Things to do & places to visit in Townsend, Tennessee, United States

Townsend city in Tennessee, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 19:52.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Tuckaleechee Caverns (2.803 reviews)
- Just go!!
Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves

Tuckaleechee Caverns is a massive cave / cavern system and tourist attraction located in Townsend, Tennessee awarded 5 stars by AAA. Tuckaleechee Caverns is a short drive from Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Townsend, Cades Cove, Knoxville and Chattanooga. Tuckaleechee Caverns is the Highest rated cave or cavern in the Eastern US awarded 5 star "GEM" attraction by AAA. The "Big Room" is the largest cave/cavern room that is open to the public in the eastern United States could almost fit a football stadium. Many stalagmites reach over 24 feet tall with flow-stone formations over hundreds of feet in length and width. Tuckaleechee Caverns is proud to have the tallest underground waterfall in the eastern United States, named "Silver Falls", a 210 foot two-tier waterfall. OPEN - MARCH 1 to NOVEMBER 30. See more..
5.0 Cades Cove Gallery (49 reviews)
- Excellence in Photography and Photography Tours
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Cades Cove Gallery offers local products and the work of nature and wildlife photographer Barry Spruce. We specialize in capturing the beauty and wonder of the Great Smoky Mountains and Cades Cove. Stop by and take a piece of the Smoky Mountains home with you. See more..
5.0 Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop (31 reviews)
- Stop here - Mountain Music, Info, and Hand Made Instruments
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

Any music lover can appreciate this music store in the mountains. But if you have an interest in knowing more about mountain music or an interest in buying a string instrument to play or begin to play don't miss this shop. I have purchased from Mike Clemmer and would not trade my wormy chestnut dulcimer for anything. It has a beautiful sound and finish. If you come in warmer weather months they gather on a Saturday night to what they call "The Picking Porch" all you need is a blanket or a lawn chair - concerts are free. Make this a part of your must dos when you come to Townsend. See more..
5.0 Little River Outfitters (22 reviews)
- Never disappointed!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Lessons & Workshops

Little River Outfitters is a fly fishing shop, fly fishing school and mail order company located in Townsend, Tennessee. We have been family owned since 1994. See more..
5.0 U-Man Power - Day Rentals (20 reviews)
- Had such fun with my bike rental!
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gear Rentals

We rent, repair, and sell bicycles and recumbent bikes and trikes. A full service shop with tools, parts, accessories. We are a family run business. We are also one of the only frame builders in East Tennessee, so you may get to actually see bikes being built from scratch when you come to our shop. Customer service is our highest priority. We carry electric bikes for use in getting up and down the hills in Cades Cove. We also are open early on Wednesdays so stop by to get your bike here because they often run out of bikes to rent in the Cove. See more..
5.0 ABR's Visitor & Education Center (19 reviews)
- Great Place to Visit
Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas

Appalachian Bear Rescue's Visitor Center is a great place to spend an hour or so. There is a small shop inside, plus they have videos explaining their mission. They have recently expanded the center and have more room for their educational programs. The people who work and volunteer for ABR are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. If you have any interest in the black bear community, this is the place to visit. See more..
5.0 Parkway Grocery (18 reviews)
- Surprising place for a great chili dog
Speciality & Gift Shops
A family member told me about this place with the Gulf gas sign and said they had great hotdogs. We gave it a try and he was right! I got a chili dog and it did not disappoint. Friendly service and super convenient if you are staying in Townsend. See more..
5.0 CAM Cabin Crafts (17 reviews)
- A cute stop!
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

This place is really cute and unique. It's worth a stop to see all the different things that they have in this shop. See more..
5.0 Dogwood Mall (5 reviews)
- Handmade art
Speciality & Gift Shops • Antique Shops

