TOWNSEND

Townsend, along with Gatlinburg, is the other great entrance to the Smoky Mountain National Park here in Tennessee. A lot of things here in Sevier and surrounding counties all claim to be the "nestled in the heart" of the Smokies, but you're only going to find that in Gatlinburg and Townsend, TN. Townsend is an excellent alternative, or compliment if you so choose, to Gatlinburg. There are much fewer conventional attractions, fewer places to get lost, and a much, much simpler approach to an incorporated appreciation of the Smoky Mountains.

Townsend is, largely, one main road from Little Greenbrier to Maryville and Alcoa on the way to Knoxville. Alongside it runs the Little River, which is the big draw to the little town. Millions of people come through every year once it gets warm to wade, raft, swim and soak up the water from the Little River here in Townsend. It doesn't get any more natural then for a family to dive deep into dark, lush greenery, park a picnic blanket on the rocks, and swim the Earth's water near the National Park!

But just because Townsend takes a much more natural approach to the Mountains, it doesn't mean there isn't anything else to do or anywhere to stay. Let's take a look

Townsend, TN Restaurants/Places to Eat

Trailhead Restaurant - 7839 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882-4032
(865) 448-0166

Deadbeat Pete's - 7613 Old State Highway 73, Townsend, TN 37882-3903
(865) 448-0900

Carriage House Restaurant - 8310 State Highway 73, Townsend, TN 37882-4303
(865) 448-2263

Back Porch Restaurant - 7018 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882
(865) 448-6333

Miss Lily's Cafe Florist and Catering - 7765 River Road Townsend, TN 37882-4017
(865) 448-1924

Apple Valley Kitchen - 7138 East Lamar Alexander Parkway Townsend, TN 37882-3801
(865) 448-1232

Tuckaleechee Trout Farm Restaurant - 142 Tipton Road, Townsend, TN
(865) 448-2290

Smokin' Joe's Bar-B-Que - 8303 State Hwy 73, Townsend, TN
(865) 448-3212

Hearth & Kettle - 7767 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN?
(865) 448-6059

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Attractions/Things to See

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is the treasure of Townsend and the Tennessee section of the Smoky Mountains. It's the closest thing to you'll get to stepping back into time when the mountains were building their Appalachian cultures and traditions and see everything you've read in books and seen on PBS.

Cades Cove offers Biking, Hiking, Fishing, Backcountry camping, Horseriding stables nearby, and more. There's a reason millions of people come to Cades Cove every year, many of them perennially. And Townsend is a great place to stay during your trip to Cades Cove. You wanted quiet and as much natural beauty as the mountains can show? You came to the right place.

See www.cadescove.net for more information including safety regulations and other essential information for visiting Cades Cove

Tuckaleechee Caverns - Everyone always comes to the Smokies to see the mountains, but why not get really creative and see what’s underneath it? Tuckaleechee Caverns are the 20-30 million years old and it's been open to the public since 1931. Anything that stays open that long and still draws thousands and thousands of visitors a year is worth checking out!
Tuckaleechee Caverns - 825 Cavern Road Townsend, TN 37882
(865) 448-2274
www.tuckaleecheecaverns.com

River Rage Tubing and Shuttle - River Rage offers tubing and shuttle services to the Little River in Townsend. They have three locations and also offer Private River Access, River Store and Gift Shop, Litle River Barbecue, Go Carts, AC Vans, Showers and Restrooms. River Rage Tubing and Shuttle - 8307 State Highway 73 TOWNSEND, TN 37882
(865) 448-8000

Hey Kids - experience the Smokies Online before you even get here!

Online Science Lessons directly from the National Park
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/dispatches-main.htm

Online Games!
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/forteachers/onlinegames.htm

Become a Web Ranger!
http://www.nps.gov/webrangers/

Select from Cove Mountain's many mountain cabins.  One Bedroom, Two Bedroom, Three Bedroom, Four Bedroom, Five Bedroom, Large Group Cabins, Cabin Special Deals