Family-Friendly Fun: Trolley Adventures in Pigeon Forge

If you’re a tourist in the resort town of Pigeon Forge, why not make use of its extensive and affordable public transit system?

The Pigeon Forge Trolley is a popular and convenient transportation system servicing visitors both in and beyond Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It offers visitors an affordable and enjoyable way to explore the town and its attractions, including Dollywood, The Island Amusement Park, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

The extensive trails connect various parts of the city and neighboring communities, such as Gatlinburg and Sevierville. The trolley is a family-friendly experience and a great way to get the most out of your experience when touring the city. Let’s explore how you can use this trolley to elevate your vacation.

Getting Around in the Pigeon Forge Trolley

Since 1986, Pigeon Forge’s Fun Time Trolley has provided safe and convenient transportation for all visitors and residents. With more than 30 trolley buses, the trolley stops at all major regions of Pigeon Forge and parts of Sevierville. 

In summers, the trolley runs from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, and from November through March, it runs from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. One of the most significant advantages of riding the Pigeon Forge Trolley is its affordability. Single rides are relatively cheap, and unlimited rides can be obtained for a few extra dollars. 

Popular Trolley Routes

The Pigeon Forge trolley runs on six primary routes, each offering a different perspective on the town’s attractions and natural beauty. Let’s look at some of these routes and what they offer:

Dollywood: The Heart of Pigeon Forge

This route is the most popular on the Pigeon Forge trolley. It runs along the Parkway, the main road that cuts across the city. Families can get off at Dollywood, where they can spend the day having fun on cool rides, watching live shows, and feasting on good Southern food. 

For history and culture lovers, take the Red Route around Old Mill Square. Families can learn about the local history and see working millers with the opportunity to purchase fresh stone-ground products.

Gatlinburg: Nature and Scenic Beauty

If your family enjoys nature and the scenery, it is time to take the Gatlinburg route. It passes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—one of the United States’ most visited national parks. 

The trolley will stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you can get a free map and brochure. Learn about this park’s flora and fauna before following one of the many hiking trails that begin here.

The route will bring you into Gatlinburg, an artist and crafts community with plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful mountain vistas. Gatlinburg families would recommend not missing the Gatlinburg Skylift Park, where you get panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. 

The drive to the mountaintop crosses near Ripley’s Smokies Aquarium, one of the biggest marine attractions with underwater trails, interactive exhibits, and various species of marine life.

Wears Valley: Shopping and Entertainment

Any family interested in shopping and entertaining must hop on the Wears Valley Route as it takes you to some of Pigeon Forge’s best shopping areas, including Tanger Outlets. Here, you can get great deals on branded clothes and merchandise. 

Other attractions along this route include WonderWorks, an interactive science museum with over 100 hands-on activities ranging from simulated earthquakes to rolling research labs. 

You can spend some time at the Hollywood Wax Museum, where you can take pictures with wax sculptures of your favorite celebrities.

North Parkway: A Ride Through Sevierville

This route runs from Pigeon Forge to Sevierville, where country music legend Dolly Parton was born. In Sevierville, it stops at the Community Center, which holds an indoor pool, a gym, and a bowling alley. The trolley will bring you right into Sevierville’s Historic District and let you walk along picturesque streets lined with historic buildings but containing many antique shops and restaurants from the locals.

For animal lovers, the trolley stops within a short walk of the RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo, home to over 600 animals. The zoo also offers interactive activities such as feeding and petting the housed animals.

South Parkway: Prime Attractions and Restaurants

The South Parkway route connects to some of the major areas of interest, including Tester Lane and Jake Thomas Road. These are great areas to shop and eat out. This route also takes guests beyond the city’s limits and serves the campgrounds in the nearby national park, making it a great option for a planned day of adventure and fun. 

Finally, the trolley also ferries guests to Dolly Parton’s Stampede, a country dinner show you can’t miss!

Dollywood’s Splash Country: Water Fun

This route loops between the starting point at patriot park and one of the most well-regarded water parks in the United States. Dollywood’s Splash Country is a huge attraction featuring thrilling water slides and wave pools. Catch this trolley to take part in the adventure!

How to Ride the Pigeon Forge Trolley?

Want to experience the Pigeon Forge trolley like a local? Here are some tips for your journey:

• Plan your route

Before you step on board, look at the map and schedule. The trolleys run often, but to see everything you want to know, you may need to plan your route in advance.

• Opt for Unlimited Ride Trailer Rental

If you wish to rent the trolley more than once a day, you can rent for an unlimited ride. With such a ticket, you can get on and off this route several times.

• Bring snacks and water

Although the trolley is easy and convenient for traveling around the area, reaching your destination can take hours, especially during peak tourist season. To feel better as you go, bring snacks and water for every person in your group.

• Relish the Discovery

More than a mere motorway, the Pigeon Forge Trolley is an experience that allows you to see the city from a different angle. Take the scenery from your rides, plunging into the trolley’s charming yet melancholic atmosphere.

Trolley Fares

You can purchase a day pass, which is indicated by a colored wristband, at the Pigeon Forge Mass Transit office. Note that these passes are not valid for use on the nearby Gatlinburg Trolley System. For private fares, you will need to pay each time you board. Pigeon Forge mass transit drivers can only accommodate specific changes, so it’s best to be prepared in advance. Individual tickets are suitable if you plan to visit just one or two stops, but a day pass is ideal for exploring multiple destinations throughout the day.

Full-day tour: $3

North Parkway: $1

South Parkway: $1

Gatlinburg Welcome Center: $1

Dollywood: $2.50

Dolly Parton’s Splash Country: $2.50

Wears Valley: $1

Children ages 3 and under: Free

Reasons To Choose the Pigeon Forge Trolley

Families often choose the Pigeon Forge trolley for transportation due to its many benefits. One major attraction is its convenient service, with numerous stops throughout the city and its surroundings. This allows visitors to easily access major attractions without the stress of dealing with traffic or finding parking. 

Additionally, the trolley is cost-effective, offering a budget-friendly way to explore Pigeon Forge and nearby towns. For families seeking an affordable and enjoyable way to get around, the trolley provides excellent value.

In a Nutshell

A trip to Pigeon Forge is unfinished without a ride on the Pigeon Forge Trolley.  Whether visiting the area’s top attractions, enjoying the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, or craving a vacation adventure, the trolley elevates your Pigeon Forge trip.