Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg Travel Tips

Within a single day drive of the eastern states, vacationing in the Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge area is quite manageable and enjoyable. However, the toughest part of the drive is the last hour (or maybe three) dedicated to the extreme traffic congestion of the area. Within this guide you will find several tips for avoiding the bulk of traffic that will allow you to get to the attractions dining, shopping, and entertainment of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge a bit quicker.

Travel tips for avoiding traffic of the area:

1. Avoid arriving on a Friday or Saturday

The weekend traffic in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville is far worse than weekday traffic. The majority of visitors arrive during mid-afternoon to late night on Fridays and Saturdays. The areas traffic is manageable Sundays thru Thursdays. If you have to be in town on a Friday or Saturday traveling in the early morning will be the best choice for avoiding some of the traffic.

2. Leave late on Sunday or leave Monday

All the traffic that came into town on Friday or earlier in the week in Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge will be leaving before lunchtime on Sunday. To avoid this traffic simply take your time when leaving the area or if possible stay another day enjoying the scenery and leave on Monday.

3. Park and Ride

Throughout the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville area are several trolley stops. The majority of these stops are along major points of interest when vacationing in the area. This is an opportunity to save on gas expenses, while gaining some exercise.

4. Avoid holiday weekends and special event weekends.

During holiday weekends and special event weekends the traffic is at its all time worst. If possible avoid the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville area during these time spans. The crowds of people will make your vacation less enjoyable ranging from crowded hotels, to packed restaurants.

5. Know the Peak and Off-Peak Seasons

The time of year indicates how bad the traffic is going to be. During the summer month's traffic is congested. However, during the winter months there is very little traffic. Due to the mild winter of the area, this may be an enjoyable time to visit the area without all of the crowds.

Hopefully these few travel tips can allow your vacationing to the area to be more enjoyable. Once past all of the traffic the area has a good amount to offer. This could be hiking or picnicking in the mountains or shopping at the several outlet mall locations. Now you can spend time at the attractions dining, shopping, and entertainment of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge instead of sitting in traffic.