Pigeon Forge Online Community

July 4th Patriot Festival

CSAdmin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:16:00 GMT

Patriot Festival is being held at Patriot Park once again this year. The festival will kick-off with the StarJam concert on the 4th beginning at 1:00 P.M. The best thing is that admission is FREE! This year you can see in concert Ace Young, Metro Station, Boys Like Girls, and Good Charlotte. There will also be food, games and activities for children and of course Pigeon Forge always has a great fireworks display. The fireworks normally begin between 9:45 P.M. and 10:00 P.M. If you are looks for something to do on the 4th..... head to Pigeon Forge.

Wilderness Week

Tom Lawton — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:44:00 GMT

Wow! This Pigeon Forge community is a real find!

I chanced on an event last month that made me a real fan of Pigeon Forge.

It was Wilderness Wildlife Week, and it was a blast even tho I was there only for two days. I went to a program about trout fishing and another with people talking about how their families had roots in the land that now is the Smoky Mountains National Park. I got lucky and took one organized hike into the park, and I want to go back.

Can anyone tell me how Wildlife Week started and who¹s responsible for it?

It was huge.

Wilderness Wildlife Week

tiamely — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 14:00:00 GMT

Harry and I just returned home from a delightful weekend in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We love the outdoors and prefer traveling in the winter (less crowded!), so when we heard about Wilderness Wildlife Week we had to check it out.

It was the perfect event for hubby and me. We hiked and heard great stories from so many different speakers. The temperatures were quite pleasant and the traffic was minimal! Still plenty to see and do, but we concentrated our time on the event. Great for kids, too, but we old folks had a wonderful time and would recommend this event to all of our friends.

Shopping with the girls

Auburnqueen — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 13:31:00 GMT

My girlfriends and I drove up to Tennessee for a weekend in the mountains. I
got all my Christmas shopping done. There are 6 outlet malls in the area and
we went to the ones in Pigeon Forge first. They have anything you could want
to give someone for Christmas. And I felt like the prices were pretty good.
Wish we'd have taken a bigger car so we'd have had more room for all the
packages we brought home. Make sure you stop by the Christmas Place store,
even if you don't go to Pigeon Forge during the holiday season. They are
open all year and have ANYTHING and EVERYTHING you could ever think of for
Christmas!

Birthday Fun in Pigeon Forge

My3sonz — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 13:03:00 GMT

Yesterday was Ben’s birthday, and I wanted to surprise him and do something fun. We both took the day off, and I packed everyone up, and didn’t really tell them where we were going, keeping secrets isn’t easy around here. We went to Pigeon Forge and bought a bunch of tickets for the Track. It’s a wooden go cart track, and it’s so much fun. We raced all afternoon – well at least for a good hour or two, I think. I won most of the races, of course. J It was one of the most fun afternoons we’ve had in a long time. I can’t wait for my birthday to come along. Hope they come up with something else we can to do in Pigeon Forge, too!

A day in the Mountains

tiamely — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 12:43:00 GMT

My husband and I love to go hiking. So last weekend, we decided to go to the Smoky Mountains around Pigeon Forge. Some friends of ours recommended hiking the Chimneys. It was a really tough hike – it gets kind of steep at times. And I’m not exactly the exercise freak. But the view up there was absolutely amazing and it was definitely worth it. The leaves are finally changing on the trees, and we passed through some fog on the way up. It looked absolutely amazing. So if you’re ever out that way, you should check it out for yourself.

WonderWorks

CSAdmin — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 18:56:00 GMT

My kids and I went to WonderWorks today and it was awesome. We wanted to
stay for Hoot n Holler but already had plans to go somewhere else for
dinner. It was a little crowded there but we had blocked out plenty of time
in the day to stay at WonderWorks so the kids got to do everything they
wanted to do while we were there. I suggest if you're going, to plan to stay
at least 3-4 hours. It just depends on how many kids are with you and how
crowded the place is. It was super fun! My kids liked the Quake Café and I
liked the interesting paintings upstairs.

Zorb The Forge!

Traveler — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 05:41:00 GMT

This will be the new Entrance Sign to look for This is what you look for right now

Zorb Pigeon Forge!

Very soon 203 Sugar Hollow Road at Stop light #1 in Pigeon Forge will have to be widened. Why? Because ZORB is NOW open. ZORB IS NOW OPEN! And it's going to be a hit! Zorb is EXCLUSIVE to Pigeon Forge Tennessee within the United States

Can you believe it? All the way from New Zealand to the Great Smoky Mountains, Zorb is rolling it's way right into the Number 1 slot for fun time family adventures, and outrageous things to do in Pigeon Forge.

Everyone keeps asking me if I have heard anything about when the Grand Opening is. Well, I have received some great news latley. Right from the top of the company. I am fully authorized to say that...ZORB PIGEON FORGE is now open for business!

The wait is over mate.

