Hey guys, We're heading to pigeon forge next weekend for our honeymoon. Are there any must see or do things in ya'lls opinion while we're there? We will be there for 10 days so we should have plenty of time. And if it helps any with ideas, We are 30 years old and both outdoorsy people. We are going to check out Dollywood, the big aquarium (I forget what it's called), a nightime ghostwalk since it's close to halloween, and a couple shows. Any other recommendations for us? Tom

Be prepared for the traffic, seriously. It is bad almost all of the time and this time of year is even worse.

Cades Cove is interesting.

Clingman's Dome has a nice view if it's clear.

Chimney Tops is a short but steep hike.

Grotto Falls. You can walk behind a water fall. Laurel Falls is nice. Actually there are a ton of waterfalls.

Smoky Mountain knife works is close. Tons of knives. Stuff for the Mrs to look at too. Putt Putt golf and go carts are fun. Just walk downtown Gatlinburg at night.

Dixie Stampede is dinner and a show. Kinda pricey though. The Old Mill Restaurant for breakfast. The Apple Barn is good too.

Drive over to Cherokee. They have casinos.  

I'm sure you'll find something to do.

You may want to look into a different way of getting there if you plan on driving on I40 and getting off on the 407 exit.

Traffic was backed up for over 10 miles on 40 trying to get off on the exit this past Friday, with all the construction going on and the leaves are starting to change.(everybody and their mother heads for the mountains to see that)

Haven't seen traffic that bad in awhile, it can get bad but that was nuts.

Look into going down Chapman hwy, think that road number is 441, runs through downtown Knoxville and will take you all the way to Sevierville. Pretty easy to find PF from there.

As far as things to do, you wont be hard pressed to find anything.

This is good advice. Out of all the weeks OP could make it, this is the worst.

If it were me, I would keep on trucking and head to western NC. Asheville, Boone, Banner Elk, anywhere other than Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Sevierville. Talk about gridlock.....

I'm being dragged there Wednesday night. Planning on at least 1 day of smacking whitey and hitting Ober Gatlinburg for Oktoberfest.  Oh, and hitting up SMK, as I need a new switchblade comb, tomahawk and a 6ft gummy snake.

Auto knives are legal in Tn now. You can still get the comb, but you can get an actual switchblade too.

The advice about the traffic is real.  The interstate, all lanes, were backed up this morning (Monday) about 5-7mi.  There's a couple options you can do:

1.  While driving through Knoxville, get off on Henley Street (exit 388) and head south. It'll turn into Chapman Hwy and will take you directly into Sevierville bypassing the exit.  It's a highway with highway speeds, but it's got a lot of curves so be careful. Lots of head-on collisions on that road.  Just use your GPS and don't drive like a dick and you'll be fine

2.  Take HWY 115/129 South just before you get into downtown Knoxville.  It's called "Alcoa Highway" and will take you through Alcoa, Maryville and into Townsend.  Just keep left after the airport.  From there, you can either take 321 through Wears Valley directly into Pigeon Forge, or go up the mountain and come into the back side of Gatlinburg.  Wears Valley offers some of the prettiest views you'll see anywhere, along with lots of places to stop.  The other route winds through the national park and is equally as beautiful.  This is a lot less stressful than taking I40.

But, considering you didn't ask about route options, here are some fun things to do and good places to eat:
1.  Cades Cove - It's just past Townsend, and if you're outdoorsy, you'll love it.  I was there yesterday and the trees are just now starting to turn.  Go on Tues-Thurs and you'll see less traffic and better chances at seeing bear.

2.  Lots of waterfall hikes.  Abrams Falls in Cades Cove, Grotto Falls above Gatlinburg, etc etc.  There are maps you can get at the visitors center halfway between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

3.  Smoky Mountain Brewery.  I suggested this before and one of the guys here loved it.  There's also No Way Jose's, Calhoun's, and Sherlock Holmes Pub in Gatlinburg.  (the pub has an awesome burger)  

4.  Gatlinburg:  Take the wife up the yellow/orange ski lift around sunset.  Great cheap views of the mountains and it's tradition.  Then take her up the other ski lift to Ober Gatlinburg to ice skate and drink beer.  

5.  I'm sure you already have reservations, but if you are looking for someplace different, try the Riverhouse in Gatlinburg.  It's been there since the 70's, but has wood fireplaces on the creek.  I think I made my first daughter there.

Yeah, but nothing says Pigeon Forge more than a switch blade comb and airbrushed tee shirts.  I love the redneck Mecca.

Thanks Durka-Durka for the driving tips.  I'm going to try the TN441 route as it runs right by where my cabin rental place is.

No problem.  It takes about the same amount of time either way, but there's less chance of traffic on 441.  Although, there's more of a chance that you'll die in a head-on collision by some dumb drunk, so it's a true case of YMMV.

Durka is right. Chapman Highway is much less traveled, but can be dangerous. What is making the I-40 route so bad is the exit at 407 is all messed up with construction and that is the way about 80% of the people who go there go.

Chapaman (US 441) goes from Knoxville to Sevierville. You do miss all the traffic from I-40 to Hwy 66 into Sevierville, but still have to fight to get to Pigeon Forge. Just drive carefully and pay attention, lots of curves too.

Thank you everyone. I am currently marking up a map based on your suggestions to avoid all the traffic. I did not even consider the traffic. Your replies are much appreciated.

Congrats, have fun and relax in traffic.

441 is where it's at. However, the ride from 40 to about Seymour was interesting.

lol

Smokey Mountain Brewery - Black Bear Ale

or Winter Warmer if they are making it early.

I went with the Porter, not bad.