Townsend
The Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Townsend is a quiet mountain community that sets a change of pace from the rest of the Smoky Mountain region. Just miles away from the bustling towns of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Townsend is the quintessential Appalachian town, full of rich heritage and surrounded by breathtaking nature.
Townsend lies in the beautiful Tuckaleechee Cove, a mountain valley at the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Little River descends from the mountains into the heart of town, making it a natural gathering place for recreation. The clean and clear mountain waters are used often for swimming, fishing, kayaking and tubing.
With such convenient access to the Smoky Mountains, Townsend is popular for outdoor enthusiasts. From biking and hiking to golfing and fishing, there is an endless number of ways to enjoy the outdoors around Townsend—especially next door at the most visited national park in the country.
While the surrounding nature looks so pristine and untouched, this beautiful valley has actually been inhabited for thousands of years. In fact, evidence of inhabitants as early as 10,000 years ago was unearthed at a recent archaeological dig. Adding to that long history is a rich Appalachian heritage and the thriving logging industry of the past. Historic sites, museums and trails give visitors a taste of this town’s rich history, from the historic railroad to the life of Native Americans. The Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center displays artifacts and highlights the major periods in the region’s history, all the way from 3000 B.C. to 1930.
An excellent way to combine recreation and history is to take a ride on the historic bike trail, an eight-mile route right through Townsend. Grab a brochure at the Townsend Visitors Center and then follow the markers—they point out historic sites and explain important historic periods.
Townsend is also adjacent to Cades Cove, a once-thriving mountain community built in the 1800s. Today, an 11-mile driving loop takes visitors back in time as they explore a working grist mill and other historical buildings and churches. Re-enactments, a visitor center and an interpretation facility make it one of the most popular attractions in the Smokies.
No matter where you want to explore during your vacation, the quaint town of Townsend is the perfect place to stay. Choose from many types of accommodations—cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts abound across the landscape as do campgrounds. And if you’re tired from all your outdoor adventures, Townsend is the perfect mountain town in which you can spend a low-key day. In the town’s charming shops, art galleries and antique stores, you’ll find one-of-a-kind items, mountain-style crafts, original art and sweet Southern hospitality with a smile.