Situated near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Appalachian towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, just eight miles apart, offer unique experiences. Whether you’re drawn to Gatlinburg’s nature-filled allure or Pigeon Forge’s family-friendly attractions, understanding their differences is key to planning your perfect trip. Here, we compare Gatlinburg vs. Pigeon Forge to help you decide where to stay for your Smokies getaway.
Getting to Know Gatlinburg vs. Pigeon Forge
Eastern Tennessee is a popular destination, thanks to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the U.S. With 800 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and driving, the park features historic homesteads, breathtaking mountain views, and scenic picnic spots. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are gateways to this remarkable park, each with its own personality.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a picturesque mountain town that serves as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. Located just two miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, a main entrance to the national park, it offers easy access to hiking trails, swimming holes, and various outdoor adventures you won’t find anywhere else. Downtown Gatlinburg boasts small-town charm with its log cabin-style shops, art galleries, and cozy restaurants, making it a haven for those seeking a peaceful retreat close to nature.
Things to Do in Gatlinburg
Explore Downtown Parkway
Walk around Downtown Gatlinburg to discover eateries, shops, and galleries. Enjoy a stroll along the scenic River Walk of the Little Pigeon River, complete with gazebos and benches for soaking in the surroundings.
Visit Gatlinburg SkyPark
Soar above the treetops on a chairlift for the best views in Gatlinburg, and walk across SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian cable bridge. Hike along the SkyTrail and take in the misty blue vistas you won’t find anywhere else.
Experience Ober Gatlinburg
Enjoy year-round fun at this amusement park, which offers scenic tramway rides, rafting, ziplining, mountain biking, and a wildlife habitat. Kids can ride the Tennessee Flyer, try summer tubing, and experience the Smoky Mtn Bobsled.
Go Whitewater Rafting
Navigate the exciting rapids of the Pigeon River. Whether you’re a family with small children or an experienced rafter, there’s an adventure for everyone.
Discover Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Explore marine life up close in one of the top aquariums in the country. Take a glass-bottom boat tour of Shark Lagoon.
Ascend the Gatlinburg Space Needle
Get a 360-degree view of the Smokies from this 407-foot-tall observation tower in the heart of Gatlinburg.
Shop at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
Explore an 8-mile historic loop just east of Gatlinburg featuring shops and galleries filled with local artists, artisans, and eateries. Discover the cultural heritage and natural talents of the region’s residents.
Where to Eat in Gatlinburg
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
This rustic, cabin-themed eatery offers traditional Appalachian breakfast dishes. Savor sweet cinnamon rolls, hearty scramblers, and Big Tennessee French Toast.
Calhoun’s
Savor mouthwatering barbecue at this mountain lodge restaurant, offering a unique Southern dining experience in the heart of downtown.
Smoky Mountain Brewery
Enjoy craft beers and delicious food at this brewery, described as a perfect blend of a ski lodge and a Bavarian beer hall, complete with stunning views of the Smokies.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge, twice the size of Gatlinburg, is a bustling town known for its wide array of attractions, all-you-can-eat buffets, and kitschy fun. Although it’s not as close to the Smokies as Gatlinburg, it’s just a short drive away. Pigeon Forge is a perfect spot for family vacations, offering numerous family-friendly activities such as museums, dinner theaters, amusement parks, and outlet malls. It’s also home to several golf courses, making it a destination for all types of travelers.
Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
Find Thrills at Outdoor Gravity Park
Feel the rush of zorbing down a 1,000-foot hill in a giant inflatable ball, surrounded by majestic mountains at the only zorbing park in the U.S.
Soar with Ziplining
Soar through the treetops on exciting zipline courses at Smoky Mountain Ziplines.
Try Whitewater Rafting
Like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge offers thrilling rafting adventures on the Pigeon River.
Have Fun at Dollywood
Visit the famous amusement park founded by country music legend Dolly Parton. It offers live country, bluegrass, and rock ‘n’ roll entertainment, world-class coasters, award-winning food, and Southern hospitality.
Enjoy Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show
Sit back and enjoy a fun four-course dinner show featuring excellent horsemanship, comedy, and special effects, perfect for all ages.
Visit the Titanic Museum
Step back in time and explore the history of the legendary ship at this two-story museum shaped like the RMS Titanic.
Where to Eat in Pigeon Forge
The Old Mill
Visit this historic 1830s restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and enjoy Southern classics like hot biscuits, local sausage, country-fried steak, and homemade pies.
Old Forge Distillery
Sample handcrafted spirits like small-batch moonshine and Tennessee whiskey in a rustic chic farm building.
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
A local favorite and Pigeon Forge staple, this spot on the Parkway is perfect for satisfying your BBQ cravings, conveniently located near great shopping and entertainment.
Deciding Where to Stay: Gatlinburg vs. Pigeon Forge
Both towns are top destinations in the “Land of Blue Smoke,” but here are key differences to help you choose. If you want to immerse yourself in nature and embrace laid-back, small-town charm, Gatlinburg is perfect. It’s ideal for couples, solo travelers, and families who want to be close to nature and near the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
On the other hand, Pigeon Forge is great for couples, families, and those who want to pair outdoor activities with attractions and entertainment around every corner. It’s a hotspot for kid-friendly activities and amusement parks with a resort mountain town feel. And it’s just a short drive from the national park.
Both towns offer easy access to the Smokies and each other so that you can enjoy the best of both worlds with just a short drive. Additionally, they are both dog-friendly, making them perfect for pet travelers. For more info on pet-friendly activities, check out our guide to the Top 5 Things to Do in the Smokies With Dogs.
Glamping in the Smokies
Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains is located just 10 miles from Gatlinburg in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and offers a luxurious glamping experience on 182 acres of lush, wooded terrain near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Sleep in upscale tents with king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, and breathtaking mountain views. Enjoy s’mores under the stars each evening and dine al fresco in the heart of nature. All of our Under Canvas locations are dog-friendly so that you can make memories outside together.