Townsend

Travel Guide

Townsend showing a house, tranquil scenes and forest scenes
Cades Cove showing forest scenes and mountains as well as a small group of people
Cades Cove which includes forest scenes
Townsend
Cades Cove showing mountains and tranquil scenes

This peaceful gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National ParkOpens in a new window is a family-friendly town with caves, museums, scenic drives and hiking trails.

Prepare for a holiday 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 Centre. 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-kilometre) 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-metre) 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 CoveOpens in a new window, 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 NashvilleOpens in a new window and a 4-hour drive north of AtlantaOpens in a new window, Georgia. Visit in May for the Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timers Day. Watch bluegrass concerts, browse artisan stalls and sample typical Tennessee fare.

Tremont Lodge & Resort

Tremont Lodge & Resort

3 out of 5
7726 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €116 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€116
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Townsend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (421 reviews)
Great area!
"The hotel was located conveniently within Townsend. There have been noticeable improvements made to the property and rooms. We stayed near the indoor pool, which was also nice. Some of the parking is tight but manageable if not sold out."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Tremont Lodge & Resort
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 €69 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€69
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Townsend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"It was very clean. I liked that they had rocking chairs to set in outside"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Best Western Cades Cove Inn
Highland Manor Inn

Highland Manor Inn

3 out of 5
7766 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
The price is €128 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
€128
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Townsend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (711 reviews)
Great little spot
"Hotel was great. Staff was super friendly. Pool was clean and relaxing"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

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.
Log Cabin, walk to Cades Cove and just minutes from Gatlinburg with a view!

Log Cabin, walk to Cades Cove and just minutes from Gatlinburg with a view!

Townsend
Stay at this cabin in Townsend. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cades Cove and Tuckaleechee Caverns are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (128 reviews)
"Check in was seamless, house was clean, quiet, easy to find, and exactly as advertised. My little family had a WONDERFUL experience! The hostess was thoughtful and easy to communicate with. Overall, we really couldn't have asked for more! LAlready looking forward to returning next year!"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Log Cabin, walk to Cades Cove and just minutes from Gatlinburg with a view!
Trails End, your own private retreat in the Smokies!

Trails End, your own private retreat in the Smokies!

2 out of 5
Townsend
Stay at this cabin in Townsend. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Cades Cove and Laurel Valley Golf Course ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"Everything you need for an at home experience in the smokies."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Trails End, your own private retreat in the Smokies!
Heavenly Cabin Look NO Further - Hot Tub

Heavenly Cabin Look NO Further - Hot Tub

2 out of 5
Townsend
Stay at this cabin in Townsend. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Cades Cove and Laurel Valley Golf Course are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Good
"L"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Heavenly Cabin Look NO Further - 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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