Gatlinburg is a small town with fewer than 5,000 people. It's an extremely popular tourist destination because it's right next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it the perfect stop for people who want to visit the mountains.
Pigeon Forge is another small town in Tennessee with a population of just over 5,000 people. Though it's also near the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge's tourism industry focuses on country music. It's home to Dollywood, which draws in lots of tourists each year. Amusement park rides and musical shows are also fun attractions for tourists to visit.
When to Visit Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Because Gatlinburg is such a small town that's seen a considerable tourism boom, tourists sometimes threaten to overwhelm the area. That means if you're visiting during peak season, you'll want to book as far in advance as you can or you'll risk being unable to find somewhere to stay. Visiting in peak season means you'll face lots of crowds, so if that's not your thing, avoid the busy season.
Gatlinburg's low season spans January and February. For the rest of the year, tourists swarm the area, but the lower temperatures and snow tend to chase off visitors in winter, even though the average temperature is around 50 degrees.
Dollywood and Pigeon Forge are extremely busy in the summer. If summer is the only time you can visit, go midweek, since you'll find fewer crowds. Dollywood is closed from January until mid-March, so if the park is one of your main reasons for visiting this area, winter won't be your season.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge, TN:
Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge, TN: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge, TN. Browse these charts to evaluate the cheapest time to make a reservation in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge during the year.
Luxury Hotel Options in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
4 Star Average Prices: $141.49
Look for the best mountain luxury close to the Great Smoky Mountains. Cabins and spa hotels make for perfect upscale retreats, whether you're on a romantic getaway with your partner, flying solo and pampering yourself, or bringing the whole family along.
Gatlinburg's Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa is a 3.5-star property with luxury amenities that will make your stay stand out. This property offers a full-service spa where you can relax into your favorite treatments or slip into the sauna to sweat out some toxins. The two outdoor pools feature a lazy river and a water slide, making this resort ideal for kids and adults alike. Parents, let the kids play in the game room while you enjoy a cocktail at the bar. The resort offers an area shuttle for a surcharge, an on-site snack bar, and a fireplace in the lobby.
Honeymoon Hills Cabin Rentals in Gatlinburg is your luxury destination for a romantic weekend getaway. This 3.5-star property offers gorgeous lodgings that combine rustic charm and luxury décor for a spacious, comfortable stay. Out your window you'll see panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Inside, each of the 28 guest rooms is individually decorated with a fireplace and a private balcony. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a spa tub, ticket assistance, and barbecue grills outside.
At the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pigeon Forge, you'll find modern, well-maintained facilities and top-notch customer service. Guest reviews of this three-star property have been overwhelmingly positive, so you know every aspect of your stay here will go off without a hitch. Amenities include an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a sauna, a fireplace in the lobby, and free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms offer ample living space and a separate sleeping area. If you have mobility needs, be sure to request an accessible bathroom or a roll-in shower.
Affordable Options in Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
3 Star Average Prices: $95.28
Most affordable hotel options within a 30 mile radius of the Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge area are in and around Knoxville. Being more than half an hour away by car isn't exactly convenient, however, and you'll eat up your savings refilling your gas tank. Thankfully, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge both have affordable options with rates starting under $60 a night.
The Super 8 Downtown Gatlinburg Convention Center is centrally located in Gatlinburg near Ripley's Haunted Adventure, Star Cars Museum, and the Amazing Mirror Maze. The lobby has a fireplace, and guest rooms offer lovely views of the surrounding area. When you book at this Super 8 location, you'll have access to amenities like free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, an outdoor seasonal pool, a spa tub, and a picnic area.
At the River Place Inn, you'll be within walking distance of downtown Pigeon Forge. Each room has its own heating and cooling controls. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and access to the property's fax machine.
When you book at the Days Inn & Suites Pigeon Forge, you'll be centrally located in downtown Pigeon Forge. This property offers free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and a computer station. It also has 24-hour amenities including a front desk and a business center.