The Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion

Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion Hankook

It’s a Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion Thing! Each year, thousands of Jeep enthusiasts descend on the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge to meet vendors, stroll the show & shine, and connect with other brand enthusiasts. The event is also fairly priced at only $20 for an adult and $10 for children.

Presented by Hankook Dynapro Tire

Jeep Invasion!

The Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion was initially launched as a small, community-driven event aimed at Jeep lovers in the area. Over the years, it has grown in popularity, becoming one of the largest Jeep gatherings in the country—the 2024 event built on that tradition, with increased participation from vendors and Jeep-related companies.

Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion HankookSmoky Mountain Jeep Invasion Hankook

 

Venue and Atmosphere

Pigeon Forge, nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, provides the perfect setting for the event. The town is a popular tourist destination with various attractions, restaurants, and activities for families and off-road enthusiasts alike. However, during the Jeep Invasion, it transforms into a mecca for Jeep culture. Attendees can explore the town in their Jeeps or take scenic drives through the National Park and surrounding trails.

Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion HankookSmoky Mountain Jeep Invasion Hankook

The primary venue is the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. At the heart of the event, the indoor arena features hundreds of exhibitors, from well-known Jeep brands to independent companies like Hankook Tire, Showcasing their entire lineup of Dynapro off-road and overland-ready tires. The size of the venue and the variety of vendors make it a Mecca for Jeep and overland enthusiasts.

Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion HankookSmoky Mountain Jeep Invasion Hankook

The 2024 Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion offers a range of activities to engage Jeep owners and enthusiasts of all ages. One of the most popular attractions is the Jeep Show and Shine, where hundreds of unique, custom-built, and modified Jeeps are displayed. They showcase classic models, street cruisers, and even the latest overland-ready machines. Participants take pride in showing off their Jeeps to the community.

An important aspect of Jeep Invasion was the nearby off-road track and unsanctioned trail rides. While there are no official trail rides organized directly by the event, the surrounding area offers a multitude of trail opportunities for those willing to explore. We found numerous trails in the region using onX and Gaia mapping apps. Many Jeep clubs and groups arrange informal trail rides, taking advantage of the stunning Smoky Mountain landscape, which features scenic mountain roads and more challenging trails for experienced off-roaders.

Tech talks and product demonstrations are also key components of the event. Experts from the industry share their knowledge on everything from vehicle maintenance to improving off-road performance. Attendees can watch live demonstrations of new products and get advice on suspension setups, tire models, and more.
Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion Hankook

The Jeep Community

What truly makes the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion special is the community. Jeep owners understand camaraderie, and the Invasion fosters a welcoming environment for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned Jeep owner or someone new to the world of Jeeping and overlanding. Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion has a perfect combination of vendors, 4WD trails, and scenic beauty, it’s an event that embodies the Jeep motto: “Go Anywhere. Do Anything.”
Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion Hankook

Scott is the publisher and co-founder of Expedition Portal and Overland Journal. His travels by 4WD and adventure motorcycle span all seven continents and include three circumnavigations of the globe. His polar travels include two vehicle crossings of Antarctica and the first long-axis crossing of Greenland. He lives in Prescott, Arizona IG: @scott.a.brady Twitter: @scott_brady