What not to do when you visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN

There are several ways to approach a visit to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, or really any vacation.

While it’s good to try new things and new experiences, a couple of duds in a single vacation can really dampen the whole trip.

When you come to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sevier County, be sure to follow these tips on what not to do around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

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[catladylife]

I agree. So many ask the same questions on all the channels. They ask who has the best pizza. And they will ask creators to review cracker barrel, shoney's, and others. I like to go to local restaurants and avoid the national chains. I don't go on vacation to have the same thing I can have back home.

[rosejohnson]

His voice sounds wise (like my grandpa) makes me feel like i have to listen to him.

[chrispredsfan]

I’m 50 years old and have been going to Gatlinburg since the 70’s and your advice is great advice. Great job.

[FAY_YT]

Over the past 3 visits with my wife we have done just about everything. We just bought season passes to Dollywood and from now on we will just be coming up to relax and enjoy every season at dollywood. I have been going up there since i was kid but my wife being from the north never knew what was there untill i took her up in the fall of 2020. She loved it and wants to go 4-5 times a year.

[steamboatwillee]

Dude in China who sells moonshine pickles- "Curse youuuu!!!!" 🤣

[l-wp]

WAS JUST THERE .. DID SO MANY THINGS THERE ..PIRATES VOYAGE...
WONDERWORKS ..
PAULA DEENS RESTURANT ...AND OFCOURSE DOLLYWOOD..ETC ..IT WAS AMAZING AND CANT WAIT TO GO BACK IN JULY ..
I PREFER THE MOUNTAINS THAN THE BEACH ..I LOVE HOW THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO THERE !!!

[kyrangerman]

Great tips! I've visited G'Burg since 1979 and have stayed at so many motels I can't count them all, some are long gone (turned into parking lots). Some of the eateries we visit every trip down, usually 2-3 times per year, because we can't get that at home. I will add a couple 'don't dos'...1. Don't park in the employee parking lots in the center of town, you will get towed...2. Don't drive across the crosswalks when folks are walking across, you will get fined...3. Don't miss driving the Historic Nature Trail from the end of Airport Rd. over to the East Parkway/321, it's a beautiful drive and usually a lot cooler than town...4. Don't aggravate the bears! DO drive up to Ober Gatlinburg, it's a beautiful drive. Do take the G'Burg Bypass...Do learn the shortcuts and back roads from Sevierville! Do pay to park or park (free) along River Road...

[jsmith]

One thing not to do is you cannot walk on the side of the road between gatlinburg and pigeon forge or you will be arrested . This is something I learned from a friend .

[gatlinburgnow]

This is a great list! I couldn't agree more. After coming here for 11 years now, we've done our fair share of experimenting with all the great local fare:)

[amiee]

Great tips! This applies to so many destinations.

[joneswdmj]

Eat and shop local is our rule. The main thing though is relaxing and enjoying a no set schedule day exploring those beautiful mountains.

[kimberlyhood]

One of the best videos I have seen. I so agree with you I don't go to a new place to try the same old same old. Looking forward to visiting soon

[wallacebell]

Pay to park in Gatlinburg. $20.00 is far cheaper than a tow bill of $250.00 plus the cost of a cab ride to pick up your vehicle! Everything Autos is available if you need help getting your vehicle pulled out of a ditch. “If you are not paying to park, you are doing something wrong!” Quote from Jeff with Everything Autos. Pay to Park!!

[michaelbedard]

One thing you shouldn’t do in Gatlinburg is go on the earthquake ride in downtown Gatlinburg

[kaeleighgilmore]

i went to pigeon forge 2 years ago and that was the first time id ever seen a shoneys since im from massachusetts and i liked it a lot personally- but ill never go to a fast food place when i travel that far

[aschlager]

Never waist your time or money on the Earthquake ride in Gatlinburg worst experience ever!

[joewoodchuck]

The best things to do in Pigeon Forge that we've done SO FAR are the shows. While we were there I discovered that Lodge has a factory store. I'd been wanting a dutch oven forever and found the model I wanted on sale no less! I've never seen Lodge items on sale anywhere else.
We were there for a timeshare pitch and got several nights at a nice hotel very deeply discounted. It was worth a couple of hours out of our stay listening to their pitch to get the hotel deal. I found a small European food market too.
Not sure if Dollywood is in our future plans or not especially with the mixed food reviews.
Gatlinburg is a nicer town but parking is an issue. Don't forget about Cherokee North Carolina. A nice quiet place even if it's still a tourist town. It's still the Smokies. Haven't visited Sevierville yet.
The Smokies themselves are the real draw. The history, scenery, and wildlife are hard to beat.

[wrestlingandamusementparkl]

One is don’t fall for old time photo. But one to do is the trolley. Also try restaurants u don’t have at home like the grist mill

[tomcoulnd]

We don't have a Shoney's where we live, so we are planning on going to the one in Pigeon Forge for one of the meals.

[joshyates]

Went to the wax museum the whole thing for a family of four was a bit steep but we were inside at the front desk and wanted to do something so we chose a single attraction and they sent us next door to the castle of chaos to do a 4D ride that lasted about five minutes and let me tell you it was a very unimpressive five minutes lol. Cost me almost seventy bucks 🤦 won't be doing that again. Lesson learned!