There are few places like this near a vacation site. They handle beautiful locally made pieces at fair to maybe under-value pricing. One of a kinds that are easy to tell are handmade and you can see the care that goes into each piece. Do yourself a favor and get into this place. See more..
5.0 Townsend Trail (1 review)
- Hike and bike - easily and safely
Biking Trails
The Townsend Trail runs along both sides of HWY 321 in Townsend, TN. It extends from the eastern city limits of Townsend to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is asphalt paved and smooth. It is suitable for walkers or bikers. Baby strollers can be used on it as well. It is located a safe distance from the highway, so that you never feel endangered by automobile traffic. One side of the roadway is relatively flat and the other side has some rolling hills. It is about 4 1/2 miles long on each side of the highway so a round trip would be about 9 miles. There are plenty of places along the way to stop for a rest, to eat or to shop in local stores. Some parts of it are lit at night, but not all of it. It is a great way to see the local area. See more..
4.5 Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing (1.409 reviews)
- Big Group Experience
Temporarily closed - Closed until May 20, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

OPEN: May - Labor Day Smoky Mountain River Rat has offered Tubing adventures on the Little River since 1995! River Rat is the closest and highest-rated Tubing Outpost to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Knoxville in the Peaceful Side of The Smokies. Tube once or all day long down two tubing routes. Riverside Cabana Rentals also available. Ages include 3 years old. Open 7 days (May-Labor Day). **Reservations Required Before Arrival** Want more PADDLE, SPLASH & PLAY? Our River Rat Whitewater Rafting Outpost offers unforgettable guided expeditions for the whole family - from Extreme to Serene. Our adventures are on the Pigeon River in Hartford, TN - near Gatlinburg and conveniently located off I-40 at the TN/NC border. We are the closest rafting outpost to Gatlinburg, Knoxville and Pigeon Forge. The most fun you will ever have on the water awaits you on the Pigeon River. All experience levels welcome! See more..
4.5 Cades Cove Riding Stables (401 reviews)
- Fun Day Horseback Riding in Cades Cove
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Horseback Riding Tours

Welcome to Cades Cove Riding Stables located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cades Cove. The National Park's only authorized riding stables in Cades Cove Whether you're young or old, expert or novice, a Horseback, Carriage, or Hayride trip in the breathtaking Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an adventure you'll never forget. If you have a hearty frontier spirit and are ready to hit the trail, come take pleasure in some wholesome outdoor fun at our stable area. You will be greeted by our Guides, who are committed to providing you with a safe and memorable excursion within the scenic Cades Cove. Cades Cove Riding Stables offers adventure options for the entire family who wish to enjoy the magnificent Cades Cove. We specialize in providing Guided Horseback, Carriage, and Hay rides for National Park visitors who desire an alternative method of enjoying the scenic splendor of the park. Off the beaten path, you'll see what's under the forest canopy, and maybe even some woodland critters! You'll even learn a bit about our Cove as our guides share stories of the remnants of a historic settlement period. See more..
4.5 Davy Crockett Riding Stables (331 reviews)
- Fantastic ride
Horseback Riding Tours

We reserved our spot several days in advance. We had 10 riders ranging from 6 to 48 years old. The younger kids had to ride their own horse. None of our smaller kids had ridden before and we were nervous. Audrianna (sp) was our guide. While lining up the horses they put our smaller kids up front closer to her. She was great and really talked to our kids while riding to make them feel comfortable. I felt like they really tried to pair riders up with certain horses. We did the 1 1/2 hour ride ($50 per person) which was muddy and hilly and fantastic. It was a great trail. The horses needed a lot of steering but we were warned of this in advance. I think it made the experience feel even more authentic. We will definitely visit again. See more..
4.5 Next to Heaven Adventure (315 reviews)
- Amazing
Amusement & Theme Parks

