Tips for Avoiding Traffic in Pigeon Forge
If any of you have been to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or Sevierville in the past…oh…decade….you’ve probably noticed the mammoth amounts of traffic when you come in and when you go out. It’s just insane at times. Having lived here since the town was two lanes with only two motels, I can offer some extremely easy ways to avoid major traffic jams.
- Do NOT come into town between 3:00pm and 7:00pm Friday. Everyone else on the east coast is arriving at this time. If possible, come earlier rather than later.
- Do NOT leave town between 10:00am and 1:00pm on Sunday. Take your time and sit down for lunch. The restaurants that are on the southbound side of the road (going toward Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge) will be less busy. The traffic clears up around 1:00pm
- Check the Pigeon Forge calendar of events for car shows…you do not want to be in Pigeon Forge during a car show…unless of course you want to sit in a lawn chair and look at cars all weekend…cause you’re not going to go anywhere in that traffic. This town is gridlocked during the Spring Rod Run, Shades of the Past, and the Fall Rod Run…just forget planning vacation on those weekends.
- Ride the trolley or walk. Save gas or get some exercise
- Plan activities that are close together. There are places that have shopping, entertainment, and restaurants within walking distance. Plan such activities accordingly to keep from having to get on the Parkway.
Those are just a few tips. I would tell you the treasured “backroads” but then it would be even harder for us locals to get around town! ;) There was actually a local business that sold backroad maps…but it was burnt to the ground…true story. I’m not ready to be slaughtered by locals for giving away our secrets…..yet. Subscribe to the free newsletter to the right and I might just slip you some secret, insider info! Samples: Alternate route to Dollywood and Shortcut to the Park From Pigeon Forge.
thanks goodness you didn’t tell about the backroads. altho i beleve that AAA has already told in years past. they need to be strung up for that. we that live here need to get around more than the tourist. i am glad they are here but they need to stay on the main roads and sit n the traffic
thanks
donna kenchel
There is a little something called a GPS that many of us will not travel without. I refuse to sit in traffic with the other lemmings, so look for me on your precious backroads.
Im NOT from there, but thru out the years have learned the back roads on my own!! I NEVER use the main strip now
ride a bike! this town is prime for cycling. day after day i make better time than you angry drivers sufficating on carbon monoxide. seriously it is a very practical way to get around especially the main drag in town, but if you do just fyi it is illigal to cycle on the sidewalk. be safe have fun and sit in traffic no more.