Four-Season Forge
It's easy to plan a trip to Pigeon Forge based on the climate because you can always count on traditional four-season weather. Enjoy holiday lights twinkling under snow-capped awnings each winter, brilliant foliage along mountain paths every fall, blooming hillsides in the spring and warm summers to soak in the outdoors. The coldest month is January, with an average high of 46 degrees, while temperatures peak in the upper 80s in July. Pack accordingly to adjust to weather changes, from an afternoon thunderstorm in the summer to surprise flurries on a sunny March day.
Amusing Attractions
The main draw that brings families and thrill-ride aficionados here is the Dollywood theme park, named after the grand dame of country music, and Tennessee native, Dolly Parton. The park ranges from Appalachia-themed rides to a family-friendly country fair. Race through the treetops and keep your eyes open for all the hairpin turns and dark tunnels of the water coaster at Splash Country Water Park, or embark on a white water rafting adventure at Big Bear Plunge. But Pigeon Forge has more to offer than just Dolly's delights. The town includes an Elvis museum, a Titanic replica (not to scale) museum and the Wonderworks—an upside-down building that’s part children's museum and part amusement park. Come wintertime, when the town is illuminated with five million shining lights for Pigeon Forge Winterfest. Bundle up the family and hop on the Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights—a heated trolley ride featuring stories of Pigeon Forge's history.
Professional Pigeon Forge
Tourism is by far the greatest employer in town, as about 2.5 million people stream through Dollywood each year. This industry pre-dates Parton's involvement, though, starting with the opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the 1930s to the arrival of the Goldrush Junction amusement park which was later renamed Silver Dollar City and then christened Dollywood when the singer got involved. Pigeon Forge has expanded on its economic base over the years by adding outlet malls for those who wish to do a little shopping along with their sightseeing.
Trolley Transportation and More
The quickest way to fly to Pigeon Forge is by landing in Knoxville at McGhee Tyson Airport and driving the 47 miles to town. When it comes to getting around, hop on The Fun Time Trolley. You can pay per ride on a hop-on, hop-off basis, with routes totaling more than 100 stops to take you to all of the town's attractions; you can also purchase a wristband for a day's worth of unlimited trips.
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