I have recently visited the Zorb site, and things are hoping and poping. Workers around everywhere, busy as a bee.

When I went by, the television show Good Moring America was there doing a little piece for their show. Cool!

Everyone was very nice and explained that things will be running smoooothly very soon.

Zorb was created in the early 1990's in Down in New Zealand by Andrew Akers and Dwayne Van Der Sluis by "accident". Their original intent was to make a big inflatable ball that would float on and across the water while you were inside. However after getting blown out to sea a few times they decided to just get inside and roll down hills, which turned out to be a blast. Zorbing was born.

Zorb Pigeon Forge will also offer "Hydro-Zorbing". Hydro-Zorbing is when they put about 5 gallons of water inside the Zorb ball with you(and up to two friends if you like) and roll you down the hill for a great way to cool off on a hot summer day!

They will be open year round. Even in the winter. The Zorb hill and Office months ago The Zorb hill and Office now

The pictures above show the progress that has been made. Everything is now rolling along.

There is a shuttle Van/Bus to take you to the top of the hill to do it again. The Zorb Shuttle van

Zorbing is even in the Guiness book of World Records.

The fastest known zorb trip down a hill is about 52 kilometres per hour, set by Steve Camp of New Zealand. That's about 32 MPH for us here in the states. The longest Zorb ride is 570 metres or 1870 feet.

Who would have ever known that a giant plastic ball could be so much fun?

Zorbing is safe for everyone. Centrifugal force keeps you pressed up against the inside of the ball somewhat. You are not going to break anything.

Sorry, but at the moment I don't have any information on how much it will cost you to become a Zorbonaut. I plan to take a roll down the hill soon myself and as soon as I find out more details I will update this page.

Zorb is sure to become a huge hit in Pigeon Forge! The Zorb experience can now begin!!!

Activities Available in Pigeon Forge

Traveler — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 05:28:00 GMT

Planning an ultimate Vacation? If you’re tired of the traditional trips to the beach and looking for something new and exciting, there is nothing quite like a trip to Pigeon Forge. Experience the ultimate feel of relaxation with all the activities they can offer. This incredible getaway spot will leave you breathless and rejuvenated. All the adventure and excitement you can imagine is packed into one spot that is guaranteed to be the perfect getaway for your family.

Enjoy the different activities at Pigeon Forge like Five Rivers Adventures. This gives you an up close and breathtaking view of the spectacular scenery. If you are going out with your family, this is a perfect addition to your schedule. The kids will love it. This tour guided trip includes a picnic lunch. Keep in mind that this activity is seasonal and opens during the month of March up to the month of October only.

Another famous activity is Rafting in the Smokies. Enjoy the Rocky Top Outfitters with a fully stocked fly and tackle shop, featuring modern and high-quality spin and fly fishing equipments. The Rocky Top Outfitters have professional guides that you can hire during the season. Your kids will love the thrill of rafting across the river through a spray of white water, making your trip to Pigeon Forge a trip to remember.

After white-water rafting, you might be looking for a way to relax and enjoy yourself. Attending a show is the perfect way. One great show is the Comedy Barn, a family-friendly show, guaranteed to please children and adults alike. Even the youngest to the oldest can enjoy this kind of show. There is nothing quite like clean country comedy. This will be a night full of laughter that you’ll never forget.

You won’t want to miss taking a trip to Dollywood, an amusement park that combines country music, great rides, and some tasty food. The kids will love the roller coasters, the music, and the fun.

There truly is no place quite like Pigeon Forge. It’s a vacation your family is sure to remember forever.

Perfect Afternoon

WoodsMan — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 05:22:00 GMT

I have a few minutes until my meeting, so I'm stopping off to catch some scenery and slow down my pace for the day. I'm always in a hurry and hustle and bustle, so this will be a welcomed break of the pace.

It’s been about 3 years since I have taken some time to see the little pigeon river up close. The last I touched it was when I first moved to Tennessee. My friends took me on a tour to Cades Cove, and this river was our first stop.

What would be good right now are some yummy cherries. I could just sit here and watch the little pigeon river flow. The water is only about six inches deep at this part of the river and constantly flowing. I say six inches but I'm sure it changes on a monthly basis depending on the rain. The river is flowing from Gatlinburg into Pigeon Forge. One of these days maybe I can find the source. Is finding the beginning of the water flow like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

There is a big flat rock along the side of the river. I wonder what people would think of me if I just laid down a blanket and took a short power nap. Oh! I have a great Idea for a first date. Ok this is my idea for a first date or a couple just wanting to spend time with each other.

I am probably in one of the most scenic spots for a picnic in the smoky mountains. There are relaxing sounds from the river and 360 degrees of nature, with just a few block to civilization. First, you would have to tell your date that what you're going to do requires them to take off their shoes. They have to be semi spontaneous. If not just leave them at the house. hehe Just tell your date you’re going to have a picnic. Once they get to the river they will have to be a little adventurous and cross in their bare feet. It’s not a big deal. It will be fun. Bring a picnic basket, cross the river (its less than ankle deep) and lay out a blanket over the rock. It’s a flat white rock just along side the river and is the perfect size for two and a picnic basket.

