Townsend is part of Tuckaleechee Cove, a beautiful valley at the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The name comes from the Cherokee tribe and means peaceful, green place. The Townsend area has lots of green space, where people can stroll or bicycle along the pathways and enjoy views of wooded hills, fields and well-kept homes and gardens on the side roads.
Tubing In Townsend
If you've ever driven through the peaceful side of the Smokies, you've probably seen piles of yellow tubes next to the Little River. Townsend is home to Smoky Mountain River Rat, the best place in the Smoky Mountains for tubing. You'll find their outpost just north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance.
River Rat
Restaurants in Townsend, TN
Looking for a bite to eat? Consider stopping by the peaceful side of the Smokies and checking out some delicious restaurants in Townsend, TN. This quaint location has lots to offer; you'll be delighted by the delicious cuisine options at some of the finer dining dinner spots and elated by the cozy patios where you can enjoy lunch on a warm, sunny day.
Restaurants in Townsend, TN
The Townsend Wye
If you're interested in getting your feet wet and exploring the Smokies on your own, stop by the Townsend Wye. Just past the entrance to the national park is the Townsend intersection with Laurel Creek Road and Little River Gorge Road. Visitors leaving the Great Smoky Mountains will recognize it as the split to head toward Gatlinburg or Townsend.
Townsend Wye
Hiking In Townsend
There are several hiking trails on this side of the national park. West of Laurel Creek Road you'll find Chestnut Top, Schoolhouse Gap, Turkeypen Ridge, and Crib Gap trail, among others. There are countless popular hikes from the Cades Cove area as well, including Abrams Falls, the Rich Mountain Loop, and Spence & Russell Field. West of the Townsend Wye you will find the trailhead for Meigs Creek Trail at The Sinks.
Cades Cove
Enjoy the wildlife and history of spectacular Cades Cove, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Want to learn as you go, enjoy the scenery, and let someone else drive? For a fun and educational trip led by a knowledgeable guide in a comfortable, fuel efficient 19 passenger van, take the Cades Cove Heritage Tour, leaving from a parking area adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend.
Cades Cove
Smoky Mountain Heritage Center
Another institution dedicated to educate and preserve Townsend’s beautiful heritage and natural surroundings is The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Between gallery exhibits, educational programs and demonstrations there is always something happening at The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. They are open seven days a week and are located under two miles from Highway 321, for detailed directions and hours of operation call 865-448-0044.
Foothills Parkway
Townsend is host to one of the most beautiful drives in America along the Foothills Parkway. Today motorists can enjoy a 33 mile drive along this scenic byway from Sevier County all the way to Chilhowee Lake. If you're visiting Townsend in the fall, we highly recommend hopping on the parkway in Walland (just north of Townsend) and heading east toward Wears Valley.
Foothills Parkway
Little River Railroad
Flowing out of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with headwaters above Elkmont, is the Little River. Little River became famous far beyond the regional area in which it flows by playing a large part in railroads. There is a Little River Railroad and Lumber Museum located in Townsend dedicated to preserving the heritage and showcasing the innovations that came from the area.
Bird Watching
With a combination of open fields, forests, farms, and streams, Townsend, Tuckaleechee Cove, and surrounding areas are wonderful for bird watching. Ducks, geese, and herons swim and wade in the Little River, colorful warblers and other songbirds migrate through the tress in spring and fall, and the Foothills Parkway is a hawk migration route. Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another excellent birding hotspot.
Upcoming Events in Townsend
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Apr 21, 2023 - Apr 22, 2023
Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair
Explore your creativity, add to your skills and pursue interests in the fiber arts. Vendors will offer demonstrations, supplies, tools, hand...
Talley Ho Inn
Apr 19, 2023 - Apr 22, 2023
Bronco Super Celebration
The Bronco Super Celebration is an annual car show in Townsend, TN. The four day event is the world's largest Bronco enthusiast gathering - ...
Townsend Visitors Center
Apr 27, 2023 - Apr 29, 2023
Smokey Mountain Street Dreams
Smokey Mountain Street Dreams, presented by K&K Hot Rods is a new car show in Townsend, TN celebrating the sharpest antique street cars ...
Townsend Visitors Center
May 6, 2023
Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival
The 2023 Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival is scheduled for May 6 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The event features super surprise guest speaker...
Talley Ho Inn
May 12, 2023 - May 13, 2023
Blount County British Car Show
Each year, the Blount County British Car Show draws cars from all states surrounding and including Tennessee. Blount British Cars, Ltd. has ...
Townsend Visitors Center
May 20, 2023 - May 21, 2023
Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games
The Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games in Townsend is the leading, and one of the oldest, celebrations of all things Scottish. The e...
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Jun 3, 2023
Tastes of the Smokies
Celebrate the tastes of Appalachian culture with regional food, music, and history at Tastes of the Smokies, an annual community event benef...
Talley Ho Inn
Jul 15, 2023 - Jul 16, 2023
Summer Jam Volkswagen Car Show
Summer Jam will feature a huge display of air and water-cooled Volkswagens vying for tops in their vehicle category, bicycle show, new and u...
Townsend Visitors Center
Aug 19, 2023
Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival
Join us for a summertime spectacle, when several professional balloonist light up the evening sky with a beautiful balloon glow. The sky wil...
Townsend Visitors Center
Sep 29, 2023 - Sep 30, 2023
Townsend Fall Heritage Festival
A celebration of our mountain heritage with bluegrass music, Appalachian skills, arts and crafts, storytelling, antique tractors and good fo...
Townsend Visitors Center
Nov 4, 2023
Townsend Grains & Grits Festival
The Townsend Grains & Grits Festival is a festival of southern spirits and gourmet grub. Come experience our thriving craft spirits and gour...
Cades Cove
Nov 12, 2023
Cades Cove Loop Lope
The Cades Cove Loop Lope is the only organized footrace held inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to benefit Friends of the Smokies. ...
For more events in the area, be sure to check our our full Smoky Mountain events calendar.
