Pigeon Forge is like Myrtle Beach without the ocean. All tourist trap crap. Go to Cades Cove and watch the wildlife, that's the best thing going for the area. And Smokey Mountain Knife Works.

Cades is nice, but plan on a long time to get through it, It's a single lane road and if someone decides to stop, get out take a picture or just wants to control the line you can be there all day...

Smokey Mountain knife works is incredible. Its a must see. A knife store so big you couldnt see everything if you tried if you spent two days there.

Buds gun shop is there too.

Fill your gas tank up before entering the park. I've driven an entire day, 12 plus hours in that park driving the cades cove loop and other loops, and never saw a gas station once, plus there are no cell towers anywhere in the park, so if you run out of gas, you are going to have a VERY bad day. My gas gauge kept going down and down and down in that park and it was pretty concerning. The size of the park is massive, and you really underestimate its size. Bring food and sandwiches as well, there is NO food anywhere in the park.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Cades is nice, but plan on a long time to get through it, It's a single lane road and if someone decides to stop, get out take a picture or just wants to control the line you can be there all day...

We were behind a line of cars that had stopped and people were getting out and running forward . I asked somebody was going on and they said " bear ! " Are you freaking kidding me ? Have you people never seen a damn bear before ? The zoo's are full of them !

How many things/places are open during Thanksgiving? My wife and I rented a cabin for a few days starting on Christmas and there was nothing open except for one restaurant in Pigeon Forge and the line was insane. Fortunately there was a gas station with a mini-mart and we were able to get some fish sticks and macaroni and cheese for dinner. Definitely worth getting the cabin. Plan ahead for any poss. issues with getting supplies/food. It was a beautiful place to visit. Seeing the snow fall on our last day had me torn, as it was beautiful but we didn't have snow tires or chains.

No Way Jose’s across from the Harley Davidson dealer is worth a sir down meal every time we come up to visit. Fresh hot Krispy Kreme donuts, SMKW, Buds Guns, Dolleywood etc are worth a visit.

I am leaving on the 17th to treat my wife, daughter, my nieces family and my 2 year old Grandson to a week in Sieverville, looking forward to ooler weather (still in the 90s here in SW Fl.) and just plain peace and quiet