Townsend Things to Do

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The Little River Lumber Company was the largest employer in the valley and owned a great portion of what has become the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Railroad was used to bring the timber from out of the mountains to the mills located in the open flats around the current museum. It's employees became the heart and movers of Townsend. Today, the museum includes several buildings (Elkmont Post Office, Walland Depot, set-off house, adn watertower) and equipment [Shay 2147 (Class C, 70 Ton, Built 1909), and log loader]. It opens on a regular, but limited schedule.

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The Mountain Heritage Museum includes indoor and outdoor exhibits. The interior exhibits includes a history of the mountains from the Native American Indians through the Pioneer and Mountain Culture. Exhibits include a postal wagon, farming vehicles, a surrey, a freight wagon, and road construction equipment. The outdoor exhibits are structures that have been brought into the cove so that they are more accessible to visitors. The Historic Buildings include: The Cardwell Log Cabin, The Montvale Station, Smokehouse, Two Cantilever Barns, Set-off House from Little River Lumber Company, Wheelwright Shop, Sawmill, Underground Still/Shed, and a Granary.

There are several rental places in Townsend, where you can rent a tube and drift down the Little River. The river is not vary deep (check with the local companies in the spring), so it's fun for the entire family.

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This is a great location to spend time in Cades Cove. It's the closest lodging (other than a park campground) to the Cove. It also has access to the rivers and trails of the area. See my Smoky Mountain page for details.

They call it the 'Quiet side of the Smoky's' for a good reason. While on holiday weekends, no place is quiet (same goes for spring blossom and fall color weekends), This place is a lot less noisy (cars, people, motorbikes), than any of the other access points. You can find a cabin or a motel room and actually sit out front and read with little traffice bothering you.

For a leisurely afternoon, rent a bike or walk the 4.45 loop trail through this small town. There are places along the way that you can stop and take in the mountain view and learn a little of the history of the area. Trail starts at the visitor's center and is a fairly flat paved trail if you are going to bike it!

For a leisurely afternoon, rent a bike or walk the 4.45 loop trail through this small town. There are places along the way that you can stop and take in the mountain view and learn a little of the history of the area. Trail starts at the visitor's center and is a fairly flat paved trail if you are going to bike it!

This river runs through town and into the park and offers a variety of activities. Fishing is among the most popular! Tennesse has some strict regulations so be sure to check them out before you cast! REGULATIONS ARE DIFFERENT INSIDE THE NATIONAL PARK! If fishing isn't your thing, try tubing, canoeing or kayaking. There are many places along Hwy 321...check the visitor's center for more info!

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Townsend lies adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park near the Cades Cove entrance. The Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11 mile, one way motor vehicle road that takes you through a peaceful valley surrounded by mountain peaks. There are over 1,500 kinds of flowering plants, deer, black bears, historic structures, and even a fully operational grist mill. Allow 2 to three hours to complete the trip. We got out at most places so it took us a little longer. Truly a relaxing, beautiful drive!

In addition, there are an abundance of hiking trails, camping, horseback riding, bicycling, and hayrides!

Any information you need about Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas can be found at the Townsend Visitors Center. Of course, there is a gift shop, but you can get maps, directions, and business information from the friendly, helpful staff, as well.

All businesses in Townsend are located on Highway 321, the "main drag" through town. This road leads you straight into the park.