Gatlinburg vs. Pigeon Forge: A Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are two small Appalachian towns on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Roughly eight miles apart, both of these communities boast enough entertainment to make the most of any vacation — but the question is: Where should you stay for a Smoky Mountains trip?

Deciding on Gatlinburg vs. Pigeon Forge is an important prerequisite to your trip. In this article, we will highlight each city’s outdoor activities, attractions, dining, shopping, and luxury accommodations so you can make a confident decision.

Dining and Shopping

There are many dining and shopping options available in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to fit anyone’s style. Check out the highlights of each city below.

Gatlinburg: Craft Cocktails, Small Shops, and Unique Eateries

Gatlinburg offers a unique dining and shopping experience that perfectly fits its small-town ambiance.

The city is home to several diners and fine restaurants specializing in southern comfort food and other regional delicacies. Start your day with one of the best pancake spots in Gatlinburg, then head to a local staple such as Bennett’s BBQ for dinner.

Explore the downtown area for souvenir shopping experiences that include paintings and memorabilia. Or, take part in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, which features an eight-mile loop filled with artists, craftsmen, eateries, and more.

A few popular dining and shopping locations in Gatlinburg include:

• Elvira’s Cafe: Southern food with a European twist.
• Smoky Mountain Brewery: Local beer and homemade food.
• Jonathan’s: The Bear Necessities: A craft item and souvenir shop.
• The Village Shops: A collection of shops and dining in a European-style center.
• The Peddler Steakhouse: Steakhouse at the entrance of the Smokies.

Pigeon Forge: Equal Parts Charming and Show-Stopping

Pigeon Forge has a dining and shopping scene that complements its vibrant entertainment.

The city has many small-town restaurants and large-scale dinner shows to match your dining mood. Head to Mama’s Farmhouse for award-winning southern recipes, or try out Dolly Parton’s Stampede for a unique experience.

Regarding shopping, Pigeon Forge has more of a “big city” feel than Gatlinburg. While Pigeon Forge has small craft shops, it is also home to several outlet malls and shopping centers, where you can purchase anything from designer clothing to home decor and outdoor gear.

A few popular dining and shopping locations in Pigeon Forge include:

• Big Daddy’s Pizzeria: A local favorite for homemade pizza.
• Old Forge Distillery: Locally-crafted moonshine and cocktails.
• The Old Mill: An Appalachian-themed shopping and dining experience.
• The Island in Pigeon Forge: Shopping, dining, and entertainment featuring a 200-foot observation wheel.
• Bullfish Grill: Seafood and steaks with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.

Attractions

While most people come to the area for its abundance of nature, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge also offer several family-friendly attractions. If we were to ask Pigeon Forge vs. Gatlinburg for adrenaline-inducing attractions — we’d consider Pigeon Forge to have more options, while Gatlinburg gets the high marks for family-friendly things to do. See how the cities compare below.

Gatlinburg: Small-town Fun 

Gatlinburg is a small mountain town with the character and atmosphere to match. While not brimming with amusement parks, you’ll find plenty of things to do downtown.

The main strip is saturated with shops and galleries, while visitors can find arcades, unique museums, and other family-oriented attractions throughout the city. Head to the Skypark or Ober Gatlinburg or try one of the other draws in the city.

A few popular attractions in Gatlinburg include:

• Gatlinburg Space Needle: Take in this breathtaking view of the surrounding area at this local landmark.
• Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: Dive into a night of fun at this “under-the-sea” adventure.
• Gatlinburg Arcade: Enjoy games, pinball, and more for a night of family fun.
• Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum: Explore this one-of-a-kind museum, and discover over 20,000 unique salt & pepper shakers.
• Hollywood Star Cars Museum: Get up close and personal to this collection of famous TV and movie vehicles like the “Back to the Future” DeLorean.

Pigeon Forge: Vibrant Entertainment in East Tennessee

Pigeon Forge is the area’s hotspot for attractions, making it an excellent location for a family vacation.

Throughout the city, you can explore a wide variety of museums, musical performances, and theme parks. Most notably, the area is home to Dollywood, a sprawling theme park founded by country music singer Dolly Parton that features roller coasters and live shows.

A few popular attractions in Pigeon Forge include:

• Dollywood: Immerse yourself in this iconic theme park packed with roller coasters, water excursions, musical performances, and more.
• Titanic Museum: Step into history with a first-hand experience of the famed shipwreck.
• Dolly Parton’s Stampede: Giddyup at this equestrian dinner-and-show experience.
• Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster: Get your thrills at one of the longest downhill rides in the United States. 
• WonderWorks: Explore this interactive museum housed in a mind-bending upside-down building.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Being so close to 500,000 acres of natural beauty, it’s hard to put Gatlinburg vs. Pigeon Forge against each other, as they both boast a wide range of outdoor activities. Below, we outline some of the best outdoor activities in both cities.

Gatlinburg: The Gateway to The Smokies

Gatlinburg sits at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, serving as a gateway to the expansive nature area. You can experience the wonders of the forest just minutes from anywhere you choose to stay.

In the warmer months, plan a hike on one of the area’s 800 miles of hiking trails, or try your hand at zip lining or horseback riding. Explore the snow-blanketed forest in complete solitude in the cooler months, or participate in one of the city’s many holiday parades and festivities, like the Trolley Ride of Lights.