Fall Fishing in The Smokie Mountain Region

WoodsMan — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 04:04:00 GMT

Dry Fly Fishing in the Smokies
We’re on the back side of Labor Day, the traditional end of the summer season. While it’s still pretty warm here in East Tennessee there’s a touch of fall in the air. Overnight temperatures on the mountain tops are beginning to dip into the 40’s and Townsend is shrouded in a cool mist every morning. White oaks are beginning to bend under the weight of acorns and black bears have begun to started to feed up for the winter. After a long, hot summer we’re looking forward to cooler weather and the good fishing that always comes with it.

A fall scene we’re looking forward to…

Anglers look forward to the spring season because of the great dry fly fishing but often forget that autumn also has some good hatches. Blue wing olives are the predominant insect that get trout looking to the surface. Many fly fishers are intimidated when they learn that these bugs are anywhere from #18-22, but there’s no reason to fear small fly patterns. Most trout in the Smokies will take a #16 Parachute pattern in riffled water and this is far easier to see that a #20 or #22. The smallest flies become more necessary in calmer water where the trout get a real good look and have time to inspect the fly before eating.

Our best advice is to avoid blindly fishing long flat runs of water. Instead take a few moments to survey the run and watch for rising fish. Next get yourself into position for a cast, but do this while staying out of the water. Wading up the middle of a quiet pool is the best way to put the fish down. Move as close a you can on the bank, then wade slowly and quietly into position. Try not to get more than knee deep in the water to minimize your presence. It is often wise to wait a few moments before casting. Let any waves you stirred to settle and make sure the fish are rising as steady as they were before you got in the water. Finally, cast your fly to the risers. We recommend that you drop the fly no more than three feet upstream of the fish, but always leave the fly on the water regardless of where it ends up. Ripping the fly off the water as soon as it comes down is another sure way to put the fish down.

Wade slowly and quietly as you move upstream.

Our favorite fly pattern for this type of fishing is a #18-20 Parachute Blue Wing Olive tied with a fluorescent orange wing. The brightly colored wing makes the fly easy to spot on the water. Comparaduns are also good flies that fool fish and are easy to track on the water.

There are also good caddis hatches that occur sporadically. Again, these are small flies in the #18-20 range. These insects are a dull gray color and are commonly seen on large boulders near the water’s edge. Fish will rise to caddis when the hatch and again when they are laying eggs on the water. Gray colored Elk Caddis in #18 are good for dry fly fishing, but don’t forget wet flies. Specks in #16 do a good job of imitating the cased caddis larva. Small soft hackles are also good. They can be fished under an indicator, as a dropper under a dry fly, or even with a dusting of Frog’s Fanny as a dry fly.

Our favorite streams to fish in the fall are Little River, the Oconaluftee River, and Hazel Creek. All of these streams have good numbers of trout plus some big brown trout.

Brown trout take on even brighter colors in the autumn.

Good Conditions for Floats This Fall
We’re often limited to what we can do in the way of floats in the fall season, but this year will be different. In a typical year TVA begins drawing down lake levels at Labor Day. This is to prepare for heavy winter and spring rains and prevent flooding. However, this year is quite different. The Tennessee Valley has seen all time low river flows this year and lake levels have remained low. Furthermore, record heat cause record power use and TVA had to generate power with the water available. Fortunately the heat has given way to cooler weather, but the lakes have already been drawn down and generation schedules will be excellent for fishing as power demands fall with the onset of pleasant weather.

In the fall we typically fish the Tuckaseegee in Western North Carolina because of its good water levels and excellent fishing. We’ll still fish the Tuck as long as water conditions are good, but we should also be able to fish the Clinch this fall and possibly the Holston below Cherokee Dam. This provides us with a tremendous variety of water.

Streamer fishing is always fun in the fall, especially on the Tuckaseegee River.

We see several brook trout like this every season on the Tuckaseegee.

The Clinch is primarily a river for nymphing, but midge and caddis hatches can bring fish to the surface. Additionally there are superb opportunities for streamer fishing if there is some generation from the dam. The Tuckaseegee is also best fished with nymphs but can provide lots of action for the angler casting streamers. Large browns, rainbows, and even brookies are found in the Tuck and it’s not unusual for fly fishers to catch them in the range of 14-18” on streamers.

Don’t forget the smallmouth bass! Good fishing for them continues into the fall.

We’ve experienced some superb fishing for smallmouth on the Holston River this summer. This is quickly becoming one of our favorite floats since smallies that average 12” rise aggressively to poppers. We’ve had several fish in excess of 16″. Conditions should only get better over the next few weeks and remain good through October.

Hope we see you on the water this fall!