There are so many things to do in Townsend, Tennessee, that you can easily spend an extended trip to this amazing town. More than just things to do, there is a whole warm and inviting culture in this mountain town unlike anywhere else. The crisp mountain air is a welcome respite from the busyness of life and here you are welcome to leave all your stress behind. Take on the calming, slow pace that this Smoky Mountain town is known for, and prepare yourself for one of the best places for a weekend getaway in Tennessee.

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History Of Townsend

What is Townsend known for? Well, for that, you have to look back into history and see a consecutive story drawn from the area itself. The land was once used by the Cherokee people who called the area Tuckeelachee, meaning “Peaceful Valley.”

Later, English settlers started farming the land and building cabins and homesteads. Still maintaining the area's natural beauty, residents made a living for themselves from manual labor and farming.

In 1900, the land was bought by Wilson B. Townsend for logging. The operation used the river and train tracks to move downed trees from the forest to the lumber company. Despite the growth, the area started to see a boom in activity by those who saw the natural beauty and felt the pull to this peaceful place. In the 1930s, Townsend sold his portion of the land to the state of Tennessee, and it was established as the Smoky Mountain National Park a few years later. To this day, the same sentiment the Cherokee people spoke is used. Townsend is known as “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies.”

Is Townsend Worth Visiting?

To answer the question of whether Townsend is worth visiting, you must first determine what you are looking for in a destination. Do you want to escape to the mountains? Strip back the busyness of life? Find a place where natural beauty and history collide together in a perfect blend? This is just scratching the service of what you will discover in this lovely little town.

Being in the Smoky Mountains brings a calming peace unlike anywhere else I have found in the world, and I have been to Townsend many times. I will continue to visit this area again and again, because the Smokies will always hold a special place in my heart. If you open yourself up to the culture, it will surely grip you, too, pulling you close to warm you to its unavoidable ways.

How To Get To Townsend

Townsend is a bit rural, which is a big part of the charm. Being away from all the noise and attraction-heavy places surrounding Smoky Mountain National Park is a breath of fresh air.

One popular way to get to Townsend – and typically how we get there – is to drive from Pigeon Forge, through Wears Valley and into Townsend. You can also get there along the Little River Gorge Road from Gatlinburg by turning at the Sugarlands Visitors Center.

When we are looking for a leisurely drive, this is the route we typically choose. It is also accessible from the west side off of I40 if you are coming from Knoxville or off of I75 if you are traveling from Chattanooga. It is well worth the drive to get to this beautiful countryside town.

Getting Around Townsend

The best way to get around this rural area is by car. There is no downtown Townsend to speak of, so between each activity, you will need to get in your car and drive. That being said, a popular activity is to rent either a jeep or a UTV to stroll through the national park.

One spot to rent these cool-looking UTVs is Townsend UTV Rentals. This is especially popular to drive through Cades Cove. I haven't been through this area of the park without seeing someone driving one of these vehicles – they even have heated ones for the winter.

Best Time To Visit Townsend

I have been to Townsend in every season and can honestly say there isn’t a bad time of the year to visit. Every season brings so much beauty and fun – you simply can’t go wrong.

In the winter, you can expect snow which will powder the mountains like confectionary sugar on top of a cake. This is a much quieter time of the year with fewer crowds giving you plenty of room to have the whole place to yourself sometimes. We drove the Foothills Parkway in the winter and hardly saw another car on the road with us.

In the spring, as temperatures rise, crowds will return to the Smokies, especially as other states enter spring break season. The weather is perfect for hiking, the fields are full of color with wildflowers, and you will find plenty of sunny days to soak up the sun. Events take place in the spring, too, like the annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival and the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival Games.

With incredible warm weather, perfect for dipping in the water or rafting, summer is the time of the year when the plant life in the Smokies grows and creates a lush enchanted forest. The bears are typically out and searching for food, but the crowds are at an all-time high as well. You can also attend all sorts of events from car shows, live music, historical events, and so much more.

Out of all the places in Tennessee, Townsend is a haven for fall foliage, with the looming mountains in the background sprawling as far as the eye can see with brilliant colors. Each hike is filled with magical falling leaves and crunchy footsteps. Come for the leaf peeping, but stay for more events all around town – things don’t tend to slow down much until winter rolls around once again.

