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.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
