Hotels in Pigeon Forge

There are dozens of hotels, motels, and inns along the Parkway and surrounding highways. Additionally, there are countless log cabin rentals for a more rustic place to retire for the evening. Cabin Fever Vacations, 3919 S. River Rd. (tel. 866/342-2246; www.cabinfevervacations.com), is a company that rents cabins in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, with river, mountain and other natural-world views. Choose from log cabin rental properties that have anywhere between one and eight bedrooms. Most cabins have a Jacuzzi tub, and some even have pool tables. Rentals start around $95 per night and climb as high as $1095 for an eight-bedroom cabin. For "first-class" campground stays, try Pigeon Forge KOA Kampground 2849 Middle Creek Rd. (tel.800/KOA-7703 for reservations; 865/453-7903 for information; www.pigeonforgekoa.com). The company has a variety available for campers with its 200 sites with cabins, kitchens, and access to game rooms, a playground, laundry, heated pool and convenience store. Some accommodations even feature televisions with cable; prices run $30-$80, depending on amenities.

A Pigeon Forge institution, the Norma Dan Motel, 3590 Grandview Pkwy. (tel. 800/219-6809 or 205/968-3775; www.normadanmotel.com), has been locally owned and operated since by the Conner Family since 1958 and is situated across the street from Dixie Stampede. There are two sections to the motel -- the three-story part built in the early 1990s, and some of those rooms have whirlpool baths, fireplaces and private balconies. Economy rates are available in their original, one-story motor lodge unit. Guests have access to meeting, reunion, or reception spaces, use of indoor and outdoor pool and spa, a picnic area and daily continental breakfast. The Pigeon Forge trolley stops at the motel. Summertime rates run $34-$62 in original units, and $42-$92 on the newer section, depending on the day of the week.

Located right in the heart of Pigeon Forge is the more luxurious National Parks Resort Lodge, 2385 Parkway (tel. 800/843-6686, 865/453-4106; www.nprlodge.com). Every one of their 160 rooms is spacious, with a private balcony, a mini-fridge and coffeemaker and decked out in wilderness themes and log furnishings. The lodge has indoor and outdoor pools and a Jacuzzi, an arcade, and a restaurant next door, the Great American Steak & Buffet Company, which serves three meals a day including an all-you-can eat breakfast and a wood grill. The welcome desk, made of stone and thick logs, adds a warm touch to their well-known hospitality. Doubles run $59 to $89.