Pigeon Forge & the Smokies
Mountain cabins, Dollywood, and the prettiest drive in the South.
Why families love it
You get a lot of vacation for the money here. Dollywood is one of the best-run parks in the country, the Smokies are free to enter, and a cabin with a hot tub and a mountain view costs less than one night at a Disney hotel. Dinner shows, go-karts, and mountain coasters fill the gaps.
Best for ages
About 5 and up. Dollywood rides start at 36 inches, the shows work for every age, and toddlers love the Dollywood Express train.
When to go
October brings fall color and the biggest crowds, so book cabins early. Late April and May bring wildflowers, mild weather, and smaller crowds. December's Smoky Mountain Christmas is worth the trip.
Brandon's tips
Rent a cabin, not a hotel room. Hot tub, game room, and a kitchen change the whole trip.
Buy Dollywood tickets online the day before to skip the gate line.
Do the national park on weekday mornings. Cades Cove jams up by noon.
Eat at the Apple Barn early. The general-store line starts before lunch.
Tell me about your family and I'll build this trip around them.
When to go
October brings fall color and the biggest crowds, so book cabins early. Late April and May bring wildflowers, mild weather, and smaller crowds. December's Smoky Mountain Christmas is worth the trip.
Pigeon Forge & the Smokies
Mountain cabins, Dollywood, and the prettiest drive in the South.
Why families love it
You get a lot of vacation for the money here. Dollywood is one of the best-run parks in the country, the Smokies are free to enter, and a cabin with a hot tub and a mountain view costs less than one night at a Disney hotel. Dinner shows, go-karts, and mountain coasters fill the gaps.
Best for ages
About 5 and up. Dollywood rides start at 36 inches, the shows work for every age, and toddlers love the Dollywood Express train.
Brandon's tips
Rent a cabin, not a hotel room. Hot tub, game room, and a kitchen change the whole trip.
Buy Dollywood tickets online the day before to skip the gate line.
Do the national park on weekday mornings. Cades Cove jams up by noon.
Eat at the Apple Barn early. The general-store line starts before lunch.
