Pigeon Forge, Run down and dirty?

Over the last 50 plus years I have visited PF numerous times and other than the sometimes hectic traffic, I find it a pleasant town.
If you look hard, I guess you might find something "distressed and dirty". Just like any place else.
Keep in mind, PF and G'burg are tourist towns and try to appeal to those wishing to spend their dollars.

it is more like branson mo now a lot of led signs

Not at all. Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are typical tourist areas. Maybe congested, but lots to do, and "dirty" doesn't come to mind, imo. That said, i prefer Gatlinburg, which is also touristy but much more pedestrian friendly. And Great SmokyMountain National Park. Need I say more? We've visited the area 3 times in the last five years.

I suggest the sites you selected are in serious need of psychological help. PF and Gatlinburg are a couple of the most beautiful areas in the country. The Smokies are visited by millions every year who spend millions in that area on fine restaurants, shopping and superb camping. We've been going down there from Kentucky for years and have never had a boring time nor have we gotten "dirty." Whoever these sites were obviously have a prejudice against Tennessee in general.

We camped there last summer and found it to be touristy but not distressed or dirty.

Touristy -- Yes.

Often crowded to the point of claustrophobia (IMO) -- Yes.

Run down -- No.

Dirty -- No.

Not so much dirty, just some places on the strip are older. And some show it more than others. If you go to G-burg and compare that to Pigeon forge then yes it seems dirty, G-burg is a very nice/clean town.

We stay about 10 miles east of Gatlinburg at Smoky Bear Campground - it is definitely clean. Was there about a month ago, yes, PF is a little less than modern. It is like Panama City Beach - reminiscent of the 50s tourist trap - but not dirty at all, just not modern.

Pawz4me wrote:
Touristy -- Yes.

Often crowded to the point of claustrophobia (IMO) -- Yes.

Run down -- No.

Dirty -- No.

Double ditto.

tstryk wrote:
We stay about 10 miles east of Gatlinburg at Smoky Bear Campground - it is definitely clean. Was there about a month ago, yes, PF is a little less than modern. It is like Panama City Beach - reminiscent of the 50s tourist trap - but not dirty at all, just not modern.

Exactly!