uring the late 1700s, settlers from the Carolinas followed old Indian trails through the Smoky Mountains along the Pigeon River to what is today Pigeon Forge. Pioneer Isaac Love established an iron forge here in 1820 and his son, William, built a tub mill ten years later. The Old Mill, now a National Historic Site, remains operational. The iron forge and the flocks of pigeons that fed along the river banks in the early years gave the town its name. Pigeon Forge continued as a sleepy farming community until the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was dedicated in 1940. The town slowly began to grow, incorporating in 1961. The tourism boom hit the city in 1982 and since then, growth has been rapid and Pigeon Forge has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Southeast United States.

Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee, Pigeon Forge is within a day's drive of two-thirds of the nation's population east of the Mississippi River. The resort town is 33 miles southeast of Knoxville, four miles south of Sevierville, six miles north of Gatlinburg and five miles north of the most popular park in the U.S., Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge offers action packed fun around every corner. Everything you need or desire can be found directly on, or just off of, the five-mile long Parkway that divides the city. From the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains to the bustling activities that can fill the streets, Pigeon Forge will never cease to amaze.

Countless accommodations, ranging from award winning hotels to quaint country cottages and chalets, offer comfort and easy access to an abundance of fun. Centered between Sevierville, Gatlinburg and the National Park, your vacation adventure is always only minutes away. You can get anywhere quickly by car, but if you want to just sit back and relax, you can take advantage of the Pigeon Forge Fun Time Trolley. You can find stops throughout town to take you anywhere you want to go.

Once you have decided how to get around, it is time to figure out what you want to do. You have the area's most visited attraction and the most visited theme park in Tennessee, Dollywood, but that's only the beginning. With countless go-cart tracks, arcades and miniature golf courses, Pigeon Forge is a ton of fun for the young and young at heart. For the thrill seekers, you can take a flying leap off a bungee tower, shoot into the air on a sling-shot or do some indoor skydiving at Flyaway. Enjoy a game of laser tag or cool off from the summer heat at Dolly's Splash Country.

All of this excitement might rustle up quite an appetite. Pigeon Forge offers a wonderful selection of restaurants. From fine dining to fast food and everything in between, the dining in Pigeon Forge is second to none. And if you enjoy the great outdoors, you can discover golfing pleasure at one of the area's lovely courses, or take a stroll down to Patriot Park and enjoy a walk on the river.

If shopping is what you're looking for, you have found paradise. Pigeon Forge offers four outlet malls and countless shopping centers for you to peruse. Offering everything from home décor and crafts to clothing and trinkets, you can find name brand items at outlet prices and one of a kind buys all over town.

When the sun goes down in Pigeon Forge, it's time to pick up the pace. The city features nine major theaters and even more shows. You have easy access to numerous entertainment options for the entire family. All along the Parkway you can find shows filled with comedy, music, magic and action, giving you an overwhelming choice for your evening entertainment.

So, with all that there is to see and do in Pigeon Forge, we're positive that you will have an unforgettable adventure. You will always find something new and unexpected in this little town in the Smokies.