PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (SMOIKIES.LIVE) — A new pedestrian bridge is now open in Pigeon Forge, creating a safer and more convenient connection between The Island, the LeConte Event Center, Three Bears General Store, Rockin’ Raceway Arcade and the city’s expanding greenway system.
City officials, business leaders and community members gathered Wednesday afternoon for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the bridge, which they say is a significant step toward making one of Tennessee’s top tourism destinations more walkable.
Amy Warner, interim director of tourism for the City of Pigeon Forge, said the bridge enhances the visitor experience while also benefiting local residents.
“It means the world to the city,” Warner said. “Every time we’re able to improve the experience for our guests, it’s a win. This bridge connects the LeConte Event Center parking area to the Parkway and links into the Greenway, making it much easier for both visitors and locals to get around on foot.”
Warner said the bridge allows visitors to park once and explore multiple attractions by walking or using the city’s trolley system, reducing the need to drive between destinations.
“You can park your car in one spot and get around either walking or using the trolley,” she said. “It just gives our guests a much better experience of the city.”
The bridge also strengthens connections to Pigeon Forge’s Greenway, which stretches through much of the city.
“It almost connects you from one end of Pigeon Forge to the other,” Warner said. “Before, pedestrians had to take much longer routes to safely cross.”
The project was privately funded by local business owners, who said improving pedestrian safety and accessibility was the primary motivation.
Rusty Mabe of Face Amusements, owner of Rockin’ Raceway, said the company viewed the bridge as an investment in the community.
“We just thought it was the best thing for Pigeon Forge,” Mabe said. “There are events here year-round, and people are constantly parking and walking. This gives them a safe way to get across while improving the experience for everyone.”
Mabe, whose family has operated businesses in Pigeon Forge for decades, said he expects continued growth in the city and believes infrastructure improvements like the bridge will become increasingly important.
“It’s going to continue growing,” he said. “We want to keep it safe, clean and enjoyable for guests whether it’s their first visit or their 15th.”
Alex DeLozier, from Three Bears General Store, said the idea for the bridge had been discussed for nearly 15 years before construction became reality.
Although the bridge itself took about six months to build, DeLozier said years of engineering work and regulatory approvals, including coordination with FEMA and state agencies, were required before construction could begin.
“Our goal was to connect this side of the Parkway with the city parking lot, The Island and the convention center,” DeLozier said. “Ultimately, we want to make Pigeon Forge more walkable.”
He said he hopes future projects will continue expanding pedestrian access throughout the city, including additional bridge connecting across the Parkway.
The bridge is accessible from behind Three Bears General Store and Rockin’ Raceway Arcade. Parking is available at Three Bears General Store and in the municipal parking lot between The Island and the LeConte Event Center.
City leaders say the new crossing is another step toward creating a more pedestrian-friendly Pigeon Forge while enhancing safety and convenience for the millions of visitors who travel to the city each year.
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