Pigeon Forge, TN - 3 Day Family-Friendly Itinerary

  • Day 1: Dollywood
    10 minutes (4 miles) from Pigeon Forge

    Dollywood is a theme park jointly owned by country singer Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment. It covers over 150 acres and offers thrilling rides, world-class entertainment, and delicious food options. The park is divided into different themed sections, with something for everyone in the family.

  • Day 2: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    20 minutes (10 miles) from Pigeon Forge

    With over 500,000 acres of mountains, forests, and rivers, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is perfect for families who love outdoor adventures. You can hike, bike, fish, or simply enjoy the scenic drives. Don't forget to visit Cades Cove, one of the most popular destinations in the park, where you can see historic cabins and churches.

  • Day 3: The Island in Pigeon Forge
    5 minutes (2 miles) from Pigeon Forge

    The Island in Pigeon Forge is a popular shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. You can ride the 200-foot tall Ferris wheel, play mini golf, or watch the fountain show choreographed to music. There are also many restaurants to choose from, including Paula Deen's Family Kitchen and Margaritaville.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Dollywood (6-7 hours, $80 per adult, $70 per child)
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park (4-6 hours, free)
  • The Island in Pigeon Forge (4-5 hours, prices vary by activity)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $varies by activities chosen

Transportation

Visitors can fly into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), which is located 30 miles from Pigeon Forge. Car rental options are available at the airport. Alternatively, visitors can drive to Pigeon Forge from nearby cities like Knoxville, Tennessee or Asheville, North Carolina. Traffic can be heavy during peak summer and fall seasons, so plan accordingly.

Estimated travel costs:

  • Flight from New York City to Knoxville: $300-$500 (2.5 hours)
  • Car rental: $50-$100 per day

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring nearby Gatlinburg, where you can visit the SkyBridge, the Guinness World Records Museum, or the Gatlinburg Space Needle. If you have less time, skip the Island in Pigeon Forge and spend more time hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Airports

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located in Alcoa, Tennessee, 30 miles from Pigeon Forge. It serves major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United. The airport code is TYS.

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