re: Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge

We hiked Laurel Falls last June with a 10 and 11yr old. We arrived at the parking lot at 7:45am and had no issues finding a parking spot. We took our time, stopping for pics along the way. We made it to the top at 8:45. When we got back to the car, there was not parking to be found. I suggest getting there no later than 8am. I highly recommend the hike. That was our day 1 adventure. We probably could've combined that day with a trip to Cades Cove or even rafting. But the rafting has specific appointment times.

Day 2 we went whitewater rafting. We used Rip Roaring Adventures and had a blast! We did the Upper Pigeon. The wife (no pics) fell out of the boat and I almost fell out. My 11yr old daughter grabbed by wife and kept her close to the boat until our guide got her back in the boat. We had a good laugh. Everybody loved that day. After rafting, we ate at some food truck there in Hartford that was pretty good.

Day 3 we spent at Anakeesta. Wife and daughter went zip lining there. Again, had a great time. Very clean place.

Day 4 we went to Dollywood. We've always like the down home feel of Dollywood and the kids finally enjoy all the rides. The wife bought their Timesaver pass and that was a tremendous help. Their staffing was still low last summer due to covid so there were some long lines. Hopefully that's corrected by now but I would recommend the timesaver pass.