Yes, my wife talked me into going to Gatlinburg this past week. I've been quite a few times in October and yes it is usually crowded but I've never had any problems getting around, until this trip. Without a doubt the traffic was the worst I have ever seen it. We really couldn't go anywhere without sitting in traffic for a LONG period of time. We actually spent more time in the car than doing anything else. It was just stupid traffic heavy constantly.

 

Now I've been going down to that area for many years so I know a lot of the local roads to get around much of the traffic, but even having that knowledge did not help. And I'm sure many folks who had planned to go to the Atlantic beaches of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida came to Gatlinburg instead.

I'm fine as long as I can stay away from Gatlinburg proper. In fact, keep me off that entire highway that goes through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge too.

I had a couple of friends make separate trips to Gatlinburg this past weekend. I've only talked to one of the two since they made it back, but I know one made it from Gatlinburg to Ashland in 4 and a half hours, which is pretty good time. He did say he left at 7am though, so maybe he beat the rush out of town.

I generally take the Gatlinburg Bypass through the mountains and enter Gatlinburg from the park end when traffic is horrible.

Check Out Ridge Road in Pigeon Forge...you can get on it on the road across from Walmart up past Fudruckers and follow it south to the road near Dollywood then take back streets and come out near the end of Pigeon Forge down near Krispy Kreme. That road can save an hour in heavy traffic just traveling those few miles through PF.

 

I take it north and south if I'm just passing through PF on high traffic days.

We went two weeks ago and it was pretty terrible. Used the Bypass a few times to avoid as well as the roads behind the Glades to beat the traffic on 441.

In Gatlinburg now, traffic heavy but not unusual for October. Having a great time. The back roads as others mentioned help, but if you want to go into the park, the first few miles are bumper to bumper but once you get past the welcome center it's fine.

In Gatlinburg now, traffic heavy but not unusual for October. Having a great time. The back roads as others mentioned help, but if you want to go into the park, the first few miles are bumper to bumper but once you get past the welcome center it's fine.

 

R2R, I sat in traffic from the gas station near Old Grandad's for 45 minutes and didn't even get to to Sugarlands welcome center last week. The next day we tried going around and use the bypass, same damn thing. It was nuts. All the bypasses were jammed. We even tried to go out to Pigeon Forge, catch route 321 thru Wear's Valley to get to the mountains thru Townsend but no dice, eventually got in a backup as well. Frustrating as hell. Just don't ever remember Oct being as bad as this trip. Hope it's better for you and you folks have fun!

R2R, I sat in traffic from the gas station near Old Grandad's for 45 minutes and didn't even get to to Sugarlands welcome center last week. The next day we tried going around and use the bypass, same damn thing. It was nuts. All the bypasses were jammed. We even tried to go out to Pigeon Forge, catch route 321 thru Wear's Valley to get to the mountains thru Townsend but no dice, eventually got in a backup as well. Frustrating as hell. Just don't ever remember Oct being as bad as this trip. Hope it's better for you and you folks have fun!

 

I was told that a lot of the hurricane refugees were here, some even still. That could be what you ran into. Sounds like a nightmare, I'm sorry you had to deal with all that. Traffic is heavy going into the park but otherwise doesn't seem too much different than usual for this time of year. Guess we lucked out and didn't have to deal with as much as you did. Thanks for the well wishes, we're having a great time!

WOW! I must have really been cut a break when I was there for four days (Sept. 11-14). I drove the speed limit up and down the Parkway through Pigeon Forge, and in my one foray into the park, took the by-pass and never hit the brakes until turning at the Sugarlands welcome center. Coming back to Pigeon Forge, I came out of the park and drove straight through Gatlinburg proper, stopping only for traffic lights.

In addition, the room rates were dirt cheap. Four days at the Colonial House Motel for under $200 including tax and walked right into each eatery that I frequented with no wait.

The only activity in Pigeon Forge at that time was a week-long car show called "Road Run."

It was quite enjoyable actually.

Fall break for kids. Stay away!!

WOW! I must have really been cut a break when I was there for four days (Sept. 11-14). I drove the speed limit up and down the Parkway through Pigeon Forge, and in my one foray into the park, took the by-pass and never hit the brakes until turning at the Sugarlands welcome center. Coming back to Pigeon Forge, I came out of the park and drove straight through Gatlinburg proper, stopping only for traffic lights.

In addition, the room rates were dirt cheap. Four days at the Colonial House Motel for under $200 including tax and walked right into each eatery that I frequented with no wait.

The only activity in Pigeon Forge at that time was a week-long car show called "Road Run."

It was quite enjoyable actually.

 

Yup, stay away in October!

Fall break for kids. Stay away!!

 

Don't schools stagger these dates? Who knows when what school is off. Plus, do some schools get a few days off and some get an entire week?

I'm heading down to Nashville then Gatlinburg next weekend because of the TNF Jags/Titans. Hope the weather is good.

Don't schools stagger these dates? Who knows when what school is off. Plus, do some schools get a few days off and some get an entire week?

Yep, so there's a stretch (called October) where I would refrain from that place.