Smoky Mountains: Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

The Great Smoky Mountains: history

These mountains are the homeland of the Cherokee. Settlers farmed valleys such as Cades Cove from the early 1800s, and logging companies cut much of the forest in the early 1900s.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park was created in 1934 to protect what was left. It is the most visited national park in the United States, and entry is free. Dollywood, the theme park of the singer Dolly Parton, opened at Pigeon Forge in 1986.

The Great Smoky Mountains: tourist attractions

• Newfound GapThe pass on the state line, with a wide mountain view.
• KuwohiThe highest peak in the park, once called Clingmans Dome, with a lookout tower. The road closes in winter.
• Cades CoveAn 11-mile loop past old cabins and churches, with deer and black bears.
• Laurel FallsA paved walk to a pretty waterfall.
• DollywoodRides, music and mountain crafts.
• Anakeesta & SkyBridgeA chairlift to a hilltop park, and a long footbridge over the valley.
• Ripley's Aquarium of the SmokiesA good choice for a rainy day.
• The Island, Pigeon ForgeA big wheel, a fountain show and shops.

The Great Smoky Mountains: excursions nearby

• Tuckaleechee Caverns about 25 milesA large cave with an underground waterfall.
• Cherokee about 35 milesThe museum and village of the Cherokee people, across the mountains.
• Bryson City about 45 milesScenic train rides on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
• Asheville about 80 milesThe Biltmore Estate, on the way from Charlotte.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.