Is there an Amish community near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? Easy answer: there are no Amish communities anywhere near Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, Tennessee. But that doesn't mean there isn't an Amish or Plain presence there!
In the above photo, I was surprised to encounter a "mini-bus" full of Amish who scampered out to take in a scenic overlook northeast of Gatlinburg. I made small talk with them and found out they were from the Amish community of Arthur, Illinois and we just spending a week in a cabin in the Smokies. When people say a "cabin in the Smokies" that can have a very broad definition, from a true rustic experience high up in the mountains, to a rented trailer home in the bustling city of Gatlinburg.
The group quickly got back on the bus and went on their way. Very friendly. I think I saw them in town again later (and, yes, I asked permission to take a photo)
🏞️ Why Do the Amish Head To Pigeon Forge?
For as long as I can remember, I recall Amish people speaking fondly of the "Smokies." For many Amish, there is an allure to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. They are , for the most part, the closest real mountains to the Midwest, and a summer escape to the relative cool of the mountains is appealing to many Amish.
Young Amish couples will head to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge for a trip after they get married. It's also a population vacation spot for Amish young adults who have not yet gotten married.
A lot of Amish love to collect souvenirs and trinkets from their travels: keychains, postcards, coffee mugs, and other kitsch, which Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville have in droves. So Amish visitors can made a quick trip into the bucolic mountains for a nature fix and then go into touristy Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for some fun.
🎡 Dollywood and Other Attractions
While the Amish have a reputation (unfairly deserved) as a somber and severe people, they like to have fun as much as anyone else. There are no church rules that dictate than Amish person can't spend the day at an amusement park like Dollywood or visiting Dolly's Stampede. So it is not uncommon at all to encounter large groups of Amish people at Dollywood, the Stampede or other attractions around the Smokies. It's probably more common to see a group of Amish in town at a pancake house or a tourist trap than actually communing in the nearby mountains.
From fresh fudge to stacks of pancakes to helicopter rides, the whole "strip" from Sevierville too Gatlinburg is considered a carnvial of fun for many Amish visitors. All the better that Gatlinburg is close to many midwestern Amish settlements and has a family-friend reputation than, say, Las Vegas.
📋Amish Attractions In the Smokies
There are no Amish communities very close to Gatlinburg, but there are still places you can get your "Amish fix." I am listing a few places below, if you know of others that should be on the list, let me know and I'll add it!
Amish Creations and Country Market: This is located at 1235 Parkway in Sevierville, Dolly's hometown. The store showcases a lot of Amish-themed products. It isn't Amish-owned, but it gives off that Amish vibe and a lot of the products sold there are Amish-made.
A local guide left the following review on Google: I stop by here on every Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge trip. I love the Amish soaps and some of the foods in the back pantry area. I got a nice sign for my den on this last trip. The staff is friendly and they have a good variety of things.
Whaley's Country Store, 1725 Waldens Creek Road Again, not Amish-owned, but they sell a variety of Amish made jams and jellies and other goodies!
The Shack at Glades, 608 Glades Road, Gatlinburg, TN. This store is in Gatlinburg, closer to the actual Smokies. It also is not Amish-owned but sells a lot of Amish-made furniture. The store describes themselves as:
We are a family owned gift shop and Amish Furniture Store. We sell handmade and made in Tennessee items. We also sell cold drinks, coffee and snacks.
Larry Hayes
In the last picture if you will look to the left and about half way from the center of the picture it looks like a big black cat is looking at you. You can see some eyes. Some very pretty pretty pictures.Would love to see them in person.
Ger
Remembering our trip to Pidgeon Forge and surrounding area so beautiful. Winter is also beautiful.
Thanks for memories.
Kevin Williams
I always love visiting Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!