Are you planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains? Chances are you’ll be traveling between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg more than once during your stay. These two popular destinations sit close together, making it easy for visitors to enjoy attractions, dining, and outdoor adventures in both towns. To help you learn more about traveling between the two cities and getting around the area, we’ve created a guide answering the question, “How far is Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge?”.
Distance from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg
The distance from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg is about 7 miles. Under normal traffic conditions, it typically takes about 15 minutes, but please keep in mind that traffic can make the drive longer. We recommend just enjoying the journey and taking in its scenic surroundings.
Scenic Drive Along the Parkway
The Parkway is the main route between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. It’s also known as one of the most scenic roads in the Smoky Mountain area! The drive takes you through forested mountain terrain and follows the Little Pigeon River, offering views of the water, rocks, and vegetation. As you make the drive from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg, be sure to keep an eye out for local wildlife! It’s not uncommon to spot black bears, deer, and other Smoky Mountain animals. You’ll also pass through a short tunnel as you drive along the Gatlinburg Spur, adding a unique touch to the drive. Many visitors honk their horns as part of a tradition when they drive through the tunnel.
Gatlinburg Welcome Center Stop
On your way into Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge, we recommend making a stop at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center. It’s a great spot to grab some refreshments, pick up maps or brochures, get insider tips about the area, and shop for unique souvenirs. If you plan to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while you’re in the area, you can pick up a parking tag here as well.
Transportation Options Between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Are you wondering the best way to get from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg? There are several different transportation options in the area. Because of its popularity as a vacation destination, traffic and parking can be challenging, especially during peak seasons. Taking other transportation options into consideration may help. We recommend taking the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Trolleys to get around.
The Pigeon Forge Trolley is an affordable ride that travels to more than 200 official stops in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville. All routes start and end at the Mass Transit Trolley Station in Pigeon Forge, next to Patriot Park in the Old Mill District. There’s a route that takes you directly to the Gatlinburg Welcome Center for only $1!
The Gatlinburg Trolley is completely free for visitors to ride. You can hop on a Gatlinburg Trolley at the Welcome Center and ride it wherever you want to go in Gatlinburg! We recommend riding the trolley to avoid parking fees and to easily get around the city. If you prefer to make the drive yourself from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg, you can park your car for free at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and ride the trolley around the city.
Travel Between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Now that you have the answer to “How far is Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge,” you’re ready to make your way around the two popular Smoky Mountain cities! To learn more about them, check out our Smoky Mountain area information about the popular towns.
