Travel Guide Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is located approximately 11 kilometres north of Great Smoky Mountains Park. The town takes its name from a forge built in 1917 near the Pigeon River by a settler named Isaak Love. This river was named after the many homing pigeons that were present on its banks when the first explorers arrived in 1788, when the area was then occupied by the Cherokee Indians. At the beginning of the 20th century, Pigeon Forge was an isolated place, with the nearest station in Sevierville. It was the creation of Smoky Mountains Park in 1934 that gradually led to the development of a tourism-oriented industry. This development, which became important in the 1960s, continued in the 1980s with the expansion of attractions and shopping centres that can be seen today on either side of Highway 441 (Parkway), over several kilometres. Dollywood is certainly the most famous amusement park in the region. In addition to roller coasters and waterslides, this park, founded by country queen Dolly Parton, also offers concerts and many activities. As for the distant past of Pigeon Forge, only the Old Mill, the old mill, built in 1830 by the son of Isaak Love at the site of the disappeared forge, and still present next to Patriot Park, will be remembered. The rest has definitely given way to the Highway, attractions and hotels. Be careful, in summer and at weekends, traffic is particularly difficult.