In April we switch to daylight saving
time. We revert back to Eastern Standard Time in October.
Counting Heads and Where to Rest Them
Permanent population: 5,424
Peak overnight visitation population: 50,000
Bed count: More than 10,000
hotel and motel rooms, cabins, chalets, cottages, and bed and breakfast inns. American Patriot Getaways offers 350 + luxury overnight rental cabins, chalets and
condos for you to choose from.
Tax Structure
State sales tax: 9 1/2 percent
Lodging tax: 2 1/4 percent
Amusement tax: 2 percent
Alcoholic Beverage Status
Pigeon Forge was a dry
municipality but now you can purchase and consume beer and wine in local
restaurants. You may purchase beer at several locations or wine at the Mountain
Valley Winery. No retail liquor sales or liquor by the drink is available. You
have to travel to Gatlinburg for liquor sales or liquor by the drink.
Airports Serving the Pigeon Forge Area
Knoxville's McGhee-Tyson
Airport is only 40 miles away and is served by eleven airlines with connecting
services from cities including Memphis, Houston, New York/Newark, St. Louis and
Philadelphia. The Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Airport, seven miles from Pigeon
Forge and has complete airport facilities for small private aircrafts.
Important Numbers
In case of emergency, dial 911.
Sevier County Ambulance Service
(865) 453-3200
Pigeon Forge Police Department
(865) 453-9063
Pigeon Forge Fire Department
(865) 453-4044
Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center
(865) 429-6100
Time & Temperature
(865) 453-6171
Weather
(865) 637-7700
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(865) 436-1207
Pigeon Forge Fun Time Trolley
(865) 453-6444
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