Local guide · Gatlinburg + Pigeon Forge
Dollywood, the national park, Anakeesta, The Island, and downtown. Each one has a drive time from the cabins in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Worth the ride
Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Funpark, Pigeon Forge
“Laser-gun coaster over the Parkway.”
Suspended coaster with laser targets over the Parkway ridge, America’s first alpine flyer. About a 17-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 28-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
Verify on the official site ↗Across from Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
“The long mountain coaster in the lights.”
Tennessee’s longest mountain coaster, about nine minutes, across from Dollywood. The night ride is the long one. About a 12-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 23-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
Verify on the official site ↗Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
“Coasters at the park, and a cabin a drive away.”
Rides and shows at Dollywood, with a cabin about a 17-min drive away. About a 17-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 28-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
Verify on the official site ↗Anakeesta, Gatlinburg
“Treetops by day. Lights after dark.”
Rail and views by day. Astra Lumina is the evening on that mountain. About a 20-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg. About a 28-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge.
Verify on the official site ↗The Island, Pigeon Forge
“Free to stroll. Easy to linger.”
Free parking on site, and entry to the grounds is free. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a free fountain show, and a ropes course are on the property. About a 16-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 28-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
Verify on the official site ↗This week
17-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 28-min drive from Gatlinburg · $$$ · Best at open
Pigeon Forge · with kids
Shows, rides, and the park gates in Pigeon Forge. About a 17-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 28-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
12-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 23-min drive from Gatlinburg · $$ · Best after dark
Pigeon Forge · with kids
A night ride on Tennessee’s longest mountain coaster, about nine minutes, across from Dollywood. About a 12-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 23-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
24-min drive from Gatlinburg · 30-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · $ · Best 8–10am
National Park · parks
Morning trails, evening hot tub. About a 24-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg. About a 30-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge.
A Park it Forward tag is about $5 for the day and $15 for the week. Cades Cove is quieter at sunrise. On summer Wednesdays the loop is often closed to cars. Greenbrier sees fewer people than the main entrance. Photo: Bluehaus Cabins
20-min drive from Gatlinburg · 28-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · $$ · Best late afternoon
Gatlinburg · with kids
Treetops, rail, and views over Gatlinburg. About a 20-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg. About a 28-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. Astra Lumina is the evening on that mountain.
16-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 28-min drive from Gatlinburg · $$ · Best after dinner
Pigeon Forge · downtown
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a free fountain show, and a ropes course. Entry to the grounds is free. About a 16-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 28-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
20-min drive from Gatlinburg · 28-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · $$ · Best morning
Gatlinburg · downtown
Walkable strip, parkway, aquariums. About a 20-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg. About a 28-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge.
The Gatlinburg trolley is free, and it runs through downtown.
22-min drive from Gatlinburg · 25-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · $$ · Best late morning
Gatlinburg · with kids
SkyBridge views over Gatlinburg. About a 22-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg. About a 25-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge.
5-min drive from Gatlinburg · 20-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · $ · Best weekday morning
Gatlinburg · downtown
A calm half day on the 8-mile loop, with studios and galleries. About a 5-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg. About a 20-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge.
28-min drive from Gatlinburg · 32-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · $$ · Best midday
Gatlinburg · with kids
Tram, mountain park, and a ski day. About a 28-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg. About a 32-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge.
18-min drive from Gatlinburg · 24-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · $$ · Best 9–11am
Gatlinburg · with kids
Sharks on the strip. About an 18-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg. About a 24-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge.
17-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 28-min drive from Gatlinburg · $$ · Best 10am–noon
Pigeon Forge · with kids
A ship-shaped museum on the Parkway, with artifacts and a grand staircase. Reservations are required. About a 17-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 28-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
15-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 26-min drive from Gatlinburg · $$$ · Best at open
Pigeon Forge · water
Slides all day, cabin after close. About a 15-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 26-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
12-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 23-min drive from Gatlinburg · $$ · Best for dinner
Pigeon Forge · food
Dinner in the mill district. About a 12-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 23-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
15-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 26-min drive from Gatlinburg · $$ · Open daily
Pigeon Forge · with kids · Rainy day
Indoor snow tubing on Teaster Lane, with a snow play area. The building stays in the mid-60s. About a 15-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 26-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
17-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 29-min drive from Gatlinburg · $$ · Year-round
Pigeon Forge · with kids
Zorbing down a hill in a water-filled ball. About a 17-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 29-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
12-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 23-min drive from Gatlinburg · $ · Sunrise to sunset
Pigeon Forge · parks
A free paved path along the Little Pigeon River, from Patriot Park toward The Island. About a 12-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 23-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
17-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 28-min drive from Gatlinburg · $$ · Lunch and dinner
Pigeon Forge · food
Burgers and steaks on the Parkway. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. About a 17-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 28-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
15-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 26-min drive from Gatlinburg · $$ · Breakfast and lunch
Pigeon Forge · food
Breakfast and lunch only, with animatronic chickens. About a 15-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 26-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
Coming up
Sep 1–Nov 1
Throughout Gatlinburg
Official details ↗Sep 14–Oct 31
Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
Official details ↗Oct 17–18
Rocky Top Sports World, Gatlinburg
Official details ↗Oct 17–18
Cal Ripken Experience, Pigeon Forge
Official details ↗Also worth the trip
Shows, park roads, caves, and a tasting. Each one sits near a cabin.
24-min drive from Gatlinburg · 30-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat
National Park · parks
One of the few park paths that allows dogs. About a 24-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg. About a 30-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge.
91-min drive from Gatlinburg · 79-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat
National Park · parks
Dawn wildlife loop. About a 91-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg. About a 79-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge.
76-min drive from Gatlinburg · 82-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat
National Park · parks
Highest point in the park (formerly Clingmans Dome). About a 76-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg. About a 82-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge.
18-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 29-min drive from Gatlinburg
Pigeon Forge · with kids
Upside-down science in Pigeon Forge. About an 18-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 29-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
18-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 29-min drive from Gatlinburg
Pigeon Forge · shows
A Pigeon Forge dinner show. About an 18-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 29-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
12-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 23-min drive from Gatlinburg
Pigeon Forge · shows
Dolly’s dinner show in Pigeon Forge. About a 12-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 23-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
15-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 26-min drive from Gatlinburg
Pigeon Forge · shows
Laughs on the Parkway. About a 15-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 26-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
19-min drive from Gatlinburg · 26-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat
Gatlinburg · food
A tasting on the strip. About a 19-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg. About a 26-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge.
39-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat · 38-min drive from Gatlinburg
Sevierville · with kids
A Sevierville cave morning. About a 39-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge. About a 38-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg.
19-min drive from Gatlinburg · 25-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat
Gatlinburg · with kids
Oddities on the Parkway. About a 19-min drive from Cowboy Way, Summit Sanctuary, or Barrel Top Lodge in Gatlinburg. About a 25-min drive from Rocky Top Retreat in Pigeon Forge.
Quick match