Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Townsend Open and Welcoming Visitors

The people of Sevier County continue to show a spirit of resilience and optimism.

This morning, encouraging news updates were sent from our tourism partners in the Smoky Mountain region.

Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner, who lost his home and business, expressed the heart and resilience of this community during the daily press conference, stating, “If you want to help Gatlinburg, come back and visit us. We’re gonna be back…we’re gonna be better than ever.”

According to new information, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Townsend have announced businesses and Cades Cove are open to welcome visitors.

Remarkably, Gatlinburg City Manager Cindy Ogle said in a press conference today they hope to open Gatlinburg’s downtown Parkway and River Road to the public on Monday, Dec. 5.

One way our industry can support tourism partners in the Smokies is to help reinforce the messages sent to media this morning.

The National Park Service announced today the Townsend, Tennessee entrance into Cades Cove, the popular Great Smoky Mountains scenic drive, is now open to the public.

Pigeon Forge businesses were not damaged during this week’s fires and are operating as usual. The city’s Winterfest festival continues, including several Christmas shows at various theaters. Dollywood theme park reopens on Friday, Dec. 2. Restaurants and lodging properties are operating on normal schedules.

Businesses in Sevierville, Dolly Parton’s hometown, are open and operating as usual including Wilderness at the Smokies and Tanger Outlets.

For additional attraction business hours, events and updates, visit www.visitsevierville.com, www.mypigeonforge.com, www.gatlinburg.com and www.smokymountains.org.