Is it Cheaper to Stay in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg? (2024)

FAQs

Is Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cheaper to stay? ›

Compare and Save. So, when it comes down to it, Pigeon Forge is generally the cheaper option when comparing lodging, activities, and restaurants. However, there are exceptions to every rule.

Pigeon Forge offers greater convenience for those looking for a bustling, family-oriented vacation destination. The city is easily accessible via major highways and is just a short drive from Gatlinburg. This makes it a preferred choice for families and vacationers who want a variety of entertainment options close by.

Overall, Gatlinburg is more compact than Pigeon Forge, which creates a more pedestrian friendly area. There are some downsides to being in a smaller valley. Since there's not much open space or alternative routes, this mountain town tends to get more crowded than Pigeon Forge.

If you're just looking for a relaxing getaway away from the crowd, the off-peak season is during January, February, and March. Not to mention, these off-peak months offer the lowest rates on accommodations. Enjoy the most magical home away from home in Ober Gatlinburg and pay the lowest price!

Even the attractions up the mountain – like Ober Mountain, Anakeesta, and The SkyBridge are all accessible from downtown. Down the mountain a little further, Pigeon Forge also has their own “Strip” in the form of the Parkway.

Let's start by looking at the best time to visit Pigeon Forge based on weather and crowd levels. Generally speaking, early spring (March to April) and fall (September to October) are optimal.

Cost-Effectiveness. Another surprising advantage of cabin rentals over hotels is their cost-effectiveness, especially for larger groups or extended stays. In many cases, cabins can accommodate more guests than a hotel room, allowing you to split the cost among friends or family members.

Pigeon Forge is walkable and the trolley makes riding easy and affordable. Consider parking your car at one of the many spots for free parking in Pigeon Forge before heading out.

Differences Between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Gatlinburg embraces a quieter, more relaxed pace with gorgeous mountain and forest views giving it an authentic woodland charm. Shops and attractions exude rustic elegance with stone and wood facades.

Is Dollywood closer to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? ›

The distance from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg is just a short five miles. If you're trying to get from popular attractions in Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg, like Dollywood, you'll be happy to know that Dollywood is just 9 miles from the town of Gatlinburg.

Spring is the perfect season for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience Gatlinburg when nature is at its most vibrant. During March and May, incredible spring wildflowers dot Gatlinburg's landscape. Visitor numbers tend to be lower at this time of year, providing plenty of space and time to enjoy the view.

If you can, we recommend avoiding Pigeon Forge right after the holidays. You'll find that many attractions and shops are closed, and the town feels a bit empty. Dollywood is closed except for a few days in January. So, if you're looking for a festive and lively atmosphere, stick to visiting during the holidays.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are two small Appalachian towns on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Roughly eight miles apart, both of these communities boast enough entertainment to make the most of any vacation — but the question is: Where do you stay? Deciding on Gatlinburg vs.

For a family, the travel agent said a week should be enough time to see the highlights, giving them a chance to hit various theme and water parks, explore walkable Gatlinburg and visit the national park, including Cades Cove, a valley with plenty of chances to spot wildlife like white-tailed deer.

The best time to visit Gatlinburg is in the fall – specifically in September and October. During these months, beautiful fall foliage takes the stage, and temperatures are mild (highs between 65 and 80) which attracts travelers from all over.

The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Gatlinburg is $35,554 a year — greater than the annual cost of living for Tennessee of $34,350 yet less than the national figure of $38,433.

While many people may think that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN are basically the same, each town actually has very different things to offer. Although they are in close proximity to each other, and they both have some similar activities, they are also both very unique.