This is an amazing place to take your family!! Angie and Donnie are the best! You are treated so amazing and you feel so great when you leave that you don't want to leave!! We did the horseback riding and zipline package and it was much fun. Make sure you call and get a same day appointment time because they do fill up time slots pretty quickly. Horses are beautiful and well taken care of. 3 different zip lines for 1 price. So worth it! See more..
4.5 Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (265 reviews) from $9.60
- Most Definitely Worth a Visit
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Connect with the spirit and history of Townsend, Cades Cove, and the Great Smoky Mountains at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. A 501(c)(3) organization located just one mile from the Townsend entrance to the National Park, the Heritage Center offers indoor museum galleries as well as an Appalachian village containing historic structures covering the time period of 1802-1960. On weekends, the Heritage Center also hosts a variety live concerts that draw attendees from across the region. Admission tickets may be purchased online, by phone, or on a walk-up basis. See more..
4.5 Townsend Visitors Center (164 reviews)
- Worth the visit!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Townsend Visitors Center is located in the back yard of Cades Cove. Stop by for area information regarding accommodations, restaurants, and things to do during your visit! As well as Great Smoky Mountain National Park info and gift store ran by the Great Smoky Mountain Association! See more..
4.5 Cades Cove Cellars (162 reviews)
- Delicious wines - all of them!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Wineries & Vineyards

Great wines, friendly people, and very clean. We tried eight samples between the two of us and there wasn't one that disappointed. We left with five bottles (two to give as gifts) and just three days later are thinking we should have gotten more. Very great addition to our trip to the Smokies. The warm spiced wine was on a different level, but had to be consumed on premise. So, we bought the semi-sweet muscadine, old mill red, and Smoky Mountain Sunrise. We felt very comfortable in the winery, as they insisted everyone keep their mask up unless physically consuming wine. We had to wait a few minutes for them to disinfect an area for us to try the samples, which we were happy to do. Can't wait to go back to the Smokies, and visit this winery again. See more..
4.5 The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum (155 reviews)
- Nice logging railroad and lumber museum.
Speciality Museums

This is an interesting logging railway / lumber museum covering the local railroad and lumber industry. Loved the Shay locomotive that was on display and other equipment. I found out that the Shay locomotive actually ran in this area. The old train station was full of interesting equipment that outlined the history of the logging railroad industry in the Townsend area. It had a nice mix of old railroad and logging equipment that kept my Grandkids interested as well. It's not a large museum, but you cannot beat the price (free). Help support the museum by visiting the gift shop. See more..
4.5 Gnorbert's Magic Putt Putt & Gem Mine (104 reviews)
- Old school roadside attraction, loved it !!!
Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers • Miniature Golf

Enter a world of magic when you experience Gnorbert's Magic Putt-Putt and Gem Mine. Play the Gnome or the Fairy Course, and discover the magic! Gem mine is fun for all ages. Magical Fun for Everyone! It is $12 for the full 17 hole course, and $8 for the Fairey or Gnome half course with $2 off for kids 5 and under. We have $15 and $30 gem mining buckets and an awesome gift shop. We are open summers Memorial Day - Labor Day. See more..
4.5 Wild Laurel Golf Course (69 reviews)
- Best golf course in Tennessee!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Golf Courses

Rivaled in beauty, only by The Great Smoky National Park, the views available from every hole are reminiscent of Laurel Valley's ridge-side neighbor ... Cades Cove. This challenging, yet playable, eighteen-hole regulation course, was designed by Edmund B. Ault, ASGCA, and features Bent Grass greens and Bermuda fairways. Changing elevation, meandering creeks, towering mountains, and an abundance of wildlife are at every turn. Although it is located inside a gated community, Laurel Valley Golf Course is open to public play and events, and offers practice areas, rental clubs, bar & 19th Hole. See more..
4.5 Apple Valley Mountain Village (68 reviews)
- Best in Townsend
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

Located in Townsend, Tennessee, at the foot of Dancing Bear Lodge, the Mountain Village is the perfect place to stop while making your way to the Smokey Mountain’s most popular destination, Cades Cove! Apple Valley Mountain Village consists of The Mountain Store, The General Store, Apple Valley Cafe, and The Dancing Bean. See more..
4.5 Cades Cove Trading Company (57 reviews)
- A Must Experience for Every Smoky Mountain Visitor!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals

Cades Cove Trading Company, located in the Cades Cove Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, provides a Gift Shop with Souvenirs, Convenience and Camping Supplies, a Cafe / Deli, 150 Bicycle Rentals, 24 hour Vending, Firewood and Ice. We also carry on the tradition of serving some of the best soft serve ice cream in the Smokies! We are now open for the 2019 season!!! See more..
4.5 The Lily Barn Garden (34 reviews)
- Backroad Beauty
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Gardens

