Townsend

Travel Guide
Cades Cove showing forest scenes and mountains as well as a small group of people
This peaceful gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a family-friendly town with caves, museums, scenic drives and hiking trails.

Prepare for a vacation of outdoor adventures, wildlife spotting and Appalachian heritage in Townsend. This easygoing town sits in the heart of Tuckaleechee Cove, a scenic valley at the edge of the Smoky Mountains. Townsend’s striking countryside ranges from wildflower meadows to dense woodland, lazy rivers and meandering creeks. Hike to mountain peaks, marvel at thundering waterfalls, visit pioneer homes and explore historic trails.

Get an in-depth insight into the Smokies and examine millennia-old objects at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Learn about the region’s railroading history at the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum. Discover local legends and learn about Southern Appalachian culture on the 10-mile-long (16-kilometer) Shadows of the Past Hiking/Biking Trail. Interpretive signs provide information about archaeological grounds, early settler homes and other sites.

Admire curious limestone rock formations, including a 12-foot-tall (3.7-meter) stalagmite and icicle-like stalactites, at Tuckaleechee Caverns. Hike the Rich Mountain Loop trail and be rewarded with superb views over the Smoky Mountains.

Visit Cades Cove, one of the most popular areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Appreciate the pristine landscapes while driving along Cades Cove Loop road. Walk to Abrams Falls and Laurel Falls. Glimpse the life of European settlers at John Cable Grist Mill and the Primitive Baptist Church, among many 19th-century landmarks. Spot black bears, coyote, deer and elk.

Enjoy thrill-seeking fun by joining a tubing adventure on the Little River. Cross the Dark Island Swinging Bridge, one of two swinging bridges in Townsend. Alternatively, play a round of golf at the Laurel Valley Golf Course.

Townsend is about a 3-hour drive east of Nashville and a 4-hour drive north of Atlanta, Georgia. Visit in May for the Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timers Day. Watch bluegrass concerts, browse artisan stalls and sample typical Tennessee fare.

Best Western Cades Cove Inn
Best Western Cades Cove Inn
2.5 out of 5
7824 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
The price is €85 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€85
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Townsend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Advertised breakfast but when we got there we were told ‘cold breakfast only.’ Basically cereal & blueberry muffin. Everything else was good. Bed comfortable."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Best Western Cades Cove Inn
Tremont Lodge & Resort
Tremont Lodge & Resort
2 out of 5
7726 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
The price is €92 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€92
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Townsend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (28 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Tremont Lodge & Resort
Highland Manor Inn
Highland Manor Inn
3 out of 5
7766 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €148 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€148
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star motel in Townsend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (567 reviews)
"Very quite area and the room was very clean and comfortable, we enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Highland Manor Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Amazing Log Cabin with Awesome Views!
Amazing Log Cabin with Awesome Views!
Townsend
Stay at this family-friendly cabin in Townsend. Enjoy a water park, WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Next To Heaven and Great Smoky Mountains Heritage ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (111 reviews)
Very nice cabin!!
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The cabin was exactly as described and very easy to find. We had 4 adults and 3 girls, ages 17. The cabin held us all perfectly. Thank you for a wonderful time."

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2024

Amazing Log Cabin with Awesome Views!
Cozy Cabin, walk to Cades Cove and just minutes from Gatlinburg with a view!
Cozy Cabin, walk to Cades Cove and just minutes from Gatlinburg with a view!
Townsend
Stay at this cabin in Townsend. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Cades Cove and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
Quiet and peaceful
"Cabin was excellent. Super clean and well appointed. Beds were great, plenty of hot water and good internet. Remote but fairly close to restaurants and stores. Really enjoyed it."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Cozy Cabin, walk to Cades Cove and just minutes from Gatlinburg with a view!
TOTAL PRIVACY & SECLUDED Romantic ❤ Cabin Near Cades Cove with Hot Tub!
TOTAL PRIVACY & SECLUDED Romantic ❤ Cabin Near Cades Cove with Hot Tub!
Townsend
Stay at this cabin in Townsend. Enjoy a water park, an in-room DVD player, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Laurel Valley Golf Course and Tuckaleechee ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (87 reviews)
Cozy stay
"Perfect location . Close enough to get you where you wanna be in a short amount of time but away from the busy busy areas. The best part was how secluded the cabin was!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

TOTAL PRIVACY & SECLUDED Romantic ❤ Cabin Near Cades Cove with Hot Tub!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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