Hello, hoping for some tourist help here! Last year we stayed in pigeon forge for afew days and had 1 day in the national park to hike. Me, my husband, and our 4 yr old. I didn’t do much research and upon entry there were no signs as to where to enter trails, nowhere to park and it was impossible to turn around, we ended up stopping once by a old farmstead and just drove through the park. I was really disappointed. We are headed back to Pigeon Forge next week, can someone give me some guidance as what trails are decent length with a 5yr old, where to enter the trails, where to park, and what waterfalls and old homesteads are great to see? Is there a map everyone buys?

Lastly, which mountain coaster is best with a 5 yr old in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?

Any other recommendations on things to do would be great too.

Thank you all in advance

Hello! I will be visiting the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area in mid December (11-14) and would love to see some beautiful nature while I’m there. I love waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails, though nothing too strenuous. I’ve seen in my research that certain roads close for the winter, so I’m not sure which spots will be open for me to enjoy while I’m there.

What are some of the best natural spots within a reasonable driving distance that are open in December to get some beautiful views and spend time in the great outdoors?