Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer a unique blend of outdoor beauty, family-friendly attractions, and Southern charm. Beyond their natural allure and rustic charm, both cities are brimming with historical and fun facts that are simply delightful to know before your visit.
As with anywhere else you travel to, getting to know interesting and fun facts about Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg will help you create a deeper connection, understand unexpected things, and start conversations with locals from whom you can learn even more delightful anecdotes.
Curious about what's interesting and quirky about these Smoky Mountain gems? In this blog, we will bring you 25 fun and quirky facts about Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the surrounding area.
After this, you'll ace locals' trivia night like a pro!
Interesting and Fun Facts About the Smoky Mountains
Let's start with some fun and interesting info about the great and mighty Smoky Mountains!
1. The Original Inhabitants
The Smoky Mountains were home to the Cherokee people for centuries before European settlers arrived. The park contains many cultural artifacts and historical sites related to the Cherokee Nation.
2. Where Does the Smoke Come From?
The Cherokee, original inhabitants of the Great Smoky Mountains, named the mountains "Shaconage," which translates to "place of blue smoke." This refers to the hazy blue tint that often hangs over the peaks, caused by the vast forests releasing volatile organic compounds. That's the origin of the Smoky Mountains' name: the hazy, bluish mist that often hangs over the peaks, giving them a smoky appearance. This mist isn't actually smoke, but rather a natural phenomenon caused by the area's unique environment.
3. The Superstar of National Parks
Stretching across two states, North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, attracting a whopping 12 million visitors every year. That's more than the population of entire countries, like Belgium or Chile, for instance!
4. Road Trip Ready
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park isn't just another scenic destination – it's a road trip waiting to happen for millions of Americans! Nestled within a day's drive of over 60% of the US population, the Smokies offer a taste of adventure and natural beauty that's closer than you might think.
5. What's Inside?
Approximately 20% of the park is covered by old-growth forests, some of which have never been logged, making them among the oldest and most pristine forests in North America. The park contains more than 90 historic structures, including old homes, barns, churches, schools, and grist mills, preserved as part of the Southern Appalachian culture.
6. Lights Up!
The park is known for its synchronous fireflies, particularly the Photinus carolinus species, which light up in unison during their mating season in late spring, attracting thousands of visitors. It's like stepping into a real-life fairy tale!
7. Salamander Capital of the World
The Smokies are often referred to as the "Salamander Capital of the World," with over 30 species of salamanders, making it one of the most diverse areas for these amphibians globally.
8. Be Bear Aware
These mountains are home to an estimated 1,500 black bears, with roughly two per square mile! Although black bears tend to be shy and avoid people, they're powerful wild animals. So remember to be respectful and keep your eyes peeled!
9. Dolly's Roots
Born and raised in a small cabin in Sevierville, Dolly Parton is arguably the most famous native of the region. The Smoky Mountains were her childhood playground, and she remains incredibly proud of her roots.
Interesting and Fun Facts About Pigeon Forge
10. Why "Pigeon Forge?"
If you've ever wondered why Pigeon Forge is called that, in 1817, Isaac Love, one of the city's pioneers, built an iron forge along the Little Pigeon River, which, at that time, was lined by lovely beech trees. The trees used to be a source of food for passenger pigeons. There you have it: the combination of the now-extinct pigeons with Love's iron forge gave the city its name. As simple as that!
11. Home to Eccentric Museums
Most tourists visiting Pigeon Forge come for the fantastic outdoor activities. However, the city is also home to some eccentric and unmissable indoor venues that will certainly enrich every experience.
12. Titanic Museum
The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge will take you on a captivating journey back to 1912, allowing you to experience the grandeur and ultimate tragedy of the RMS Titanic. This is one of around seven museums entirely devoted to the Titanic, scattered around the world.
13. The Alcatraz East Crime Museum
The Alcatraz East Crime Museum is a prison-themed museum in Tennessee that explores American crime history through artifacts and interactive exhibits. It's like Disneyland for true crime fans!
14. The Mill That Powered a Town
The beloved Old Mill in Pigeon Forge wasn't always a tourist hotspot. Back in the day, it served as the town's very own power plant! The mill's electricity reportedly fueled the entire town until the 1930s when a more modern system took over.
Interesting and Fun Facts About Gatlinburg
15. Mr. Gatlin
As far as its name goes, Gatlinburg began as White Oaks Flats, named for the majestic trees that dominated the landscape. However, in 1854, Radford Gatlin arrived and opened a general store, which later became crucial by establishing the area's first post office.
16. The Most Hated Man in Town
While the details are a bit fuzzy, local lore suggests Gatlin wasn't exactly well-liked, and there are even rumors that he was run out of town. Ironically, Gatlin's most lasting contribution seems to be the name he left behind!
17. More Fish Than People
Believe it or not, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies houses over 10,000 fascinating sea creatures! That's more permanent residents than the entire town of Gatlinburg, with a population of around 4,000.
18. I Do!
Gatlinburg is surprisingly the second most popular wedding destination in the US, coming right after Las Vegas! The stunning mountain backdrops and convenient location make it a dream place to tie the knot.
19. A Pancake Legend
Tennessee's first pancake house, The Pancake Pantry, has become a landmark in Gatlinburg, renowned for its quality food and charming atmosphere. The restaurant has remained a family-owned business since its inception. The original owners, Jim and June Gerding, were inspired by their travels to Europe and the unique pancakes they tasted there.
20. Spooky Corners
Gatlinburg happens to be one of Tennessee's most haunted small towns. The paranormal activity is attributed to its rich history, including the Civil War and the fast-paced growth the town experienced. Today you can even take special ghost tours to discover these ghastly tales — it's fun and spooky!
21. A Home for "Famous" Cars
Some of Hollywood's most iconic cars are in Gatlinburg. The Hollywood Star Cars Museum showcases a collection of famous cars from movies and TV shows, including vehicles from "The Fast and the Furious," "Batman," and "The Flintstones."
22. Home to Tennessee's Only Ski Resort
Gatlinburg, TN is the only place in the state where you can go skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing! With its pristine slopes and high-powered snow machines, the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is one of the best spots to enjoy winter sports in the Southeast.
Extra Fun Facts About Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Combined
23. Have You Ever Heard of Moonshine?
Back in the day, taxes on whiskey were high, so folks made their own whiskey illegally at night, under the moonlight — hence the name. Today, moonshine is legal (the kind you buy in stores), and you can even visit special places in the Smokies to try some safely.
24. Tourism Powerhouse
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge together attract over 10 million visitors a year. That's more people than the entire population of some states! All this tourism translates to serious greenbacks for the region.
Tourism in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge generates over $1.5 billion annually. Maybe you'll be one of them, joining the millions who flock to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for a taste of Southern charm, thrilling adventures, and unforgettable Smoky Mountain memories.
25. Cabin Fever
Nestled among the trees, a classic Smoky Mountain cabin offers a quintessential mountain experience. Many cabins are built with local wood and stone, featuring fireplaces for cozy evenings and porches with rocking chairs for watching the sunset paint the mountains with vibrant hues. There's no better way to enjoy your stay in the Smoky Mountains than like a local.
Fun Facts About Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Around
For more tips and recommendations on what to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, head to our destination blog. We've written about everything from the best restaurants in the region and the best breakfast spots in the area to a full guide to fishing and much more.
Are you wondering where to stay in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and The Smoky Mountains?
Why not enhance your vacation with the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains in a great rental property?
At Stony Brook, we offer an exceptional array of cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cosby, ranging from one to 16 bedrooms. As a family-owned service, we guarantee you'll have the best experience in the Smokies!