The Ultimate 5-Day Pigeon Forge Itinerary for a Family Road Trip
Pigeon Forge and nearby Gatlinburg continue to rank as two of the top warm-weather destinations for campers, making this Tennessee hot zone the perfect choice for your next family road trip. With so many sights and stops to choose from, we’ve crafted the perfect five-day Pigeon Forge itinerary for your family camping vacation—complete with attractions the kids will love, two full days exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and camping options nearby.
Reorder the days or trim routes depending on your schedule or weather conditions. Now, onto the best places to visit in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for your road trip in the Smokies!
Day 1: Dollywood
A Pigeon Forge itinerary for families would not be complete without hitting up Dollywood, the theme park founded by legendary country music star Dolly Parton. The park offers a blend of exciting rides and entertainment for visitors of all ages, making it a fantastic place to bring the kids.
Make the most out of a day trip to Dollywood with these tips:
- Aim for Sunday: The park is likely to be less crowded on Sundays rather than Fridays or Saturdays, so consider fitting it into your schedule then, if possible.
- Arrive early: Beat the crowds by arriving at the park when it opens (or even right before). If you have smaller children, measure them at the measuring station so you can confirm which rides you’ll actually be able to go on.
- Plan your must-see attractions: Identify the attractions, shows, and rides that are a priority for you and your family, and plan a rough itinerary around them. To minimize wait times on busy days, head to popular rides either early in the day or right before closing. The park offers TimeSaver Passes if you want to reserve ride times and skip regular lines, and the Dollywood App can also help you monitor ride times.
- Catch the shows: Dollywood is known for its exceptional live entertainment, including musical performances, comedy shows, and theatrical productions. Be sure to check the show schedule and plan to catch a few performances during your visit.
- Stay for the evening: Consider staying until the park closes to experience Dollywood’s magical nighttime ambiance. Many attractions take on a new charm after dark, and you can enjoy special events like fireworks or nighttime parades.
Day 2: Pigeon Forge
This day of your Pigeon Forge road trip itinerary is all about experiencing some of the must-visit destinations in the city.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a 23-acre entertainment district with loads of family-friendly attractions, shops, and activities. Stroll along the charming streets, explore a variety of boutiques and eateries, partake in the adventure courses, and enjoy live music performances throughout the day.
When you’re ready to explore the surrounding area (and want to get some steps in), head over to the Riverwalk Trail located right by The Island, which will connect you over to the Old Mill area.
Riverwalk Greenway
The Riverwalk Greenway is a paved trail that winds alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. It offers about six total miles of trails lined with greenery and trails, making it the perfect place for walking, running, or biking with family and friends.
The trail is located adjacent to The Island in Pigeon Forge, giving you easy access to and from The Island.
You can walk the one-mile section of the trail from The Island to the Old Mill area. If you need a breather, there are plenty of benches to rest or watch geese and other birds.
Old Mill Square
The Old Mill area is a must-stop for your Pigeon Forge itinerary. This picturesque district is home to the Old Mill, a historic gristmill that has been in operation since the early 1800s and continues to produce stone-ground grains today. Check out the quaint shops and boutiques around the mill for artisan crafts, handmade goods, and locally sourced products. This area is a great place to stop for a meal or bite to eat.
Titanic Museum Attraction
If you’re looking to infuse some history into your Pigeon Forge family road trip, check out the Titanic Museum Attraction. This carefully crafted museum boasts interactive exhibits, artifacts, and displays that detail the Titanic’s construction, maiden voyage, and tragic sinking.
WonderWorks
Another great destination for families camping in Pigeon Forge is WonderWorks, a science-focused indoor theme park. Participate in everything from hands-on science experiments and immersive simulations to gravity-defying rides and optical illusions. This attraction is an awesome way to pencil in some learning and fun for the whole family.
Where to Eat in Pigeon Forge
- Old Mill: A popular stop for both locals and tourists alike, the Old Mill Restaurant offers classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and country ham.
- The Pottery House Cafe: Another delicious stop in the Old Mill area, this fan-favorite whips up comfort dishes like gumbo grits, catfish, and jalapeño corn pudding.
- Apple Barn and Cider Mill: Indulge in freshly made apple cider, homemade apple butter, and an array of delicious treats while exploring the charming country store and farmstead. The Apple Barn Complex is also home to two popular restaurants, the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and the Applewood Farmhouse Grill.
Day 3: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Itinerary—Day 1
Now begins your adventure into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the heart of your five-day Pigeon Forge itinerary! Make sure to gas up the car and get a very early start to make the most of your visit.
