If you’ve ever dined with us at The Peddler, you know just how special the Little Pigeon River is! Not only does it provide peaceful views to go along with your meal, but wildlife love it too! With that being said, did you know about the river’s unique history? This 30-mile stretch of water located entirely within the boundaries of Sevier County has a number of interesting facts you should know. Here are 4 things to know about the Little Pigeon River:
1. Our Restaurant Sits Along It
Our Gatlinburg restaurant sits directly along the banks of the Little Pigeon River, providing our guests with views of its unmatched beauty as they dine on a delicious meal! As you savor a juicy steak or chow down on a healthy salad from our iconic salad bar, you’ll find yourself at peace as the river’s scenery puts the mind at ease. You may even see some fascinating animals checking out this water source! Stuck miles away at home? You can get a live glimpse of the river at any time by checking out our river cam feed!
2. Named After Extinct Species of Bird
How did the Little Pigeon River get its name? From the passenger pigeon! Centuries ago, passenger pigeons were a vital part of society, particularly for Native American tribes in the Smoky Mountains, who counted on these pigeons as a source of food. These birds, which looked similar to turtle doves, eventually became closer to extinction in the late 1800s due to being over hunted. The final passenger pigeon passed away in captivity in 1914.
3. Different From the Pigeon River
The Little Pigeon River is often confused for the much larger Pigeon River. While similar in name, these two are completely separate and never meet at any point. The Little Pigeon River runs through the cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, while the Pigeon River is situated about 45 minutes away from our restaurant in Hartford, TN. The Pigeon River is a popular destination for rafters and kayakers thanks to its powerful white water rapids.
4. Great for Swimming, Fishing & More
There’s plenty of fun to be had on the Little Pigeon River! The Middle Prong portion of the river near Greenbrier is a great spot to take a refreshing dip in the water during the warmer months. You’ll often see fisherman casting a line on the river, where commonly caught fish include smallmouth bass, wild brook trout and stocked rainbow trout. You can even float on a tube down the river or have a family picnic by the water.
About The Peddler
The Peddler is recognized by both visitors and locals alike as one of the top restaurants in all of Gatlinburg! What makes us special? Well, our menu includes a number of different delicious dishes, from steaks to seafood, chicken entrees and more. The steaks are the best in the Smoky Mountains, full of flavor and juices that make taste buds jump for joy! No matter what you decide to enjoy, you won’t be let down!
The next time you visit us you’ll have a bit more background information about the Little Pigeon River! The river is one of several staples of a Gatlinburg dining experience at The Peddler!
