Smoky Mountains event guide
Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge
Wilderness Wildlife Week brings free classes, talks and guided hikes to Pigeon Forge, January 4–7, 2027, celebrating the Smokies' wildlife and culture. Here's a midweek plan for a group.
By Cameron HergetEvent dates checked against the official source
- 3 days
- Groups of up to 116
- Jan 4 – 7, 2027
Where to stay for Wilderness Wildlife Week
All Smoky Mountains staysSuggested plan, day by day
These are suggestions, not a package. AvantStay doesn’t book, sell, or arrange any of these activities. Check hours, tickets, and reservations directly with each place.
Day 1 · Mon: Arrive & first sessions
Settle in, then the opening day.
Event · Afternoon
Free classes, talks and exhibit booths. Check the program for times and rooms.
Day 2 · Tue: Cades Cove
An early valley drive, then more sessions.
Scenic drive · Early morning
A one-way loop road through an open valley known for wildlife. Check for closures before you go.
Event · Afternoon
Afternoon classes and talks.
Day 3 · Wed: Sugarlands & Gatlinburg
A guided hike or a park visit, then an evening in town.
Park · Morning
Maps, road updates and parking tags. Some of the week's guided hikes go into the park; check the program.
Viewpoint · Afternoon
A chairlift up the mountain above downtown Gatlinburg. Tickets required; check operating hours before visiting.
Good to know
Getting in
Fly into Knoxville (TYS), about an hour and 20 minutes from Pigeon Forge outside traffic.
Free event
Wilderness Wildlife Week is free and open to the public. Guided hikes range from easy to challenging; check the program for each one.
Parking tags
The national park requires a parking tag for vehicles parked longer than 15 minutes: $5 a day or $15 a week, per the National Park Service.
Optional extras
Through AvantStay concierge you can add fridge stocking or a private chef, booked and paid separately.
Frequently asked questions
January 4–7, 2027, at the LeConte Event Center in Pigeon Forge.
Yes. It's free and open to the public, per Pigeon Forge's official visitor site.
Classes, seminars, demonstrations, exhibit booths and guided hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Pigeon Forge and Sevierville keep the drive to the LeConte Center short. Set your dates and group size above to see the stays that fit.