Two-thirds of the nation s population live within a day's driving distance. Interstates I-40, I-75 and I-81 are all nearby. Pigeon Forge is 35 miles southeast of Knoxville, 5 miles north of Gatlinburg and 5 miles north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From I-40 Follow I-40 to exit 407. Take Hwy 66 to Pigeon Forge. Just past traffic light # 8, the Smoky Mountain Convention Center will be on the right.