Townsend

Travel Guide

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

Tremont Lodge & Resort

Tremont Lodge & Resort

3 out of 5
7726 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
The price is P5,571 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P5,571
P7,833 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Townsend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (403 reviews)
"Hot tub in the indoor pool wasn't working and water in indoor pool was cold. Everything else was fine."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 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 P4,606 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P4,606
P5,286 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Everything was immaculate. The hot breakfast was delicious, and there was a great variety. The owners were friendly and made sure to welcome you. We look forward to returning!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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 P7,585 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P7,585
P8,704 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (702 reviews)
"Large pretty property. Quiet. Very clean."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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.
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! (2,768 reviews)
Great location, nice property overall
"They were difficult to reach ahead of the trip but once we arrived it was awesome. Great staff. Great, clean property. Ideal place when you need a two bed two bath setup. It’s d definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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! (2,001 reviews)
"It was quiet, clean, and close to downtown attractions."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Mint House at The Reserve - Nashville
Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg

Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg

3 out of 5
315 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and ...
6.2/10 (89 reviews)
"Very nice stay for the price. Newly renovated, simple and clean."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg
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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