Beautiful garden, free and open to the public. We are a state certified nursery with daylilys, water plants and natives. We also have a large selection of yard art. There is a mature childrens maze on site. Wading in creek allowed with water shoes and parental supervision. Wildflower trail along back creek path with bloom march thru may. The Lily Barn makes a great place for weddings and family reunions, and picnics. We host Hops for Hope in May of each year. Check out our website for more details! Feel free to call and make an appt. See more..
4.5 Cades Cove Jeep Outpost (23 reviews)
- What an awesome place!!
Speciality & Gift Shops

If you own or love Jeeps- this is a must stop! The staff inside were super friendly and they offer a variety of really affordable and quality Jeep products (shirts, stickers, hats, cups, Jeep accessories, etc.). Make sure to get your picture taken with your Jeep and they will put it on their wall! See more..
4.5 Shadows of the Past Hiking/Biking Trail (16 reviews)
- Great way to see Townsend by foot or bike
Biking Trails
This hike/bike trail was established in 2002 and runs parallel along both sides of the main road through town beginning at the one lane concrete bridge at the west end of Townsend all the way to the Texaco and almost to the GSMNP entrance on the east end of town. It is a 10 mile loop if you travel the entire length, or you can start and stop anywhere you choose. Bring your own bike or rent one from AJ's Hearth and Kettle or just walk it. The Little River Railroad Museum, the GSM Heritage Center, artisan galleries and shops in Trillium Cove and the Townsend Visitor Center are all located right on the trail and make good stops, there are 13 additional marked locations along the trail describing the history and culture of this region from the earliest documented inhabitants from about 200 BC to present day. Don't miss the short nature walk slightly east of Nawger Nob - a short stroll through a wooded area with a wide variety of trees and plants marked for easy identification. See more..
4.5 Captain Dave's Little River Artistry (15 reviews)
- Unique place to see!
Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

We have been to Gatlinburg 4 times in the past 5 years and always make a day trip over to Townsend to stop in at Captain Dave's. This place is rustic with a capital R. We own a log cabin and have purchased several pieces of artwork here. Captain Dave is an awesome artist - with a keen sense of humor - and has many top quality chain saw artist friends from around the country that have their creations displayed here for sale. Dave has also created two nice cedar signs for us - much larger and more unique than what you can buy at a retail shop in Gatlinburg - and much more affordable. Take the time to stop in and see a unique part of Americana. See more..
4.5 Hedgewood Gardens (2 reviews)
- Wildflower Pilgrimage
Gardens
Great little jewel hidden away. I bought a columbine here. Love the garden walkway and the different array of wildflowers. The plant I bought had just been dug up and put in a pot that morning!! I just hope it will survive in NE Mississippi... I'm sure I'll be back. See more..
4.0 Dark Island Swinging Bridge (146 reviews)
- Fun swinging bridge with animals on the other side
Bridges

Fun little bridge. Bounces a little as you go over it. On the other side is a property with goats & peacocks, and my 3 year old loved looking at those! The riverview is beautiful. The only reason for not rating it 5 stars is because the bridge is a very short stop. You can spend 5-15min here, and it may be more fun in the Summer than in the off season. See more..
4.0 Company Distilling (13 reviews)
- Great and Quiet Distillery with Life Changing Old Fashioned
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Distilleries

Company Distilling is set along the Little River in Townsend, TN with a greenway running along the front of the 13.5-acre property. Hand-crafted cocktails, tastings, and tours offered daily. Maryville-based restaurant, Amici, has a permanent menu at the distillery, allowing visitors to gather with friends and enjoy delicious food and fine spirits. The new restaurant space will be called “Amico,” which means “a friend” in Italian. See more..
3.5 Rapid River Go-Kart Track (4 reviews)
- amazing
Amusement & Theme Parks
it was very nice every one had lots of fun and it was a place where littler ones could ride with there parents See more..