Family-friendly destination is home to more than 14,500 overnight accommodations, many of which offer contact-free options for travelers.
PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (Sept. 29, 2020)—As fall approaches in the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge (Tennessee) reminds visitors to travel responsibly in search of autumn colors. With more than 14,500 overnight accommodations, the family-friendly destination offers travelers a variety of lodging properties, many of which provide reduced and contact-free options.
“Research tells us that 50 percent* of American travelers are considering fall travel, and we know that securing a place to stay is essential to any vacation,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “Pigeon Forge’s overnight accommodations range from condominiums, campgrounds and resorts to cabins and hotels, and many have adapted to offer reduced- or contact-free options that limit person-to-person interactions. We know this is one of the most important considerations as folks consider a trip amid the pandemic.”
Lodging options are available at www.MyPigeonForge.com/lodging.
Pigeon Forge visitors can take advantage of cooler fall weather to enjoy a variety of outdoor experiences where being physically distant comes naturally.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park recently increased access to additional campgrounds and picnic areas, including Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, Cataloochee, and Cosby Campgrounds; Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom, and Tow String Horse Camps; Heintooga and Look Rock Picnic Areas and Little Greenbrier Road. All park trails, backcountry campsites, shelters, visitor centers and restrooms are open; however, some campsites require reservations. More information is available at nps.gov/grsm. There is no admission fee to enter GSMNP.
- The recently-opened REI Pigeon Forge, the co-op’s newest retail format, is designed to be a gateway to outdoor adventures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The store offers a variety of gear rentals for hikers, campers, bikers, paddlers, and other outdoor enthusiasts along with car racks. REI Co-op is located in the Shops at Mountain Mile.
- Dollywood theme park’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 25-Oct.31) features more than 800 live concerts and thousands of pumpkins. New this season, guests can purchase a reduced-price ticket which provides entry after 5 p.m. for those who want to make a quick trip to the park to experience Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. The limited-time offer, which is just $35 plus tax, is available online only; blackout dates apply.
- Several Pigeon Forge restaurants make it easy to dine outdoors with special to-go packs. Puckett’s, Mama’s Farmhouse, the Old Mill are just a few and they offer hearty, customizable meals. Picnic spots are available in GSMNP or along the six-mile Riverwalk in Pigeon Forge.
- Other outdoor activities include the Fountain Show at The Island in Pigeon Forge (free and presented daily beginning at 10 a.m.), Rowdy Bear Ridge Adventure Park and Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park, home of the Flying Ox zipline coaster.
For more information about responsible travel to Pigeon Forge and special considerations for visitors related to Covid-19, please visit MyPigeonForge.com.
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*According to Longwoods International via HospitalityTN