Visiting the Smoky Mountain area is always an amazing experience and a trip you’ll never forget. However, during peak season, the traffic is no joke. Luckily for you, we have a couple of recommendations for how to bypass those annoying traffic jams. Here are 3 ways to avoid traffic in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:
1. Travel in the Early Morning or Late Evening
The best travel times are early mornings and late evenings, if you are looking to avoid heavy Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg traffic. There are many families visiting the area, so it’s helpful to wake up early or stay out late. When you travel in the early hours, you can park and walk around for the day. Many places offer free parking, so you won’t have to worry about the parking cost. Once lunchtime approaches, the streets can get packed, so make sure you beat the rush. Most families want their kids in bed at a reasonable time, so when you stay out late, you’re more likely yo face less traffic.
2. Take the Trolley
To experience the Smoky Mountains without having to worry about driving, park your car and take a trolley ride for the day. The Gatlinburg trolley will drop you off and pick you up at more than 100 places in the area. You won’t have to worry about any Gatlinburg traffic, and will be able to sightsee while you ride. The trolley offers all-day tickets, so you can ride as many routes as you would like throughout the day.
3. Enjoy Quiet, Scenic Mountain Areas
If you’re spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, take advantage of the many trails and areas of the park that are not as popular. The national park is busiest from 10a.m.-5p.m. during most times of year. If you plan to visit Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome or any of the popular trails in the park, be prepared to spend a good portion of the day in the national park. It’s helpful to pack a picnic lunch, so you won’t have to leave for a meal and you can enjoy the national park’s wildlife while you eat. We recommend getting to your trail as early as possible to get ahead of the crowds. Traffic in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg usually makes its way into the park after a while, so plan accordingly.
Now that you know how to miss the traffic in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you can plan your schedule to avoid all the annoying backups and jams. Learn about all the attractions in the Smokies area and plan how to you plan to beat the traffic to all the places you want to visit. We look forward to seeing you soon!
