Jeep Invasion - Pigeon Forge - Anyone been?

[Janster]

Hey Gang,

My husband and I are looking to travel to Nashville area in August….and I noticed there’s a Jeep Invasion August 21-23rd.

We‘d like to spend a few days in Nashville…... and the rest is up in the air. Knoxville maybe…

. A few years ago, we stayed in Pigeon Forge during a big car show event ( we weren’t aware of it when we booked the cabin). But honestly? Aside from the horrific traffic…. we had a great time walking & driving the strip and watching all the people & cars.

I’m going to assume…. it’ll be a similar situation with Jeeps everywhere (and horrific traffic). We’d only want to stay for a day…… because all the chaos would drive me nuts!!!

How does that work if you wanted to join a group to do some trail riding? Do you sign up somewhere or just show up?

Any other feedback about the event?
https://gsmji.com/
Thanks!

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[badge2283]

I have gone for three different years. It just keeps getting better and better. We live in the Daytona Beach area. So we have been to most of the Jeep Beach events. Jeep Beach still has the edge, both are great events.

 

[ORACLE Terry]

Great Smoky Mountain is a highlight of the year. It is a great event with so many Jeeps everywhere. So plan for "traffic" as most major routes are impacted. But the Jeeps on the Parkway is a sight to behold. There is plenty to do and see in the Pigeon Forge area. Make sure to stop by the ORACLE Lighting booth to say hi!!! (and check out our awesome show specials) See ya there.

 

[Stitchedupseats]

It’s massive. Usually some folks on here meet up. I’ll probably head that way again. It’s a good time. Definitely worth it to go for the day to the convention.
However ….It’s a nightmare to get in. They won’t presale tickets so it’s a huge line and god forbid you are in a wheelchair. Waited probably 2+ hours to get in and we went pretty early.

 

[Brian2o0o]

I’ve been the last two years and probably about five all together. It keeps getting bigger every year. Never done any of the trail rides. I usually just roam around and check out the jeeps and vendors.

Traffic is usually pretty bad and can get backed up on 441 and right around the Leconte center trying to find parking. We have a house in western NC and usually ride over through the national park. If you rented a place on the eastern side of Pigeon Forge or a littler closer to I-40 it would keep you away from the main drag(441) and out of most of the traffic.

 

[DKR GLD8OR]

We have been the last 4 years. In my opinion it is more fam8ly friendly than the rod run and shades of the past. Veterans parkway can get backed up but the main drag is ok if you stay in the left lane. The right lane is slow due to trading ducks. This past year the outside vendor area was huge with a lot of cool things. You need atleast 5 or 6 hours at the show. Then you can't miss cruising atleast one night.

 

[Janster]

It’s massive. Usually some folks on here meet up. I’ll probably head that way again. It’s a good time. Definitely worth it to go for the day to the convention.
However ….It’s a nightmare to get in. They won’t presale tickets so it’s a huge line and god forbid you are in a wheelchair. Waited probably 2+ hours to get in and we went pretty early.

Yea…. I believe it. We won’t be going to the convention center. I’m just interested in cruising and watching all the cool-ass jeeps and talking with some folks. If we were going there specifically for the Invasion, that’d be different.

And especially now that you mentioned the feedback about getting into the Convention Center…even more reason to avoid it!

 

[Janster]

If you rented a place on the eastern side of Pigeon Forge or a littler closer to I-40 it would keep you away from the main drag(441) and out of most of the traffic.

NOTED!! Thank you!! Took A screen shot… as we haven’t rented a place yet.

And honestly? If we’re going for ‘the day’ just to cruise around & hang out…the traffic (stop & go) would be fun - while you get to see all the Jeeps. If I was an unsuspecting tourist trying to get from point A to point B….OMG, it’d drive me crazy!! I might have to get a reservation at the Brazilian Steakhouse again - so we could park in their parking lot during the day! That worked out perfectly the last time!!

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