A few popular outdoor activities in Gatlinburg include:

• Gatlinburg Skypark: Stroll through a high-elevation park with unique birds-eye views of the town and surrounding area.
• Ober Gatlinburg: Explore one of Tennessee’s largest recreational areas.
• Whitewater rafting: Brave the roaring rapids of the Pigeon River.
• Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook: Take in panoramic views of valleys, sans hiking, located just outside of downtown.
• Ziplining: Fly through the treetops with views of the Smokies.

Pigeon Forge: A Blend of City and Nature

While not as close to the Great Smoky Mountains as Gatlinburg, there are still plenty of outdoor activities around Pigeon Forge.

Parks, golf courses, and campgrounds permeate throughout the city, and being close to the surrounding wilderness makes it easy for a day trip to the great outdoors. Explore the nearby forests and rivers for an enjoyable afternoon — or make the short drive to the Smoky Mountains.

A few popular outdoor activities in Pigeon Forge include:

• Outdoor Gravity Park: Experience zorbing at one of the few locations in the USA.
• Ziplining and horseback riding: Feel the excitement of these exhilarating attractions in nearby Sevierville.
• Whitewater rafting: Challenge the rapids of Pigeon River with rafting in the Smokies.
• Scenic Helicopter Tours: Soar above the Smokies and take in aerial views.
• Pigeon Forge Snow: Enjoy year-round fun at this indoor snow park.

Accommodations

Whether you’re looking for a rustic cabin or a more upscale resort, you can find accommodations that suit you. Below are the types of lodging to expect in both cities. 

Gatlinburg: Endless Smoky Mountain Hidden Hideaways

Being so close to the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg has lodging that immerses visitors in the expansive wilderness. You can stay in cabins, hotels, and bed and breakfasts that fit the town ambiance perfectly. There are a handful of airports close to Gatlinburg that will make commuting convenient if you plan to fly.

At Elk Springs Resort, we offer cabins that come equipped with hot tubs, fireplaces, pools, and more to make your stay unforgettable. Whether you need a Gatlinburg group cabin rentals or a creekside oasis, our amenities can ensure you get the most out of your wilderness experience.

Pigeon Forge: Small-town Feel or Lavish Furnishings

Pigeon Forge allows visitors to stay in either traditional cabins or more upscale properties.

If you’d like a more decadent experience, you can find luxury accommodations around the fabulous Dollywood amusement park. If you’d rather experience the Smokies more traditionally, we also offer Pigeon Forge cabins that make you feel more in touch with the surrounding scenery.

Gatlinburg vs. Pigeon Forge: Which Is Better?

The difference between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg primarily lies in the amenities and activities. Pigeon Forge offers both a small-town and upscale experience, while Gatlinburg is a quaint mountain town in every aspect.

• Gatlinburg is a picturesque and charming mountain town. With proximity to the entrance of the National Park, this city offers easy access to hiking, swimming holes, and outdoor adventures no matter when you visit the Smokies. The downtown area has craft shops, local boutiques, and small-town restaurants that immerse visitors in the region’s aesthetic.

• Pigeon Forge offers a more energetic atmosphere. Roughly twice the size of Gatlinburg, this city has several family-friendly attractions such as museums, dinner theaters, amusement parks, and outlet malls. Blending nature with the comforts of modern society, Pigeon Forge offers a more bustling experience.

Whether you’re going to Pigeon Forge for a family vacation or Gatlinburg for your honeymoon, there’s something for everyone in either of these great Smoky Mountain towns. Let’s dive deeper into the differences between them.

Gatlinburg: A Charming Taste of the Smokies

If you want to be immersed in nature and experience a bit of small-town charm, a trip to Gatlinburg will suit you best.

With an expansive array of craft shops, outdoor activities, and local restaurants and distilleries to go moonshine tasting in Gatlinburg, this town makes anyone feel like they are experiencing the Smoky Mountains in all its glory. Explore the wilderness in the park or experience one of the many outdoor activities, such as Ober Gatlinburg, for an unforgettable trip.

Pros:

• Situated at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Small-town feel with the shops, restaurants, and accommodations to match
• Plenty of opportunities for activities in the great outdoors

Cons:

• Lacking the modern shopping, dining, and theme parks that Pigeon Forge offers
• Fewer activities for adrenaline lovers

Pigeon Forge: A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock n’ Roll

If you want to pair outdoor activities with exhilarating entertainment, Pigeon Forge is the place for you.

For many people, Pigeon Forge offers the best of both worlds. On the one hand, visitors can experience outdoor activities in town or make a short drive to Gatlinburg to embark in the Smoky Mountains. On the other hand, modern shopping centers and amusement parks ensure everyone in your party has the perfect vacation.

Pros:

• A blend of wilderness and modern fun
• Pairs a bit of small-town charm with Nashville-esque showmanship via Dollywood and other amusement parks
• Close to several outdoor experiences

Cons:

• Doesn’t have the same small mountain town charm that Gatlinburg does
• Farther away from the entrances of the Smoky Mountains

Plan Your Smoky Mountain Getaway With Elk Springs Resort

If you’re set on a Smoky Mountains vacation but haven’t decided exactly where to stay, evaluating Gatlinburg vs. Pigeon Forge can be a difficult task. Both towns offer outdoor experiences and individual charm that makes either location a great destination.

Whatever destination you choose, Elk Springs Resort has the accommodations you need to take in the Smokies. Whether you’re looking for a Gatlinburg cabin or amenities in Pigeon Forge, we can help you plan the perfect getaway.

Gatlinburg vs. Pigeon Forge FAQ

Below are common questions about visiting Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to help you plan your perfect trip.