Looking for a quiet Smoky Mountains getaway with natural beauty and small-town charm? Visit Townsend! Known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Townsend is a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with riverside fun, scenic trails, and Appalachian culture.
Townsend, TN Highlights:
- For Families: Float the Little River – Rent tubes or kayaks and enjoy a lazy float through peaceful mountain scenery.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hike to Spruce Flats Falls – A hidden gem waterfall trail located near the Tremont Institute.
- For Kids: Explore the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center – Interactive exhibits and historic buildings share Appalachian life and culture.
- For an Adventure: Bike the Townsend Historical Trail – Enjoy miles of greenway that connect parks, attractions, and riverfront views.
- For Shoppers: Visit local galleries and craft shops – Discover pottery, woodcrafts, and art inspired by the Smokies.
Best Time to Visit Townsend, TN
The best time to visit Townsend is in spring and fall (April–June and September–October). Mild temperatures, wildflowers, fall foliage, and lower crowds make these seasons ideal for hiking, river tubing, and scenic drives.
How to Get to Townsend, TN
- If you are traveling by car: Townsend is located on US-321, about 45 minutes from Knoxville and 25 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
- By Air: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville is the nearest airport, about 30–40 minutes away.
- By Bus: No major bus routes serve Townsend directly; driving is the best option for flexibility and scenic access.
Where to Stay in Townsend, TN
- Tremont Lodge & Resort – Comfortable cabins and suites with great mountain views and a peaceful setting.
- Little River Campground & RV Resort – Family-friendly campground right along the river with tent and RV sites.
- Townsend Gateway Inn – A clean, highly rated motel with cabin-style rooms and easy access to trails and the river.
Best Things to Do in Townsend, TN
⮕ Foothills Parkway
Drive scenic overlooks and admire sweeping sights on a peaceful fall trip.
The Foothills Parkway crosses the northern Great Smoky Mountains foothills in East Tennessee, near the town of Townsend. The parkway is 72.1-miles long and it connects U.S. Route 129 that runs along the Little Tennessee River with Interstate 40 along the Pigeon River. Parts of the parkway pass through Blount, Sevier, and Cocke counties. Large segments cross a number of high ridges that run parallel to the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The views of the Great Smokies and the Tennessee Valley are spectacular. Foothills Parkway is the oldest highway project in Tennessee that has not been finished yet.
Townsend, Tennessee
⮕ Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing
Float downriver and enjoy a fun, affordable summer adventure.
Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing is a local business in Townsend, Tennessee, offering tubing excursions in the Smoky Mountains, family-friendly trips down the Little River and gear rental for tubing trips. They offer trips on both the upper and lower sections of the Little River. The lower section, together with the main outpost, are the family-friendly options with relaxing rapids, scenic views and even a few rock jumps. The lower part of the river is perfect for kids two years old and older and for newbies to tubing. The upper section of the Little River offers more of the “adventure float” with adrenaline-pumping rapids and cool swimming holes. This option is suitable for kids six years old and older. River Rat Tubing is located 15 miles from Pigeon Forge, 20 miles from Gatlinburg and nine miles from Cades Cove Scenic Loop in the Smoky Mountain National Park.
205 Wears Valley Rd, Townsend, TN 37882, Phone: 865-448-8888
⮕ Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Discover mountain culture and explore unusual local artifacts.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is a private museum in Townsend, Tennessee, near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The museum’s mission is to preserve the culture and heritage of the folks living in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Native Americans, the pioneers and the Appalachian communities. The center was officially opened in February 2006. The center has more than 17,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits. The outdoor area includes a number of structures from around the region, such as a log cabin, an AME Zion chapel, two cantilever barns, a logging town house, a sawmill and a still that was once operated by a local moonshiner. The indoor displays showcase tools, furniture and musical instruments and a collection of Cherokee and other Native American artifacts. Some of them are dating to the Archaic period (8000–2000 B.C.).
123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend, TN 37882, Phone: 865-448-0044
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Little River Railroad Museum
Learn railroad history and enjoy a quick, kid-friendly visit.
