Tucked away at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend, Tennessee, is known as “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies”. Unlike the bustling tourist hubs of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Townsend offers a quieter, more relaxed mountain experience, making it the perfect destination for outdoor lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a serene getaway.
Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, tubing down the Little River, or exploring Cades Cove, Townsend is a must-visit for those looking to experience the Smokies without the crowds.
Top Things to Do in Townsend
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – A Nature Lover’s Paradise 🏞️🐻
- Townsend is one of the best entry points to the Smokies, offering easy access to hiking, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing.
- Popular trails near Townsend:
- Spruce Flats Falls Trail – A short but rewarding hike to a beautiful waterfall.
- Middle Prong Trail – One of the best waterfall hikes in the Smokies.
- Laurel Falls Trail – A paved, family-friendly hike to a stunning 80-foot waterfall.
2. Cades Cove – The Most Scenic Spot in the Smokies 🚗🌿
- Just a 20-minute drive from Townsend, Cades Cove is a breathtaking mountain valley filled with wildlife and historic cabins.
- Best things to do in Cades Cove:
- Drive the 11-mile loop road and spot black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.
- Hike to Abrams Falls, a stunning 20-foot waterfall with a deep pool below.
- Explore 19th-century log cabins, churches, and grist mills.
3. Tubing & Kayaking on the Little River 🚣♂️🌊
- Float down the crystal-clear waters of the Little River on an inner tube!
- Best tubing outfitters:
- River Rat Tubing – Offers family-friendly tubing with fun rapids.
- Cowboy Tubing – A great local favorite for lazy river floats.
4. Tuckaleechee Caverns – Explore an Underground Wonder 🕳️💎
- Known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies”, Tuckaleechee Caverns is a massive cave system with underground waterfalls and stalactites.
- Highlights include:
- The Big Room, which is large enough to fit a football field inside.
- Silver Falls, a 210-foot underground waterfall.
5. Townsend River Walk & Arboretum – A Scenic Stroll by the Water 🌳🚶♂️
- A peaceful, easy walking trail lined with native trees, wildflowers, and river views.
- Perfect for a morning walk, birdwatching, or photography.
6. The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center – A Peek into Appalachian History 🏛️🪵
- A fascinating museum showcasing the culture of early Smoky Mountain settlers.
- Features:
- Authentic log cabins, barns, and historic artifacts.
- Exhibits on Native American history and Appalachian crafts.
7. Foothills Parkway – A Scenic Mountain Drive 🚗🍂
- Known as “the prettiest drive in the Smokies”, this 33-mile scenic route offers stunning views without the heavy traffic of the main park roads.
- Best stops along the way:
- Look Rock Observation Tower – A short hike to panoramic 360-degree views of the mountains.
- Sunset Overlook – One of the best places in the Smokies to catch the sunset.
8. Horseback Riding in the Mountains 🐎🌲
- Explore the Smokies on horseback with guided trail rides through the forest.
- Best horseback riding stables:
- Davy Crockett Riding Stables
- Next to Heaven Ranch
9. Fishing in the Little River 🎣🐟
- One of the best places for fly fishing in the Smokies, with trout-filled waters.
- Guided fishing trips available for beginners and experienced anglers.
10. Townsend Wye – A Beautiful Swimming Hole 💦🌲
- A natural swimming area where the Little River splits, perfect for cooling off in summer.
- Bring a picnic and enjoy the mountain views!
Outdoor Adventures Near Townsend 🚗🏕️
1. Rich Mountain Loop Trail – A Quiet Hiking Alternative to Cades Cove 🥾🏔️
- 8.5-mile loop hike offering incredible views of Cades Cove from above.
- Less crowded than other hikes in the Smokies.
2. Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River 🚣♂️🌊
- Just an hour from Townsend, this is one of the best places in Tennessee for whitewater rafting.
- Choose between:
- Thrilling Class III–IV rapids for adventure seekers.
- Gentle float trips for beginners and families.
Where to Stay in Townsend 🏕️🏡
1. Camping in Townsend ⛺🔥
- Best campgrounds:
- Little Arrow Outdoor Resort – Offers tent, RV, and luxury glamping accommodations.
- Cades Cove Campground – Close to Cades Cove, perfect for nature lovers.
2. Cozy Cabin Rentals 🏡🌲
- Best mountain cabins near Townsend:
- Dancing Bear Lodge – A luxury cabin resort with hiking trails and fine dining.
- Tremont Lodge & Resort – A charming mountain lodge with rustic decor.
Nearby Towns & Day Trips from Townsend 🚗🏡
1. Gatlinburg, TN (40 min drive) – A Bustling Mountain Town 🎡🍹
- Top attractions in Gatlinburg:
- Gatlinburg SkyBridge – Walk across North America’s longest pedestrian bridge.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – A world-class aquarium with sharks and penguins.
- Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery – Try Tennessee moonshine flavors like Apple Pie & Butter Pecan.
2. Pigeon Forge, TN (35 min drive) – Family Fun & Dollywood 🎢🎶
- Must-visit attractions:
- Dollywood – Tennessee’s best theme park.
- The Island in Pigeon Forge – Features the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
3. Knoxville, TN (50 min drive) – A University City with Riverfront Attractions 🏙️🏞️
- Best things to do in Knoxville:
- Walk along Market Square and explore local shops and restaurants.
- Visit Ijams Nature Center for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.
Best Time to Visit Townsend 🍂❄️🌸
- Spring (March–May): Best for wildflowers and scenic hikes.
- Summer (June–August): Great for tubing, swimming, and camping.
- Fall (September–November): Breathtaking fall foliage and cooler hiking weather.
- Winter (December–February): A quiet, peaceful retreat with snow-capped mountains.
Why Visit Townsend?
Townsend is the perfect escape for travelers looking to experience the beauty of the Smokies without the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Whether you’re hiking, tubing, horseback riding, or simply relaxing in a cozy cabin, Townsend offers a peaceful and scenic mountain retreat.
🏞️🌲🐻 Plan your Townsend getaway today and experience the quiet side of the Smokies!