Where To Stay In Townsend

Cabin Pick: The Dancing Bear Lodge

Townsend stays true to its peaceful nature, so you won’t find many large hotel buildings to accommodate the masses. Instead, you will find quaint spots like the Dancing Bear Lodge that provide hotel-quality service in historic accommodations. Make no mistake – these log cabin stays and cottages have come a long way since their 1700s from what they are modeled after. Guests will enjoy all of the creature comforts of home in these luxurious wooded retreats. Expect a quiet stay surrounded by the mountains in a cabin filled with amenities to suit you for either a relaxing respite or an adventurous getaway.

Airbnb Pick: The Mink

I love a unique stay, so when searching for Airbnb rentals, I like choosing truly one-of-a-kind spots. That is where The Mink comes in, offering one of the best stays in town. A geodesic dome perched high on the ridge allows unobstructed views of the mountains while soaking in your own private hot tub. Witness a blanket of stars while having a campfire and wake up as the sun's rays start to crest the peaks and shine through the large picture window. The Mink is a luxurious stay in the mountains and one that definitely pushes the term "glamping" to its limits.

Townsend Sights & Landmarks

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

I would be remiss not to pay plenty of attention to the number one reason this town is so great: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Take a relaxing drive through the windy mountain roads following the Little River. Stop by to see several waterfalls flowing along the way, or wade in the water for a little fishing. The Townsend Wye is a popular spot for people to swim and splash on a hot summer day, and of course, Cades Cove is one of the best places to go in the park (more on that soon).

There are endless trails to take advantage of – like Abrams Falls, and you can also enjoy a picnic in the Cades Cove Picnic Area. The moment I drive into the national park, I breathe a sigh of relief because everything feels different in the Smokies. It is a feeling you can only understand if you spend time in the mountains yourself.

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is one stop you simply must make in Townsend. Serving the community as a hub of activities, it holds within it the heart of the town’s spirit. The Heritage Center is a living museum where you experience the hard, meticulous work that goes into restoring these old cabins and preserving this precious history. The museum portion is enough to make a day trip to Townsend well worth it alone.

Learn about the Appalachian culture from the Cherokee people to the settlers in the land. Keep an eye on their list of events, as they host multiple events all throughout the year – from historical insights to live musical performances. So whether you are catching a show, attending an event, or simply exploring the old buildings, this place captures what it's like to be a Townsend local.

Townsend Activities & Attractions

Cades Cove

When it comes to activities in Townsend, Cades Cove is my absolute favorite. This scenic one-lane and 11-mile-long loop is filled with unparalleled beauty. We love driving slowly and keeping an eye out for black bears – our record for the most bears we have seen in one day was 22! There is a lot of history tucked into this lowland area of the park, with old restored cabins from the 1700s scattered across the valley. Each one you can see and even explore including two historical churches.

There are a few things you should know if you plan to add this drive to your Smoky Mountains adventure. Cades Cove is open year-round, and if you drive through in the winter after a snow storm, you will be treated to lovely snow-capped peaks in the background. Although the bears in the Smokies don’t technically hibernate, they are far less active during the colder months, so you most likely won't see a bear, however, I have seen countless deer during the winter.

In the summer, this drive gets busy – you can expect to spend 2-3 hours on the loop, mostly in bumper-to-bumper traffic. This is when bears are the most active, though, and when I have seen our record number of bears. If you are patient and willing to soak in the excitement at a slow pace, then you will be rewarded greatly. Cades Cove also closes to vehicular traffic on Wednesdays from May to September to allow those who want to hike and bike to enjoy the area. This accessible place in the park is one of the number one places I recommend going in the Smokies and a place I have taken many family members who are visiting from out of state.

Tuckalachee Caverns

Tuckalachee Caverns is another unique and interesting place in Townsend to visit. This cave is home to the world's most sensitive seismic station; It is so accurate that it has even detected nuclear testing in North Korea and registered the devastating tsunamis in Japan. Take a tour into the belly of the earth and you will be treated to some gorgeous rock formations and unique features.

An underground river flows through the cavern, and you will even see an underground waterfall along the way. To me, the story of how the cave was discovered by two small boys was one of the most interesting parts of the tour. I won’t ruin this fun and exciting story – you will just have to book your time and take the adventure underground to learn it from your tour guide.

