Nashville Long Weekend Planner: Wilderness Wildlife Week

January 6, 2:38 PMNashville Budget Travel ExaminerDavid Smith

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All ages participate in activities at Wilderness Wildlife Week. All images courtesy of Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.

Ok, I’ll admit that I used to think of Pigeon Forge as nothing more than a cross between tour bus central Branson and National Park hawking Tusayan (near the Grand Canyon). Things are changing after a comment on my Long Weekend Planner post from last week tipped me off about Pigeon Forge’s Wilderness Week. Far from an over commercialized attempt to separate tourists from their dollars, this is a week of free guided hikes, tours, lectures and seminars that will educate and excite the public about the nature and history of East Tennessee.

The center of activity is the Music Road Hotel Convention Center. This is where you sign up for the tours and hikes as well where different experts share their knowledge. There’s a lot of knowledge to share, too. With over 100 experts leading activities and an exhibition hall with organizations and companies from around the country, you are sure to find something that interests you. You might even find conversing with such as President Teddy Roosevelt and conservationist John Muir, or at least an interpreter dressed as one of these wilderness visionaries.

Beyond the hotel, experts lead hikes and tours of natural and historic locations. It's like having your own walking, talking, and free guidebook right with you!

Rooms start at the Music City Road Hotel start at $69. If that price is too high, rooms in the $30 range are at the Rodeway Inn, Econo Lodge, and Vacation Lodge.