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.

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 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€69
17 Aug - 18 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! (1,001 reviews)
Great stay!
"Front desk and breakfast staff very nice and professional. Plenty of breakfast options. Room exceptionally clean and comfortable. The extra sink in the bathroom was great!! Looking forward to stay again next trip."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Best Western Cades Cove Inn
Tremont Lodge & Resort

Tremont Lodge & Resort

3 out of 5
7726 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
The price is €115 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
€115
19 Aug - 20 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! (412 reviews)
"N"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Tremont Lodge & Resort
Highland Manor Inn

Highland Manor Inn

3 out of 5
7766 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
The price is €128 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€128
1 Sept - 2 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! (708 reviews)
Great Place to stay in Townsend
"Staff was excellent. Room was great. Will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 11 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.
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! (20 reviews)
Beautiful Cabin at the Golf Course
"The Cabin was perfect, and the fact that is close to the golf course is a bonus. Townsend is the best place to stay, it's close to Cades Cove, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Heavenly Cabin Look NO Further - Hot Tub
Cozy 2-bed/2bath riverfront condo in amazing Townsend with WiFi, AC

Cozy 2-bed/2bath riverfront condo in amazing Townsend with WiFi, AC

Townsend
Stay at this vacation home in Townsend. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Tube Junction and Shadows of the Past Hiking/Biking ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Dwight was very nice and understanding about check in. We appreciated that so much.
"Had no problems. Stay was very nice except Wi-Fi was little sketchie. We loved the river and the quietness. Would differently stay again."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Cozy 2-bed/2bath riverfront condo in amazing Townsend with WiFi, AC
Yellow Door Cabin - Family-friendly cabin near Smoky Mountains*Hot Tub*Fire Pit*

Yellow Door Cabin - Family-friendly cabin near Smoky Mountains*Hot Tub*Fire Pit*

Townsend
Stay at this cabin in Townsend. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions River Rage Go-Kart Track and Great Smoky Mountains ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (246 reviews)
"It was great except for the dogs barking. It was clean and well laid out and had everything we needed for our stay. It was quiet and very private. Loved our stay!"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Yellow Door Cabin - Family-friendly cabin near Smoky Mountains*Hot Tub*Fire Pit*
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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