Little River Railroad Museum is a small local museum preserving the logging and railroad heritage of the region around the town of Townsend, Tennessee, at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The museum is run by the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company, a non-profit corporation founded in 1982. The corporation’s goal is to preserve the heritage of the Little River Lumber Company and the Little River Railroad. The corporation was established by the Townsend-in-the-Smokies Chamber of Commerce. One of the main exhibits is the restored Shay engine that had been used in the logging operation. In addition, the depot at Walland was moved to Townsend to be a part of the museum. The Little River Railroad was established as a subsidiary of the Little River Lumber Company in 1901, primarily as a logging railroad.
7747 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882, Phone: 865-661-0170
⮕ Cades Cove Cellars
Savor local wine and relax during a romantic countryside escape.
Cades Cove Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery in the town of Townsend, Tennessee, at the base of the Smoky Mountains. The winery offers a variety of 16 wines for visitors to try. The area in the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountains is known as “the peaceful side of the Smokies”, and is the perfect setting for inspired winemaking. Free tastings of the wines are offered daily and there is no need for a reservation. There is a viewing area at the tasting room from which the visitors can observe the laboratory and tank room as well as see the bottling in operation. The gift shop has a selection of wine accessories, gifts, and crafts made by local artisans.
7126 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882, Phone: 865-325-9463
Where to Eat in Townsend, TN
- Trailhead Steak & Trout House – Rustic dining with hearty Southern meals, steaks, and fresh local trout.
- Riverstone Family Restaurant – Down-home diner serving breakfast, fried chicken, biscuits, and comfort food favorites.
- The Dancing Bean Coffee House – A cozy café perfect for espresso drinks, baked goods, and relaxing between hikes.
If you are interested in local events:
- Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival (April) – Demonstrations, workshops, and vendors celebrate the art of fiber in the Smokies.
- Old Timers Day Festival (May) – Bluegrass music, crafts, and traditional Appalachian storytelling in a family-friendly celebration.
- Fall Heritage Festival & Old Timers Day (September) – Enjoy crafts, food, live music, and blacksmithing on display in downtown Townsend.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Townsend, Tennessee:
- Cades Cove (20–25 min) – Drive or bike the 11-mile loop to see deer, bears, log cabins, and panoramic mountain vistas.
- Gatlinburg (30 min via the scenic route) – Visit tourist attractions, Ripley’s Aquarium, and the entrance to the national park.
- Maryville (30 min) – Explore a charming town with shopping, dining, and parks along the Little River.
- Tremont Institute (15 min) – Nature center offering educational programs, trailheads, and wildlife exploration in the Smokies.
- Wears Valley (25–30 min) – Scenic valley drive with local shops, mountain cabins, and peaceful views of the Smokies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Townsend located?
- Townsend is a small city in Blount County, Tennessee, located at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
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What is the historical significance of Townsend?
- The area has been populated by Native American peoples for thousands of years.
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Why is Townsend known as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains?
- Townsend is one of the main gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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What scenic routes are near Townsend?
- The unfinished Foothills Parkway crosses the northern Great Smoky Mountains foothills near Townsend.
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What water activities are available in Townsend?
- The nearby Little River is famous for great tubing on the rapids.
- Family-friendly tubing trips are offered by River Rat Tubing company.
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What cultural attractions can visitors explore in Townsend?
- The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center preserves the culture and heritage of the people living in the Great Smoky Mountains, including Native Americans, pioneers, and Appalachian communities.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
Tremont Lodge & Resort – A cozy retreat with mountain views.
Explore Cades Cove – Witness breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and historic cabins.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor adventures.
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort – A unique glamping and cabin experience.
Tube Down the Little River – Enjoy a relaxing float in the scenic Smoky Mountains.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning autumn foliage.
Highland Manor Inn – A charming and peaceful mountain retreat.
Drive the Foothills Parkway – Experience one of the best fall foliage routes in the Smokies.
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and peaceful, ideal for a mountain escape.
Dancing Bear Lodge – A luxurious winter getaway with rustic charm.
Visit Tuckaleechee Caverns – Explore breathtaking underground formations, even in cold weather.
Plan Your Trip