Shops & Boutiques In Townsend

Shopping in Townsend isn't your typical downtown marketplace – its country shops and general stores are more isolated, but so worth visiting.

One such shop is the Apply Valley General Store. Here, you will find people hanging out and eating with their families, kids running around on the lawn, and people connecting while having fun. You can sip on a milkshake or shop for various goods – from homemade jams to hand-crafted goods.

Mountain Brothers General Store is another excellent country store. Although it is technically located in Wears Valley, it exemplifies old-fashioned general store culture with squeaky floorboards, various unique items, and, of course, that good ole southern hospitality we all love.

Restaurants In Townsend

Breakfast: Apple Valley Cafe

To start your day on the right foot, head on over to Apple Valley Cafe. As previously mentioned, Apple Valley General Store is an excellent place to do some shopping, but before you do, make sure you fill up on a big plate of Papa Bear Pancakes. All of your standard breakfast classics are represented here – from bacon and eggs to a big heaping of biscuits & gravy.

Lunch: The Abby

The Abby was once an abandoned wedding chapel sitting dormant to the chagrin of those who called the town home. It was a shame to see something that was once an iconic part of the history and lives of so many left to rot.

That is, until someone swooped in and decided to use the property as a restored restaurant. Still maintaining the structure and stunning glory it once had, you will now find groups of people gathering over a meal. The menu offers a variety, so you are sure to find something delicious for a lunchtime meal.

Dinner: The Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

If you have been looking for a sophisticated dinner spot, why not pick one of the top dining experiences in the country located right here in Townsend? The Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is a romantic setting – with low-level light, fireplaces, campfires outside, and plenty of ambient brilliance to let the sparks fly. Even if you are not there on a date, you are sure to fall in love with the food. The kitchen staff works tirelessly to create a unique and ever-changing menu filled with Appalachian tastes and twists on classic dishes served around the world. This restaurant is meant to be a journey for your taste buds as you embark on it with the ones you love the most.

DessertL The Chocolate B'ar of Townsend

When your sweet tooth comes calling, it's time to find some desserts, and The Chocolate B’ar is ready to answer. Browse the selection of homemade chocolates and pastries, or grab a specialty coffee with a friend. These decadent desserts snap in your mouth with rich, bold, flavors. These treats go beyond your typical candy store offerings and give guests a chocolatey choice while in Townsend.

Nature In And Around Townsend

The Little River

Everyone loves a winding river through the mountains and countryside, which is exactly what you will find with the Little River. If you travel through the Smokies, you will have a chance to drive alongside it with many places to pull over and get down to the water. There are waterfalls and fishing spots, I have even seen people tie a rope so they can float in an innertube.

A popular spot is the Townsend Wye, where on a hot day, you can find many people lounging around sunbathing and splashing in the shallow water. For a true lazy river experience, stop by River Rats to rent a tube and leisurely float down the water. There is something so tranquil about drifting down with the cadence of the current. Whatever way you decide to use the water, this ionic river is a wonderfully charming part of Townsend.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

I saved the best for last – the Great Smoky Mountains. The national park makes Townsend special, and one visit is all it takes to realize that it truly is the “Peaceful side of the Smokies.” Take a leisurely drive through Cades Cove or along the Little River Gorge Road. There are countless seasonal waterfalls along the way as well as history hidden in the mountains, swimming holes, and hiking trails – all within the borders of Townsend. You can spend days exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, and that is just one of the many reasons why this is my favorite national park.

As you can see, there are many things to do in Townsend. It isn’t just well worth a trip but a place I would highly recommend for anyone to visit. If you are planning a trip to the Smokies, make sure you reserve some time to explore this charming mountain town trust me, you won’t regret it.

I use and recommend the AllTrails app while planning hikes. It's helped me more times than I can count. Another option is to allow an expert guide to lead you through the Great Smoky Mountains with this jeep tour. That way, you get first-hand experience from a professional local.

No matter what you decide to do, a visit to this charming small mountain town is completely worth it. I have been many times, and every time I do, it fills me with joy that the Smokies have a historic and rural spot in addition to the fun you will find in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Townsend truly is a place that has many opportunities for activities and is a warm and inviting spot to relax while enjoying the mountains.