If you’ve ever visited the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ve at least heard of the Little Pigeon River. Now, after 20 years of being deemed polluted and unsafe, the health warning has been lifted for a section of the river in Sevierville.
On April 23, 2014, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced the lifting of the water contact advisory for a section of the Little Pigeon River.
According to local news station WBIR, the Little Pigeon River in Sevier County has been under the water advisory since 1993. Since that time, the state of Tennessee has warned visitors not to fish or swim in the river due to bacteria.
Thanks to officials, clean-up crews and organizations throughout the Smoky Mountains,visitors to the area can enjoy a little bit more of the Little Pigeon River during their vacation time.
The area north of downtown Sevierville (along Highway 66/Winfield Dunn Parkway) has now been declared clean, as well as all of the connecting rivers and streams in that section. Visitors will find that signs have been removed in that area, but we recommend paying attention to signs along other parts of the river.
Towns Unite to Clean the Little Pigeon River
Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have all put forth great effort to help with the Little Pigeon River clean up. Regular inspections are taking place to make sure the contaminants don’t make their way back into the river, so there is a clean and safe experience for all vacationers.
Plans to Continue Cleaning the River
TDEC plans to continue testing along other areas of the waterway, so it can be completely clean as quickly as possible. The ultimate goal is for the Little Pigeon River clean up to be completed within the next year, so the Pigeon Forge section can open for fishing.
How to Celebrate with Us
The National Park Service, as well as local and state organizations, are celebrating the clean waterways. To celebrate with us, share this blog on Facebook to give thanks to all of the people who are helping make the Little Pigeon River beautiful again!
To start planning your vacation to the area, take a look at all of Timber Tops cabin rentals in the Pigeon Forge area. When you stay at one of these beautiful cabins, you’ll be right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, close to all of the fun things to do, and only a couple minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Give us a call today at (877) 549-6775, and we’ll help you get started with your vacation plans!
