Gatlinburg vs Pigeon Forge: Where to Stay

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge sit just a few miles apart in Sevier County, Tennessee, and the Parkway connects them. Both are great home bases for the Smokies, but they feel different. Here's a quick comparison.

Gatlinburg

• Mountain-town feel: A compact downtown tucked into the mountains, with shops, restaurants and attractions along the Parkway.
• Very walkable: Stay near downtown and you can park the car and walk to most things.
• Closest to the national park: The main park entrance and Sugarlands Visitor Center are just outside town.
• Nearby favorites: Anakeesta, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, the Gatlinburg SkyLift and SkyBridge, and moonshine tastings.

Pigeon Forge

• Family attraction hub: Home to Dollywood, The Island, dinner shows and many museums.
• Wider, flatter roads: Pigeon Forge is spread out along the Parkway on flatter ground, so you'll mostly drive or use the trolley.
• Lots of dining and shopping: Restaurants, The Old Mill and outlets nearby in Sevierville.
• Easy access to Wears Valley and Cades Cove: A scenic drive into the park's quieter side.

So which is right for you?

Pick Gatlinburg if you want to walk to dinner, be close to hiking, and enjoy a cozy mountain-town atmosphere. Our Hibernation Station and Basecamp Gatlinburg townhouses on Baskins Creek are a short walk from the Parkway with no steep mountain roads.

Pick Pigeon Forge if Dollywood, shows and family attractions are the main event. River Song Condo sits on the Little Pigeon River at Cedar Lodge Resort, with views of The Island's lights.