Pigeon Forge in Sevier County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Drop Line
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 11, 2025
1. Drop Line Marker
In the lumber camps of the early 20th century, a conveyance system was used to carry large timbers down steep mountain sides. To erect this conveyance, the "high climber" (also known as a tree topper) used iron climbing hooks and rope to ascend very tall trees, where he would chop off limbs as he climbed, hack off the top of the tree, and finally attach pulleys and rigging to this spar tree so it could support a conveyance system of pulleys and cables to bring cut timber to the main landing area. Attached to the main cable was the DROP LINE, a long vertical cable, that carried huge timbers down the mountain.
Erected by Dollywood Amusement Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 35° 47.75′ N, 83° 31.867′ W. Marker is in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in Sevier County. It can be reached from Dollywood Parks Boulevard. Marker is located on the grounds of Dollywood amusement park, in the Timber Canyon section. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2700 Dollywood
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee and in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, the State of Franklin, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Donkey Engine (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Drop Line (within shouting distance of this marker); Eagle Mountain (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pilgrim (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Tennessee Mining Company (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Harvey Water Clock (approx. Ό mile away); Dolly's Childhood Home (approx. Ό mile away); Why "Dollywood"? (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pigeon Forge.
Another
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 11, 2025
2. Drop Line Marker
The marker may be seen while exiting the ride.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 12, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
