7-Day Budget Itinerary for Nashville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge in August 2023

  1. Day 1: Nashville
    Drive from Nashville International Airport to Downtown Nashville

    Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to learn about the history of country music and see memorabilia from legendary musicians. Then, head to Broadway Street to experience live music performances and grab a bite to eat.

  2. Day 2: Nashville to Gatlinburg
    Drive time: 3 hours, 15 minutes (211 miles)

    Drive to Gatlinburg and visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for scenic hikes and wildlife sightings. End the day with a visit to Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

  3. Day 3: Gatlinburg
    Distance from last location: 3.3 miles

    Visit the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and explore the underwater world. Then, take a ride on the Gatlinburg Space Needle for panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. End the day with a visit to Anakeesta, an outdoor theme park with ziplines and a mountain coaster.

  4. Day 4: Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge
    Drive time: 20 minutes (9.2 miles)

    Drive to Pigeon Forge and start the day with a visit to Dollywood, a theme park with roller coasters and live entertainment. Then, visit the Titanic Museum Attraction to learn about the ill-fated ship and its passengers.

  5. Day 5: Pigeon Forge
    Distance from last location: 2.4 miles

    Visit the Hollywood Wax Museum to see lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities. Then, head to the Island in Pigeon Forge for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

  6. Day 6: Pigeon Forge
    Distance from last location: 5.4 miles

    Visit Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster for a thrilling ride down the mountain. Then, explore the Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Loop to see local artisans at work.

  7. Day 7: Pigeon Forge to Nashville
    Drive time: 3 hours, 5 minutes (198 miles)

    Drive back to Nashville and end the trip with a visit to the Johnny Cash Museum to learn about the life and legacy of the Man in Black.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (2 hours, $25)
  • Gatlinburg SkyBridge (1-2 hours, $18)
  • Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies (2-3 hours, $35)
  • Gatlinburg Space Needle (1 hour, $14.95)
  • Anakeesta (3-4 hours, $24.99)
  • Dollywood (5-6 hours, $79)
  • Titanic Museum Attraction (2-3 hours, $29.50)
  • Hollywood Wax Museum (1-2 hours, $25.99)
  • Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster (1 hour, $15)
  • Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Loop (2-3 hours, free)
  • Johnny Cash Museum (1-2 hours, $22)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $285.44
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