While many of our visitors are quite content to spend their entire stay in Pigeon Forge, there are plenty of other attractions less than a day's drive away. Consider offering side trips to the following destinations as part of your next group's Pigeon Forge experience.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains have entranced and enthralled all that have seen them. Cherokee Indians, the first inhabitants of the region, referred to the area as Shaconage-Place of Blue Smoke. Today the beauty of the mountains has made Great Smoky Mountains National Park the most visited national park in the United States.

The park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor folk of all kinds. The world-famous Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Maine to Georgia, runs through the park, and other short trails are available for day or overnight hikes. For those who prefer to ride rather than walk, horses are available for rental. Of course, many spectacular views may be enjoyed from the comfort of a motorcoach or tour bus.

Most visitors begin their journey through the Smokies at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Exhibits detailing both the history and wildlife of the park are on display. From Sugarlands many groups enjoy the scenic journey to historic Cades Cove where pioneer families settled in the 1800s. The 11-mile Loop Road passes homesteads, churches and a working gristmill. Wildlife, like white-tail deer, black bears and wild turkeys, call this area home and may often be observed in their natural environment. Only 40-foot or smaller motorcoaches and no low-riding motorcoaches.

Sevier County
While Pigeon Forge serves as the destination of choice for our visitors, there are other points of interest in Sevier County. The Sevier County Courthouse, a National Register of Historic Places landmark, features a beautiful sculpture of Dolly Parton on the lawn. The Harrisburg Covered Bridge, Forbidden Caverns and the Apple Barn and Cider Mill are also popular group attractions located in or near Sevierville.

Nearby Gatlinburg boasts many fine restaurants and gift shops. The Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, The Original Christus Gardens and the Ripley's Aquarium are all favorites with groups.

Knoxville/Oak Ridge/Norris
Just 35 miles from Pigeon Forge, you'll find Knoxville, home of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the University of Tennessee and the world's most beautiful dogwood trees. Knoxville's Old City features many restaurants and shops in restored buildings. The Zoological Park, McClung Museum and Blount Mansion are also noteworthy. Oak Ridge is home to the American Museum of Science and Energy, the nation's largest energy museum. And be sure to plan a visit to the Museum of Appalachia, a living mountain village in nearby Norris.

Asheville/Cherokee, North Carolina
Just outside of Asheville sits the stunning Biltmore Estate, the largest private residence in this country. Located on a peaceful hill, this beautiful home was built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt as a summer retreat for his family. In nearby Cherokee, guests can experience native American life, as it was more than 225 years ago in the Oconaluftee Indian Village. You'll also want to schedule time to attend "Unto These Hills," the story of the Cherokees' Trail of Tears. And you can bet everyone will have a great time at Harrah's Casino.

Chattanooga
Ride the Incline Railway up to Lookout Mountain for a tour of Rock City, Ruby Falls and one of the most decisive battlefields of the Civil War. Down in the city, the Tennessee Aquarium and 3-D Imax Theater are an excellent way to spend your time in this quaint river town.

Jonesborough
Historic Jonesborough, founded in 1779, is Tennessee's oldest city. Restoration and revitalization are evident everywhere you look in this city of 18th century buildings and houses that have been converted to shops and restaurants. The home of America's 17th president, Andrew Johnson, is down the road in Greeneville.