Start at Sugarlands Visitor Center
Start your Great Smoky Mountains National Park itinerary with a stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Collect maps and brochures, visit the natural history exhibits, and even watch a free 20-minute film about the park if you’ve got time to spare. This is also the perfect opportunity to ask park rangers about trail conditions, hiking recommendations, and any other important information.
Drive Newfound Gap Road
Once you’ve got your brochures and maps from the visitor center, hop back on Newfound Gap Road (US 441). This 31-mile scenic roadway (the only fully paved road in the park) stretches between the Sugarlands Visitor Center and over the mountains into Cherokee, North Carolina, through the center of the park.
Newfound Gap Road reaches an elevation of over 5,000 feet, so it can get quite brisk even during warm seasons. Be sure to wear layers. You’ll want to step out and enjoy the breathtaking views at every turn and overlook.
Check Out Alum Cave Trail
The iconic Alum Cave Trail on Newfound Gap Road is one of the most popular hikes in the park (and has limited parking), so get here as early in the morning as possible.
The trailhead is just about nine miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center. On the first 2.5 miles to the Alum Cave Bluffs, you’ll see views of the Arch Rock, a towering natural archway, and Inspiration Point, where you’ll get a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. Beyond the bluffs, you can continue for a total of about five miles to just below the summit of Mt LeConte.
Stop at Newfound Gap Overlook
This overlook straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border, and at 5,046 feet in elevation, this spot offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. The Appalachian Trail also crosses through here.
Fun fact: This is the spot where President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the park in 1940.
Hike to Clingmans Dome
Just south of Newfound Gap Overlook is Clingmans Dome Road. Take the road up to Clingmans Dome parking lot. You’ll enjoy awesome views from here, but to get the full experience, you’ll want to hike the steep half-mile trail up to the observation tower.
The observation tower at Clingmans Dome provides sweeping 360-degree views of the rolling mountains, forests, and misty valleys below. At 6,643 feet above sea level, this is the highest point in the park and the third-highest peak east of the Mississippi River.
Stop by Mingus Mill
As you drive over the mountains into the North Carolina side, you’ll see Mingus Mill on your right. Built in 1886, this historic gristmill serves as a living museum, offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the Smoky Mountains and the vital role of mills in the region’s economy. Explore the mill’s interior and the meticulously restored water-powered milling operation, complete with grinding stones and wooden machinery.
Visit Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Continue your drive down the road to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. If you time it right, you might even be able to spot elk in the nearby fields! They’ve often been sighted either early in the day or around dusk.
Hike to Mingo Falls
It’s just a six-mile drive from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to Mingo Falls. Note you’ll have to climb 160 steps to the top before a short, easy hike to the falls. If you can brave the steps, the views at the end are spectacular and well worth the effort.
Day 4: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Itinerary—Day 2
Day two of your Great Smoky Mountains National Park itinerary explores popular highlights in another section of the park. Pack lunch and snacks in the cooler and hit the road early.
If you’ve got to trim some of this for your schedule, plan around Cades Cove, one of the most popular spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you won’t want to miss.
Little River Road
The Little River Road is a popular, 18-mile scenic drive stretching from Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg to Townsend, Tennessee. This winding road follows the Little River, with numerous pull-offs, overlooks, and views of waterfalls.
Popular hiking trails, such as the Laurel Falls Trail and the Elkmont Nature Trail, are easily accessible from Little River Road, making it a convenient starting point for adventures in the park.
For great waterfall views, make sure to hit stop 5, from which you can take a short hike to the Sinks waterfall. Don’t miss Meigs Falls at stop 6, visible from the roadway.
Hike in Tremont
If you’ve got time before heading to Cades Cove for lunch, consider stopping in the Tremont area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are two great hikes in the area:
- Spruce Flats Falls: Spruce Flats Falls is a moderate, two-mile round-trip hiking trail that rewards hikers with a stunning cascade within the forest.
- Middle Prong Trail: This easy trail is just over eight miles and follows the Middle Prong of the Little River, with views of waterfalls, wildflowers, and towering old-growth trees along the way. About four miles in, you’ll discover an unmarked trail to your right, which you can take to access Indian Flats Falls.
Picnic in Cades Cove
Have a picnic lunch at Cades Cove, a large valley that remains one of the most beloved spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop road encircles the cove and provides access to historic buildings like the John Oliver Cabin, Cable Mill, Whitehead Cabin, and Elijah Oliver Place.
While the loop itself might only take an hour, plan for at least a few hours to explore all the stops and historic structures in the area.
Pro Tip: Caves Cove Loop is closed to vehicle traffic on Wednesdays from May to September, so hikers and cyclists can fully enjoy the cove car-free.
