Townsend, TN
Special Through Every Season
This peaceful town has events, festivals, and activities for every season, providing a unique experience even for the most outgoing individuals.
"The Gateway to Cades Cove"
Townsend is known as "The Gateway to Cades Cove"
Located just outside of Townsend, Cades Cove is a lush extensive valley in the Smoky Mountains. This picturesque valley is surrounded by an 11-mile loop and features multiple locations to view wildlife and enjoy the natural scenery.
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In addition to white-tailed deer, there have been sightings of elk, black bear, groundhog, coyote, wild turkey, skunk, raccoon and other animals.
There is an extensive trail system in Cades Cove as well as campgrounds to help you get close to nature. Below are just some of the attractions available in Cades Cove.
Things To Do
Exploring Townsend
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Vee Hollow Bike Trail
Vee Hollow is a 14-mile mountain bike trail network, free to use and open year-round.
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Green-Beginner
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Blue – Intermediate
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Black – Advanced
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Double Black – Expert
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Click here to find out more!
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Cades Cove Nature Trail
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Enjoy this short loop or pair it with other nearby trails including the five-mile roundtrip trail to Abrams Falls and longer hikes to Thunderhead Mountain and Rocky Top.
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Click here to find out more!
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Dancing Bear Lodge
Our Townsend TN restaurant offers a refined assortment of regionally inspired dishes — all served amongst the rustic surroundings of the Smoky Mountains. Enjoy a cocktail or beer on our patio amidst the calming wooded vistas. Warm up by the fire pit while making s’mores. Take in the breathtaking nature that surrounds, on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Click here to navigate to an exquisite food option.
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Outdoor Adventure
Townsend is layered with interesting things to do, from underground wonders to high mountain vistas. Explore the history, music and beauty of the peaceful side of the Smokies. Travel by horse, inner tube, bike or one foot. Adventure is everywhere.
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We have events year-round including but not limited to:
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- Hot Air Balloon Festival - Fall Festival
- Scottish Festival & Games - Hops in the Hills
- Grains & Grits - Summer on Broadway
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Click here for more information!
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Seasonal Events
From Christmas lights to synchronous firefly displays to pottery, Scottish, or hot air balloon festivals, check out Townsend's events calendar to stay up-to-date on what events are happening during your stay in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
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Click here for the events calendar!
Tuckaleechee Caverns
The beauty of nature doesn’t end above ground. Tuckaleechee Caverns is known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies”. It is opened to the public with a mile-long guided tour. The tour includes the Big Room which is over 400 ft long, 300 ft across, and 150 ft deep. It features 24 ft tall stalagmites, and a 210 ft high double waterfall called Silver Falls.
Spruce Flats Falls
The falls themselves can be reached by walking the trail from the visitor center at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute. The walk is roughly 2 miles but can be a bit steep and rocky at times. The view of the falls will be well worth the effort though. The falls’ main section is approximately 30 ft.
Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome holds the distinction of being the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 ft. The observation tower located on the summit of Clingmans Dome allows visitors a 360° view of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, it is possible to see for over 100 miles. There are several trails that either start at or cross this point, and the Appalachian Trail is one of them.
Foothills Parkway
If you are looking for the most scenic drive in the smokies, the Foothills Parkway loop is a must! With beautiful scenery and spectacular views year-round, this drive is a perfect introduction to the smokies without the rigor of hiking. This loop will take you from the bottom of the parkway up and through the multitude of breathtaking lookouts and back down to the quaint town of Wears Valley.