traffic

[tallone63]

We went to Pigeon Forge last year during the Annual Rod Run in the Fall. Little did I know when I made reservations that weekend what I was getting us into. I didn't check and see what was going on and when we got there we were overwhelmed. My point is that traffic was awful and we didn't know that going to Gatlinburg and tryng to get back to Pigeon Forge would be a problem. It took us 6 hours to get from Gatlinburg back to Pigeon Forge on the main road. We missed out on enjoying our chalet and the kids were ready to kill each other after being in the car that long. Can someone please help me with a backroad to get us from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge. I know the locals won't like this question but can someone please help me? You can email me if that would be better. Please Help Me!!

[dainsider]

Rod Runs and local events
Indeed, rod runs are always slammed. If you do not want to come during a Rod Run then try to not come during any weekend in September since it seems there is a rod run every weekend in September.

Another smart thing to do when vacationing anywhere is to check local events at chambers website.

What exits to take when coming to the Smokies
If you want to avoid the traffic... then take Exit 435 (Newport, Gatlinburg) instead of Exit 407 (Sevierville, Pigeon Forge Gatlinburg) when coming in from I-40.

Yes taking Exit 435 may take longer, especially if you are west of Knoxville, however if it is a rod-run weekend, during peak summer, or during peak fall foliage, it is worth the extra miles, because the trip ends up being shorter in the long run.

Follow road signs!
Follow road signs! If signs above the road have arrows over all 3 lanes and denote that they all go to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and that is your destination, then use them! Don't stack up in one huge single-file line in the right-hand lane.

The secret roads!
And once you are in town... there really are not any "secret" backroads. Veteran's Blvd is a well advertised road that runs parallel to the parkway (kind of) and is the best way to navigate to Dollywood. Veterans Blvd takes you straight to Traffic Light #8 on the Pigeon Forge Pkwy from Sevierville.

Other back roads that may exist are not efficient for tourists. Other "back-roads" that do exist are only economical for getting locals to town from outskirt residential areas.

Believe it or not, many locals use the parkway because other than homes and some businesses, pretty much everything is on the parkway through all 3 towns!

Use turnarounds
The biggest reason for congestion in the Tennessee side of the Smokies is the lack of people willing to use turnarounds the correct and legal way.

The best way to use the turnarounds in Pigeon Forge is to "overshoot" the turnaround that is near or across from your destination by several or more turnarounds. After using a turnaround and merging into the first lane of traffic, you can easily adjust your speed to merge into the other lanes before you come to your destination. This is safe and keeps traffic flowing!

A turnaround are those things in Pigeon Forge that look like a u-turn. A turnaround is an effective means in providing a u-turn to drivers while being able to keep traffic moving.

The incorrect way to use a turnaround is to stop and wait for a "clearing" in the traffic and then jump all 3 lanes. That is very dangerous and actually causes even more congestion. (Arguably one of the main factors in why PF congestion gets so bad.)

In Summary:

Use Exit 435 not Exit 407 when coming in from I-40, at least not on suspected busy weekends
Use Veteran's Blvd if going to Gatlinburg, Dollywood, or the end of Pigeon Forge
Follow all traffic signs and lights (they actually do help with congestion and alternate routes)
Don't try to jump all lanes of traffic on the parkway... overshoot your turnaround, then merge into each lane separately (that is the safe way to do it ;) )
And lastly... plan your trip. Know where you are going. And orient yourself with a map ahead of time.

[jcadden]

I would alos suggest buying a good map of Sevier County. Locate the area where you are staying and you will find there are backroads that can help you out. I would stay away from smaller roads but you will find some alternate routes.

[Charlie]

Rod Runs and local events
Indeed, rod runs are always slammed. If you do not want to come during a Rod Run then try to not come during any weekend in September since it seems there is a rod run every weekend in September.

Another smart thing to do when vacationing anywhere is to check local events at chambers website.

What exits to take when coming to the Smokies
If you want to avoid the traffic... then take Exit 435 (Newport, Gatlinburg) instead of Exit 407 (Sevierville, Pigeon Forge Gatlinburg) when coming in from I-40.

Yes taking Exit 435 may take longer, especially if you are west of Knoxville, however if it is a rod-run weekend, during peak summer, or during peak fall foliage, it is worth the extra miles, because the trip ends up being shorter in the long run.

Follow road signs!
Follow road signs! If signs above the road have arrows over all 3 lanes and denote that they all go to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and that is your destination, then use them! Don't stack up in one huge single-file line in the right-hand lane.

The secret roads!
And once you are in town... there really are not any "secret" backroads. Veteran's Blvd is a well advertised road that runs parallel to the parkway (kind of) and is the best way to navigate to Dollywood. Veterans Blvd takes you straight to Traffic Light #8 on the Pigeon Forge Pkwy from Sevierville.

Other back roads that may exist are not efficient for tourists. Other "back-roads" that do exist are only economical for getting locals to town from outskirt residential areas.

Believe it or not, many locals use the parkway because other than homes and some businesses, pretty much everything is on the parkway through all 3 towns!

Use turnarounds
The biggest reason for congestion in the Tennessee side of the Smokies is the lack of people willing to use turnarounds the correct and legal way.

The best way to use the turnarounds in Pigeon Forge is to "overshoot" the turnaround that is near or across from your destination by several or more turnarounds. After using a turnaround and merging into the first lane of traffic, you can easily adjust your speed to merge into the other lanes before you come to your destination. This is safe and keeps traffic flowing!

A turnaround are those things in Pigeon Forge that look like a u-turn. A turnaround is an effective means in providing a u-turn to drivers while being able to keep traffic moving.

The incorrect way to use a turnaround is to stop and wait for a "clearing" in the traffic and then jump all 3 lanes. That is very dangerous and actually causes even more congestion. (Arguably one of the main factors in why PF congestion gets so bad.)


In Summary:

Use Exit 435 not Exit 407 when coming in from I-40, at least not on suspected busy weekends
Use Veteran's Blvd if going to Gatlinburg, Dollywood, or the end of Pigeon Forge
Follow all traffic signs and lights (they actually do help with congestion and alternate routes)
Don't try to jump all lanes of traffic on the parkway... overshoot your turnaround, then merge into each lane separately (that is the safe way to do it ;) )
And lastly... plan your trip. Know where you are going. And orient yourself with a map ahead of time.


Wow! Thanks for the info DAInsider! I thought I knew most of the "secrets" but it looks like I've got a lot to learn, LOL!:cool: