Located at the foothills to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and sitting between the popular towns of Gatlinburg and Sevierville, you’ll find Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge, like Gatlinburg and Sevierville, is one of the most popular vacation destinations for travelers in the south.
History of Pigeon Forge
The History of Pigeon Forge TN
Before Pigeon Forge was settled in the 1800s, it was a land of rolling fields and farmland. After it was settled, it slowly started to welcome businesses which would ultimately turn the town into the vacation destination you find today.
How Pigeon Forge Got Its Name
Pigeon Forge earned its name from a couple of different sources. First, “Pigeon” comes from the name of the Little Pigeon River that runs alongside the town. The river, though, was named for the dense number of passenger pigeons (now extinct) that occupied the area. Second, “Forge” comes from the iron forge that was built by Isaac Love in the early 1800s. Unfortunately, the iron forge was dismantled and removed from the area in the late 1800s.
Also in the early 1800s, a water-powered gristmill was built and played a major role in the community–graining about 1,000 pounds of product per day, and even furnishing the town’s electricity until about 1935. Today, the Old Mill is still in operation, and is one of the most photographed mills in the country, welcoming millions of visitors each year.
It wasn’t until about 1950 that Pigeon Forge paved its roadways (now recognized as the Pigeon Forge Parkway) and really started to expand into the vacation destination it is today.
Popular Things to Do in Pigeon Forge TN
Today, Pigeon Forge has become a must-see for anyone who visits the Smoky Mountain area. Sitting just a few minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and in the center of hundreds of attractions, restaurants and dinner theaters, you definitely can’t miss the great sights of Pigeon Forge.
When you walk the Parkway of Pigeon Forge TN, you’ll find many places to visit, but most notably, you can experience an unbeatable view of the national park no matter the time of day.
Aside from the historic Old Mill, some of the most popular things to do include: Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country, The Island in Pigeon Forge (the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel), Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Theater, rafting, ziplining and more.
Where to Stay When You Visit Pigeon Forge TN
Imagine waking up, stepping outside to the porch and experiencing the beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains. You can do just that when you choose to stay in one of Timber Tops’ Pigeon Forge cabin rentals. Whether you’re looking to relax with friends or family, or you’re planning a romantic escape or large group vacation, we’ve got a cabin for everyone.