Drive Foothills Parkway
If you’ve got the time, drive the scenic Foothills Parkway (entrance on Wears Valley Road). There are numerous overlooks and pull-offs where you can stop to admire the sweeping vistas of rolling hills, forested valleys, and distant mountain peaks. Take a leisurely drive or hike one of the nearby trails, such as the Look Rock Tower Trail or the Look Rock Loop Trail.
Pro Tips for Your Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary
Get the most out of your two-day itinerary to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with these tips:
- Fill up the tank: Needless to say, be sure to fill up the gas tank before entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park on both days.
- Start very early: Get a very early start for all national park activities on your Pigeon Forge road trip. Remember that parking passes do not guarantee a parking spot at any of the stops or overlooks.
- Don’t expect cell service: There are no cell towers inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so expect to be without a signal while inside.
- Pack a cooler: Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks, and don’t forget lunch if you plan to picnic inside the park.
- Consider additional attractions: Ziplining and river rafting are two popular activities you might consider tacking onto your itinerary around the park. Or, add them to other days on your five-day Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg family road trip!
Day 5: Gatlinburg
A Pigeon Forge itinerary goes hand in hand with a visit to nearby Gatlinburg. Whether you take a day trip from Pigeon Forge or move camp to Gatlinburg, there are plenty of attractions for the whole family to enjoy in this walkable city.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Boasting over 10,000 sea creatures and 350 species, this world-class aquarium in Gatlinburg offers a delightful experience for the family. With educational programs, behind-the-scenes tours, and special events aplenty, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
The Skylift carries guests on a scenic ride to the mountain’s summit, where you can explore the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Enjoy awe-inspiring views and soak in the stunning scenery at the observation deck.
Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park situated high atop Gatlinburg, providing both thrills for the family and amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Accessible via chairlift or gondola, Anakeesta offers a range of attractions, including the Treetop Skywalk, Rail Runner mountain coaster, and AnaVista Tower, where guests can enjoy breathtaking panoramic sights of the surrounding landscape.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile loop road with beautiful views, waterfalls, and historic homesteads. Get in some more hiking and wildlife viewing with the whole family.
The Village Shops
What’s a family road trip itinerary without some shopping? The Village is a collection of shops, boutiques, and eateries nestled along brick-lined pathways and adorned with twinkling lights. Find unique gifts, artisan crafts, and delicious treats while enjoying the mountain village atmosphere.
Where to Eat in Gatlinburg
- Gatlinburg Brewing Company: If you’re craving pizza, wings, or beer, this is the joint for you.
- Crockett’s 1875 Breakfast Camp: From their French toast to their skillets, this beloved breakfast spot has something for everyone. Don’t sleep on their famous cinnamon rolls.
- Cherokee Grill: This steakhouse is a favorite among locals, known for their great service and quality ingredients.
Where to Camp Near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are just 7.5 miles apart. Find the perfect basecamp (or two) for your warm-weather road trip at one of these top campgrounds near Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.
Camp Riverslanding
Camp Riverslanding offers spacious RV sites, charming vacation homes, and RV rentals, along with amenities such as a swimming pool, playground, and river access. Find the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure at this Pigeon Forge campground.
Book This Pigeon Forge Campground
Sun Outdoors Pigeon Forge
Known as one of the premier campgrounds in Pigeon Forge, this camping resort boasts amenities the whole family will love, including a swimming pool area with a lazy river and splash pad, basketball court, playground, and dog park.
Book This Premier Camping Resort
Cove Creek RV Resorts
Located in Wears Valley, right between Pigeon Forge and Townsend, this resort-style campground is an idyllic spot for all your adventures in the Smokies. Choose from the full hookup sites, tent sites, or cabin before jumping in the saltwater pool or fishing in the catch-and-release pond.
Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort
Book your glamping getaway at Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort, where you can set up shop in one of their glamping tents, Conestoga wagons, or their cozy cabin. This “glampground” spans 18 acres, and they even provide golf carts so you can get around easily.
Greenbrier Campground
The Little Pigeon River runs around this peaceful Gatlinburg campground, which offers tent, RV, and cabin camping. Campers can enjoy the swimming hole at the famous Flint Rock, the private beach, trout-fishing, and a half-mile drive to the Greenbrier entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Book This Gatlinburg Campground
See More Top Campgrounds Near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
An Unforgettable Pigeon Forge Itinerary
As you plan your Great Smoky Mountains road trip, rest easy (and get excited) knowing that this five-day Pigeon Forge itinerary will leave your whole family satisfied and awed by everything the Smokies has to offer.
For more road-tripping inspiration, check out our top camping ideas and campgrounds in Tennessee.
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