Visit Townsend, Tennessee, For A Change Of Pace
Posted by Leif Palmer in Things to Do
More than 10 million people come to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee each year. During peak seasons like summer and October, that's a lot of folks making their through, in and around the communities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. For many vacationers, it's the recipe for a vibrant, fun-filled adventure in the Smokies.
Others, however, prefer their Smoky Mountain experience to be a little more laid-back, and for those folks, we'd like to recommend spending a day or more in Townsend, Tennessee, which is only about a 15-minute drive from Wears Valley on U.S. Hwy. 321.
Once you're there, you'll immediately notice how the pace is a little slower, and there's not quite the density of development you'll find in the other towns. But you'll still discover a lot to do in Townsend, and this week, we'll share a few of the highlights you might want to investigate for yourself.
Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center
Learn all about the history of the region – from the first native inhabitants to the formation of the national park – at this interactive museum. The self-guided tour has authentic relics and hands-on displays that make area history come alive. The indoor tour is complemented by authentic outdoor exhibits like mills, barns and homesteads.
Inner Tubing
Once spring and summer roll around, you'll be able to partake in a long-standing Townsend tradition – inner tubing in the Little River. There's no better way to beat the heat of a summer day than lying back in an inner tube and floating lazily down the river. Several vendors in town will set you up with a tour, including Smoky Mountain River Rat and River Rage.
Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum
This roadside attraction tells the story of how the lumber and railroad industries transformed Townsend from a sleepy mountain village to a vibrant center of commerce in the early 1900s, prior to the formation of the national park. The indoor exhibits convey much of the information, but you can also see restored train components outside the main building. It's free, but donations are encouraged.
Tuckaleechee Caverns
For decades, this attraction has been drawing people to the Smokies with its underground cavern tour. It's a steady 57 degrees inside all year long, and guests get to see a host of fascinating rock formations along the way as they also learn about Smokies history.
The Townsend Greenway
You may not notice it from the main road through town, but there's a paved greenway trail that runs the entire length of the city on both sides of the highway. In all, the trail runs almost 10 miles, and is a great way for bicyclists and runners to see the sights of town and perhaps stop at a shop or restaurant along the way.
Outdoor Adventure
You'll find several outfitters in town who are geared to take guests on a variety of fun outdoor excursions like horseback riding, ziplining, fly fishing, ATV rides and more. Look for businesses like Next to Heaven Adventures, Mountain Trax UTV Rentals and Davy Crockett Riding Stables, to mention just a few.
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in the Smoky Mountains. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.
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Gatlinburg Hiking Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge Attractions Places To Eat Places To Eat Rental Cabins Seasons Smoky Mountains Sevierville Smoky Mountain Attractions Smoky Mountains Things to Do Wears Valley