AboutJerry Yares Expertise Travel, sightseeing, dining, and sleeping here in East TN and the Great Smoky Mountains. Not a golfer, camper, boater, or fisherman.
Experience Lived here since 1998; many years of travel here before that.
Organizations belong to Local photo, nature, garden, and bird clubs
Expert: Jerry Yares Date: 3/31/2003 Subject: pigeon forge
Question Do you know a shortcut off of I-40 (DOllywood exit 407) into Pigeon Forge?
Answer Traci:
The I-40 exit 407 puts you on TN 66 going S directly toward Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Smokies. At Sevierville, it becomes US 441.
If you are going to Dollywood, the least crowded day is Thursday. Get there early--official opening time is usually 9 AM but the gates actually open at 8:30. Also, two days (almost) for the price of one--show up after 3 PM (park stays open until 9) and your ticket is good also for the following day.
The traffic is murderous through Sevierville and Pigeon Force. The shortcut to the Dollywood back gate is to turn left at the TN 66/US 441-411 intersection in Sevierville. Drive about 1.5 miles to Middle Creek Road (a sign points to the hospital). Turn right onto Middle Creek Road and in 20 minutes of pleasant country driving, you'll be at the back entrance to the Dollywood parking lot. Park your car, hop on the tram to the main entrance.
If you are going to the outlet malls in Pigeon Forge AND you are coming on I-40 from the west through Knoxville, there is one shortcut that will let you avoid the TN 66/US 441 traffic through Sevierville and most of Pigeon Forge. In Knoxville, you get off I-40 at exit 387A and take US 441 (Chapman Highway) heading south. About 9 miles past the junction of US 411 and US 441 in Seymour you turn right on White's School Road for a half mile and turn right on Goose Gap Road. Goose Gap winds about 5 miles through the foothills to Walden's Creek Road. Go straight across Walden's Creek to Old Valley Road and follow it for a mile as it veers left to become Russie Gap Road. The shortcut ends on US 321 in Wears Valley. Turn left on US 321 and you will come into Pigeon Forge at the doorsteps of the Tanger and Belz outlet malls.
