Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge sits in a valley along the Little Pigeon River below the Great Smoky Mountains, stretching along a main corridor lined with theme parks, theaters, and shopping complexes. The town forms an extended strip of entertainment facilities, restaurants, and lodging options that runs for several miles through the river valley.

Isaac Love established an iron forge here in 1820, which gave the settlement its name and served as a supply point for the surrounding region. The shift toward tourism began in the 1980s when several large entertainment complexes opened and visitor numbers grew rapidly.

The town's name recalls both an early ironworks and the passenger pigeons that once gathered by the river, though today it centers on family entertainment and live performance. Visitors encounter numerous music theaters presenting country acts and comedy shows, along with interactive attractions designed for all ages.

A trolley system links the main attractions along the central corridor and runs daily with regular stops at theaters and shopping areas. Many sections are walkable, though distances between individual complexes can be considerable.

From November through February, millions of LEDs illuminate buildings and streets, transforming the town into an extended winter light display. The lighting remains active throughout the season, drawing visitors who drive or walk through the illuminated sections after dark.