Pigeon Forge - cheesy road side attractions, chain motels, and every chain restaurant you can think of. It makes the Wisconsin Dells look classy.
Gatlinburg - As said you can easily walk the length of Gatlinburg. It's interesting mix of cheesy attractions, unique shops, locally owned restaurants, and moon shine tasting. Also far more attractive looking than the 6 lane boulevard through PF. Lots of little allys and walkways with shops behind the main drag. There is a decent brewpub (Smoky Mountain Brewery) on the west end of town.
If you take a car to Gatlinburg there is a by-the-hour city owned parking structure on the east end of town. Far cheaper to park there then in one of the commercial lots on the middle of the strip. Not to mention the traffic through there can get really heavy.