Exploring Pigeon Forge With
The Family-Friendly Trolley Service
Pigeon Forge, located in the scenic Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, is known for its family-friendly attractions such as theaters, museums, theme parks and more. If you want to explore this gorgeous town hassle-free, Pigeon Forge trolley service is a perfect choice. Whether you are planning a day of exploring amusement parks, shopping, or going out for dinner, the trolley service will make your family getaway more convenient.
This article explores how this iconic trolley service enhances the visitor experience, making it a perfect choice for families looking to discover all Pigeon Forge offers.
Pigeon Forge Mass Transit Trolleys
Getting around the city’s charming streets becomes exciting and convenient with the pigeon forge trolley, a friendly and accessible public transportation service. The motto of Pigeon Forge Mass Transit is “Park your cares and ride with the bears!” Each year, millions of visitors to Pigeon Forge happily “park their cares and ride with the bears,” taking advantage of the hop-on, hop-off privileges on the city’s fleet of trolleys.
The Pigeon Forge Mass Transit trolleys travel to more than 200 official stops in the city and select locations in Gatlinburg and Sevierville for a modest fare. Most of the stops are a short distance from restaurants, attractions, shops, and theaters, making it an easy option to travel around.
Trolley Operating Hours
The trolley operates a fleet of colorfully painted trolleys, making stops at over a hundred locations across town. With routes extending from the Pigeon Forge Mass Transit Office to Dollywood and even onward to the scenic city of Gatlinburg, the trolley is an excellent choice for those who wish to enjoy the sights without the stress of driving. The operating hours of the trolley are:
- Daily 8:00 am – Midnight: From March through the first week of January
- Daily 10:00 am – 10:00 pm: From January through the first week of March
- No operations: On Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Trolley Routes
There are 5 routes on which the trolley is operating: North Parkway, South Parkway, Dollywood, Gatlinburg Welcome Center, and Wears Valley Road. All routes originate and end at the Trolley Station.
North Parkway:
The North Parkway transit departs from Patriot Park and travels north through Pigeon Forge, extending into parts of Sevierville. It reverses direction after reaching the Governor’s Crossing and Wal-Mart areas, heading south back to Patriot Park. Trolleys arrive every 20 minutes for convenient transportation.
South Parkway:
The South Parkway trolley originates at Patriot Park and heads towards Teaster Lane, continuing to Jake Thomas Road with stops at the LeConte Convention Center. It then turns left onto Parkway South, going to Pine Mountain Road, the Mainstay Suites and looping back via the parkway. The transit also serves the nearby campgrounds and Dolly Parton’s Stampede before returning to Patriot Park. Trolleys arrive at designated stops approximately every 25 minutes.
Gatlinburg Welcome Center:
This trolley travels directly to the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and then returns to Patriot Park. Its hours of operation are subject to the schedule of the city of Gatlinburg’s transit. The trolley’s arrival time is every 30 minutes.
Dollywood:
The Dollywood Transit offers continuous round-trip service to Dollywood, the family amusement park. The ride commences half an hour before Dollywood opens and continues until the evening, ensuring all guests return conveniently to Patriot Park. Trolleys arrive at stops approximately every 15 minutes, offering frequent transportation.
Wears Valley:
Starting from Patriot Park, the Wears Valley trolley travels towards Wears Valley, passing through scenic landscapes and offering glimpses of the Smoky Mountains. The route includes stops at many attractions, such as the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, quaint local shops, malls, and Southern cuisine restaurants. You can get down and enjoy shopping or explore other sightseeing options. The scheduled arrival time is every one hour.
Features of the Pigeon Forge Trolley Service
With the trolley service, you can explore the town on your own, without spending a lot of money. There are many reasons why trolley service in Pigeon Forge is loved by all, such as stress-free exploration. Other reasons which make it popular are:
1. Convenience and Accessibility
It is a very accessible and convenient mode of transport. With multiple routes covering all the popular attractions, restaurants, shopping areas, and entertainment venues, the trolley provides easy access to all corners of the town. You can hop on and off at various stops, allowing you to explore the place without the hassle of parking.
2. Family-friendly Routes
The trolley service offers family-friendly routes, giving you an opportunity to go around the city according to your interests. You can take the Dollywood trolley if you want to spend the day at an amusement park or the Wear Valley trolley if you only want to enjoy the scenic beauty of mountains.
3. Educational Experience
The Service also provides an educational experience for families. Knowledgeable drivers provide informative commentary about the town’s history, attractions, and upcoming events during the ride. Children learn about the area while enjoying the scenic ride through Pigeon Forge.
4. Economic Option
Traveling by trolley is not only economical but also environmentally friendly. Using the mass transit service, you can reduce the carbon footprint while exploring this charming town. The economical fare options make it accessible to everyone.
Things to Know About the Trolley Service
Some important tips and things to know before you take the trolley are:
- Pets are not allowed on trolleys.
- All-day passes are only available at the Mass Transit Office or on the official Pigeon Forge Mass Transit mobile app.
- Day passes don’t work for Gatlinburg Trolleys.
- Check all the trolley routes and schedules beforehand to maximize your time exploring Pigeon Forge.
- You can choose pay-per-ride or an all-day pass that offers unlimited rides, allowing one to explore at their own pace.
- It is important to wear comfortable clothing while hopping on and hopping off several stops.
With multiple routes, friendly drivers, reliable service, and fun design, the trolley service in Pigeon Forge is a perfect way to explore the city. You can go around stress-free, explore the city, enjoy meals, and watch performances, all without worrying about the parking and navigation. You can conveniently check the route map, and timings and start your adventure. If you are planning your next trip with family or friends in Pigeon Forge, the trolley service remains indispensable to creating lasting memories together.