Townsend

Travel Guide

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

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 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 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 S$148 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
S$148
23 Jun - 24 Jun
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Clean, convenient hotel. Decent breakfast. Very friendly staff. Pool was permanently closed."

Reviewed on 7 Jun, 2025

Best Western Cades Cove Inn
Tremont Lodge & Resort
Tremont Lodge & Resort
2 out of 5
7726 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$172 per night from 15 Jun to 16 Jun
S$172
15 Jun - 16 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Townsend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (351 reviews)
"Bathroom could have been a little cleaner."

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 2025

Tremont Lodge & Resort
Talley Ho Inn
Talley Ho Inn
2 out of 5
8314 Tennessee 73, Townsend, TN
The price is S$193 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
S$193
24 Jun - 25 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Townsend. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions River Rage Go-Kart Track and Great Smoky Mountains Heritage ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Good spot
"You are close to everything including cades cove. Good spot to stay if you are visiting Townsend. Paved walking trail in front of hotel."

Reviewed on 26 May, 2025

Talley Ho 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.
Placemakr Premier SoBro
Placemakr Premier SoBro
4 out of 5
205 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Nashville. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,668 reviews)
"It was very convenient to everywhere we wanted to be. We loved our stay."

Reviewed on 7 Jun, 2025

Placemakr Premier SoBro
Mint House at The Reserve - Nashville
Mint House at The Reserve - Nashville
4 out of 5
301 Rosa L Parks Ave, Nashville, TN
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Nashville. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,932 reviews)
"3.5 stars it is a good stay"

Reviewed on 7 Jun, 2025

Mint House at The Reserve - Nashville
Sentral Sobro
Sentral Sobro
4 out of 5
516 Lea Avenue, Nashville, TN
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Nashville. Enjoy a fitness center, parking (surcharge), and onsite car rentals. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,426 reviews)
"Very nice property, but communication not so good at times. Pool area got loud and rowdy on several occasions"

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 2025

Sentral Sobro
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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