4 Star Places To Visit in Townsend, Tennessee, United States (19)

1. 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..
   
2. 4.5 Cades Cove Riding Stables (401 reviews)
   - Fun Day Horseback Riding in Cades Cove
   Sunday: 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..
   
3. 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. 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..
   
5. 4.5 Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (265 reviews) from $9.60
   - Most Definitely Worth a Visit
   Sunday: 12:00 PM - 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..
   
6. 4.5 Townsend Visitors Center (164 reviews)
   - Worth the visit!
   Sunday: 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..
   
7. 4.5 Cades Cove Cellars (162 reviews)
   - Delicious wines - all of them!
   Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 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..
   
8. 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..
   
9. 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..
   
10. 4.5 Gnorbert's Magic Putt Putt & Gem Mine (104 reviews)
    - Old school roadside attraction, loved it !!!
    Sunday: 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..
    
11. 4.5 Wild Laurel Golf Course (69 reviews)
    - Best golf course in Tennessee!
    Sunday: 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..
    
12. 4.5 Apple Valley Mountain Village (68 reviews)
    - Best in Townsend
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 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..
    
13. 4.5 Cades Cove Trading Company (57 reviews)
    - A Must Experience for Every Smoky Mountain Visitor!
    Sunday: 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..
    
14. 4.5 The Lily Barn Garden (34 reviews)
    - Backroad Beauty
    Sunday: 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..
    
15. 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..
    
16. 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..
    
17. 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..
    
18. 4.0 Company Distilling (13 reviews)
    - Great and Quiet Distillery with Life Changing Old Fashioned
    Sunday: 12:00 PM - 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..
    
19. 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..