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Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg: Which is better?

Drive to the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook for amazing views of the mountains. The fall is the best time to visit and enjoy the sea of colorful foliage, but there is never a bad time to enjoy this view.

How far is Pigeon Forge from Gatlinburg?

Pigeon Forge is less than 8 miles (15 minutes car ride) from Gatlinburg, connected by the Parkway and separated by the Smoky Mountains making it really easy to drive back and forth.

Read our complete guide to visit Pigeon Forge in a weekend, in this guide you will find all the information you need to know to plan the best vacation with what to do in Pigeon Forge in a weekend.

Which is better Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg do have some similarities and differences. They both off countless activities for the whole family to enjoy and are the gateway cities to the Smokies. Gatlinburg feels like a small town in the mountains, while Pigeon Forge offered up more for us to enjoy.

There is no definitive answer to which is better, and you can easily visit both cities, but we personally preferred Pigeon Forge.

Is Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg Cheaper?

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are similar in price, but Pigeon Forge does offer more lower priced accommodation options. Since the two cities are super close it is best to stay in Pigeon Forge and make day trips to surrounding areas as desired.

What is the best time to visit Pigeon Forge?

Depending on the activities and the experience you want to have in Pigeon Forge it might be best to go either on early spring, fall or winter. If you are looking to see Pigeon Forge transformed into a winter wonderland, the best times to visit are the months of January and February, but if you want to enjoy the rides and avoid crowds the best time to visit Pigeon Forge are mid March to mid April and mid-September to mid-October.

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