Summer in Pigeon Forge: The Complete Guide to Visiting Pigeon Forge | Savvy Journal | Savvy
Summer in Pigeon Forge: The Complete Guide to Visiting Pigeon Forge
Headed to Pigeon Forge this summer? Whether you’re coming for the bustling theme parks, tranquil mountain hikes, or a little bit of both, we’re dishing out some local expertise so you can get the most out of your visit.
Why Summer in Pigeon Forge
There’s a reason folks flock to Pigeon Forge each summer. Cool mountain breezes coming off the Smokies, lush landscapes, blooming wildflowers, and long sunny days are a pretty solid recipe for summer vacation. Yes, there’s no denying the crowds and the midday heat. But summertime here also has an undeniable energy.
Whether it’s days spent at the waterpark, nightly outdoor concerts, or taking part in the epic 4th of July festival, a summer in Pigeon Forge has a certain magic. And for families with kiddos, it’s the perfect time to escape when school’s out. Yeah, you’ll need sunscreen. But with endless outdoor and indoor activities, nobody’s getting bored.
If you’re not familiar, it’s important to know that Dollywood is the most popular destination for folks traveling to Pigeon Forge. Famous country singer Dolly Parton opened up this Appalachian theme park in her home area in 1987 as a way to preserve the unique musical heritage of the region and give people a way to have a little fun too. Along with rides and all the typical amusement park festivities, Dollywood is known for its musical acts and shows.
Best Weeks to Visit in Summer
Mid-June through the beginning of August is prime time to visit Pigeon Forge, especially if Dollywood is your main attraction. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration runs during these weeks: ride roller coasters until 10pm, check out family-friendly shows, or get a little extra music education.
Weather in Pigeon Forge
Expect heat and humidity during a Pigeon Forge summer, with mid-day highs into the 90s. The mountains can also be hazy and afternoon thunderstorms and rain showers are common. Luckily, temperatures drop in the evenings, ranging between the 60s and 70s. Higher elevations will experience some of these lower pleasant temperatures during the day as well. Bring lightweight clothing for daytime activities and light sweaters/jackets for the evening. Layers are the way to go.
Where to Stay
Pigeon Forge is relatively small, so you’re never too far from major sights and attractions. Finding a place to stay is more about your personal preferences and needs.
Near Dollywood
Vacationers love a stay near Dollywood for easy access to the park: shorter commutes mean later wake-up times and more time on the rides. Rentals near Dollywood are also ideal for taking advantage of exclusive rope-drop mornings (arriving at the park well before it opens to beat lines for top rides). Families and groups especially love the proximity for nap times and lunch breaks for little ones. And it allows for flexibility when your teenager wants to keep riding roller coasters but the young ones need some rest.
Near The Island
Vacation rentals near The Island are all about convenience. If your crew is looking to take full advantage of The Island at night or if you’re taking the whole family along, prioritizing easy parking and the Parkway-adjacent location of these rentals makes the process a whole lot easier. And if you’re in town for events at the neighboring Le Conte Event Center, searching for rentals near The Island will get you this same proximity. They’re right next door.
Near Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Pigeon Forge is about an eight-mile drive north of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park entrance, making it an ideal rental spot if you’re looking to combine outdoor activities with entertainment and attractions. But if you’re looking for something ultra-close to the park entrance Gatlinburg is Tennessee’s major gateway to the Smokies. Keep in mind there are no vacation rentals of any kind available inside the park itself.
How to do Dollywood Right
Summertime at Dollywood is undoubtedly high season. So how do you navigate the crowds while staying on budget…and still ensuring everyone has a good time? Here’s how:
Tip: You can rent a locker on site to store your belongings so you don’t have to lug everything around between rides.
Download the app
Get there early and stay late
Take advantage of cooler temperatures and less crowds by arriving early and staying late. The park is open later throughout the summer, and puts on all sorts of fun fireworks displays and nighttime shows.
Yes, get the TimeSaver Pass
You can’t bring beverages into the park but you can bring an empty water bottle to refill throughout the day. Water is free at every water fountain or refreshment stop, just ask for a cup if you forget the bottle. But if you’re looking to fill up on coffee, frozen drinks, or soft drinks, the souvenir mug may be worth it. Prices vary each year and based on the number of cups you buy, but you’ll get steep discounts on drinks. If you’re planning to spend multiple days in Dollywood or even head there multiple times during the year, this could be worth it for you. Keep in mind cups are only valid for the season.
Catch a show
Enjoy the food
Dollywood’s restaurants are award-winning and well worth visiting, offering more than just your typical theme park food. Of course, eating every single meal at Dollywood may not be in your budget. Instead, prioritize one meal a day at the park (the food is hearty and filling) and then grab a few snacks if you get hungry later on. You can also leave the park to eat at your rental and come back in later.
While Dollywood may be the main attraction, there are a lot of other reasons to spend a summer in Pigeon Forge. And it’s never a bad idea to have some other activities planned for those non-theme-park days.
The Island
The Parkway
Head to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
What to do
Avoid the crowds
There’s no question that summer is a busy time to visit the GSMNP. Don’t be surprised if you’re stuck in traffic on the way there or have to wait for a parking spot at popular spots like Cades Cove or Kuwohi.
Want to avoid the crowds?
Head to popular spots on the weekdays.
Hike early in the morning (most visitors arrive around 10am) or late afternoons (just make sure you have enough daylight to see).
Where to Eat in Pigeon Forge
The best dining is around the Parkway, on The Island, or in Dollywood. Here are a few spots to try while you’re in town.
The Parkway
The Island
Musts for first timers:
Dollywood theme park activities
Dollywood dining with lunch at Aunt Granny’s and cinnamon bread snacks at The Gristmill
Explore the North Carolina side of GSMNP
Day 1: Full day and night experience at Dollywood
Day 2: Early morning hike in GSNMP to visit Cades Cove and Kuwohi + dinner on the Parkway
Day 3: A full day at The Island, ending with live music and dinner
Day 1: Full day and evening experience at Dollywood
Day 2: Early morning hike in GSNMP to visit Cades Cove and Kuwohi + dinner at the rental
Day 3: Full day at Dollywood’s Splash Country + dinner on the Parkway
Day 4: Waterfall hikes at GSNMP + dinner at The Island
Day 5: Morning at Dollywood + late lunch at the rental + afternoon activities and dinner at The Island
Swim suit, sandals, and towel for Splash Country days
Empty water bottle(s) for refilling at drinking stations
Every Wednesday in summer, the 11-mile loop through Cades Cove is closed off to cars, making for an easy bike ride for those looking to ditch their vehicles earlier on.
Visit Fontana Lake on the southwestern edge and check out trails like a portion of the Appalachian Trail starting next to Fontana Dam up to Shuckstack Fire Tower.
Instead of the popular hike to Laurel Falls, check out Hen Wallow Falls from the Gabe Mountain Trail.
Head further out towards the North Carolina side or north ends of the park to avoid traffic. For example, start at the popular Cligmans Dome but leave the mobs behind to hike the 3.6-mile out-and-back to Andrews Bald on the Forney Ridge Trail.
Be flexible and have a backup plan if parking lots are full and traffic is congested.
Visit Cades Cove at Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at the Island
Dinner at Margaritaville at the Island
A night out on the Parkway
A full-day Swim Club experience at The Parkway’s Paloma Scratch Kitchen
Ride the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
A morning at the Titanic Museum
Go elk spotting in the early morning or late evening in the Cataloochee area
A morning at the Titanic Museum
