Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a family-friendly vacation spot filled with attractions, beautiful scenery, and friendly Southern hospitality. If you're looking to enjoy the charm of the city while sticking to a budget, consider utilizing the Pigeon Forge trolley system. The trolley offers an inexpensive, convenient, and fun way to explore the surrounding area, making it an essential part of any budget travel plan.
Let’s delve into how to plan a budget-friendly trip using the Pigeon Forge trolley.
The Pigeon Forge Trolley Routes
The Pigeon Forge trolley system is an established public transport network serving the city of Pigeon Forge and its neighbors, Gatlinburg and Sevierville, in Tennessee. Due to its convenience, affordability, and easy access, this mode of conveyance is quite popular among visitors and locals in these beautiful towns. The trolley operates in six routes. These include:
Dollywood
The primary road on the Parkway acts as a center in Downtown Pigeon Forge.
Gatlinburg Welcome Center
Catch this trolley to go through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg. Experience the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Wears Valley
This street is perfect for shoppers and those looking to have a bit of fun.
North Parkway
This follows into Sevierville, covering historic sites and some local attractions.
Dollywood’s Splash Country
This route provides direct service to the Dollywood area, making visiting this well-known theme park easy.
South Parkway
These are campground connector roads to the local attractions, suitable for guests who stay in some of the campgrounds in the surrounding areas.
3 Important Steps to Plan a Budget-Friendly Trip Using the Pigeon Forge Trolley
By understanding the Pigeon Forge trolley routes, you can better plan your days and cover more ground with less travel costs.
Freeze Your Itinerary
To finalize your itinerary, start by shortlisting the attractions or things to be prioritized for your visit and determine how they are reachable by the trolley system.
Research Attractions
The top attractions in the city and the surrounding area are an excellent starting point. Must-see spots include Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, The Island in Pigeon Forge, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Choosing attractions easily accessed via the trolley will save money and avoid the inconvenience of driving and parking.
Trolley Schedules
Bearing in mind the number of attractions you would like to visit, look through the Pigeon Forge trolley schedules to see which routes you need to take. The trolleys run frequently, but planning your timing is essential to minimize waiting and maximize your sightseeing time.
Combine Attractions Close to Each Other
Cluster attractions that are close to each other by grouping them based on their proximity and the time needed to visit each. This way, you can plan your itinerary more efficiently, reducing travel time and making the most of your visit.
For instance, spend a day exploring The Island, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and all the great restaurants plus shopping centers located near these attractions—all found on the Dollywood Route.
Add Free and Low-Cost Activities
Pigeon Forge is packed with mostly free or inexpensive attractions. In the morning, you can hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, explore the historic Old Mill Square, or bask in live music and entertainment at The Island, many of which are accessible using the Pigeon Forge trolley.
Budgeting Your Trip
After mapping out your schedule, the next step is to work out a budget for your trip. Proper budget planning significantly helps ensure that you get to see all the places you are interested in without going overboard.
Estimate Transportation Costs
Estimate the costs you'll pay to ride the Pigeon Forge trolley. With $1 ride fares, you can get around quite a bit without breaking the bank. If you use the trolley extensively, consider purchasing an unlimited ride pass.
Plan Your Meals
Eating out can be pricey, so you've got to have a plan for meals. Look for inexpensive restaurants near the trolley routes. Family-run restaurants and diners offer good value. You can also bring along snacks or even pack a picnic lunch and spend time at one of the many parks or picnic areas in the area.
Have Funds Ready for the Attractions
Not all attractions in Pigeon Forge are free. Make sure you bring some money to spend on these attractions or reserve part of your budget to accommodate them. Keep a lookout for deals or combo tickets that save you money. For instance, if you are visiting Dollywood, look out for multi-day passes or special deals that include admission fees for other attractions.
Consider Shopping Expenses
One of the many reasons people visit Pigeon Forge is to shop. The city is home to many outlet malls, little shops, and other stores. If you are going to be shopping, plan out a budget for souvenirs or any other gift items that need to be purchased.
Free and Low-Cost Attractions
Some best ways to keep your travel budget in the low-cost category include free and budget-friendly attractions. Plenty of such places around Pigeon Forge provide great experiences without costing too much.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
It is an entertainment venue offering a mix of free activities, including live music performances and a nightly fountain show. It's nice to sit there, enjoy the atmosphere, and take in all the sights—it is accessible via the Dollywood Route on the trolley.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This place is a paradise for outdoor activities. It stretches along the Gatlinburg Route, a windfall for nature lovers. Be it hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the views, there are plenty of free and low-cost opportunities within the park.
Old Mill Square
Walking into Old Mill Square is almost like walking into another century. This historic square, with trolley accessibility, has quaint shops, a functioning gristmill, and beautiful grounds for a strolling tour.
You should stop in and sample some Southern cuisine at the Old Mill Restaurant, but strolling the square and learning about its history is an exciting and free activity.
Patriot Park
It is located next to Old Mill Square, another free attraction that's great for families. This park offers a walking trail, a gazebo, and memorials to the veterans. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a laid-back afternoon and happens to fall on the city’s trolley route.
The Bottom Line
Planning a budget-friendly trip using the Pigeon Forge trolley is an innovative and enjoyable way to experience the best of this vibrant destination without overspending. The trolley's low fares and vast coverage make it a great choice for getting to the top sights in this resort city.
