May 17-19 was one of the least crowded times I've seen there- yet the traffic was still horrible.We didn't take Sevierville exit off Hwy 40, as there was a car show in P. Forge, and we knew it would take hours. Stayed on 40 and took Cosby exit to 321 to G'burg. Nice road, views, great idea! This road is being widened, btw.Third time we've rented a cabin with Jackson Mountain Homes- were very pleased with them.Had Mountain Majesty- a 5BR, 5 1/2 bath cabin w/hot tub and pool table, full kitchen.Located off Greystone heights road near the town.Plenty for our 5 couples- 390/night.There was a lot of trash on the mountain- what a shame.We did all the regular tourist stuff- place looks like a southern state fair plopped in a gorgeous setting. Funnel cakes, junk shops, taffy, fudge, Nascar, tatoo parlors,wedding chapels,country music,putt-putt, bungee, fat people, fat kids.I do, however, enjoy driving out of the madness and hiking. I also like staying in a private place- quiet up in the mountains. Anyone having questions about the area, etc please feel free to write [email protected]

G'burg is a sorry venue but people still flock there, like they never learn. There was warning about that town but nobody wanted to hear it. It's an ugly dump, as people who travel there learn in short order. I am sorry you had to find out the hard way. Maybe you'll save somebody else.

Wow. It sounds positively awful!!!!!!! Thanks for the warnings, Linda.

Jim,
Actually this was my 5th trip there in recent years. Always went in the early 60's as a child, when it was a bit more quaint. It is god-awful, LOL!But we took Rick's parents, and the rest of the siblings and spouses. Everyone "did their own thing", whether it was hiking, shopping in the outlets, etc.Then we all came back to a splendid setting, talked, drank, games, hot tub- it was really fun! However, I would NEVER choose this place for a family vacation if you only had a week a year, etc. Nor would I want to honeymoon here!I do not understand the attraction of the town.On a positive note- there are some beautiful places to stay in the area and fabulous trails and scenery. Just avoid Gatlinburg (unless you love Jerry Springer,etc)

We were also there for the weekend (16-19) and I noticed the crowds to be much smaller in Gatlinburg. I think everyone was at the car show like Linda said in Pigeon Forge. We only went into town one night to eat at the Peddler (great steaks). We spent most of our time in the mountains hiking and driving around Cades Cove. We saw 4 bears and many deer. We went to a wedding in Townsend at the Heartland Wedding Chapel with a reception at the Maple Leaf Lodge. They had lovely cabins there and the Lodge was beautiful. It looked like a very nice place to stay if someone is looking for a place to stay away from Gatlinburg. We also ate at the Alamo and the food there was very good. We had a very enjoyable weekend.

What's the similarities/differences in Pigeon Forge vs Gatlinburg?

Pigeon Forge is newer and more spread out - shopping outlet venue. Transportation (car) is a must.

Gatlinburg is older, very compact and walkable. Craft/art shops wedged in/under/over junk shops and restaurants/pancake houses.

Sounds great to me!

If you're looking for something calmer and more private, why not drive a little past Gatlinburg to Townsend? It's smaller but less crazy and has plenty of hiking, camping and bird watching. There are plenty of mountain cabins and condos to rent. You can also wind your way through Cade's Cove and see some lovely sights. I've been up there many times and love it.