Visit the Great Smoky Mountains

I work in the in Pigeon Forge right next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Planning a visit here are some pointers.

1. If you can visit off-season there is less traffic and less waiting.  Our season is June - Aug.  Other bad times are March - Spring break.  If you want Dollywood as part of your visit, its closed Jan, Feb, and March.  The three Major car shows are not a time to come unless you want to go to the car shows. Grand Spring Rod Run , Grand Fall Rod Run and Shades of the Past.  Traffic the weekend of car shows is worse than season and there is no place to park.  April and May are great times because everything is open again and the crowds are not here yet.

2. Coupons: Almost everyplace has coupons and there are several coupon books that are free.  To get the most out of the coupons read them and understand what they are for.  These are not coupons like you use in stores back home.  These are put out by the different stores and attractions to get you in.  Once you are there most can not tell you about the coupons - so make sure you have them before going.  FREE ITEMS - many stores have free gifts for coming in or buying something.  If you must buy something make sure you know what - sometimes it spend $X.00 and receive a free gift others are buy one get one free.  A few will give you something free just for visiting their stores. Now with these coupons - remember you didn't pay anything for them - please limit them to one per family - or we may see them become a thing of the past.  Always give your coupons at the time of purchase - even if its for something free without purchase (unless you are not buying anything).

3. Why does it cost to do everything?  It doesn't .  The park is free - it has three visitor centers -each with a free attraction attached.  Many hiking trails for the hikers, wonderful picnic grounds, and some of the best views in the country.  Douglas Dam outside of Sevierville has a beach, campground, overlook, and several picnic areas.  Its part of the TVA system.  Many of the stores in the area will have free attractions: Smoky Mt. Knife Works - has museum like displays of old knife through out the store along with other displays.  Hillbilly Village has a moonshine still display, Pigeon Forge Gem Mine has a free rock and fossil museum.  This is just to name a few.

So for the best times visit - Off Season, Make use of the coupon books, and check out whats Free.