11 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Tennessee
Being home to the most visited national park in the United States and several top cities in the South, you'd expect a barrage of visitors flocking to Tennessee throughout the year. But the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and urban hotspots like Nashville aren't the only destinations in the Volunteer State. Some places have an invitingly relaxed atmosphere that city dwellers will appreciate, especially when they venture outside the major highways.
From mountainside enclaves to riverfront villages and lakeside communities, Tennessee is dotted with tiny towns that remain blissfully shielded from mass tourism. These hidden gems offer scenic beauty, rich local history, and the kind of slow-paced charm that makes you want to stay just a little longer. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Cookeville or sipping local whiskey in Lynchburg, these towns to visit in Tennessee deliver serenity and peace of mind.
Jonesborough
Jonesborough charms guests with its unmatched historical heritage as one of the oldest towns to visit in Tennessee. The community's iconic beginnings date back to the 18th century, and its rustic downtown hosts a rich collection of historical markers. The Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum takes you back to the formative years in the area's oldest structure, whose artifacts paint a vivid picture of the early days. Jonesborough is also a recognized cultural hub, and the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre has been staging theatrical presentations for decades, featuring amateur and professional talent.
History and arts aside, Jonesborough has beautiful outdoor scenery, beckoning visitors with quiet moments at Golden Oak Park. The natural space has a lovely walking trail, picnic areas, and a kid-friendly playground.
Smithville
This scenic waterfront town lies along the shores of Center Hill Lake, offering a laid-back environment to kick back and unwind. Many travelers come with a plan to get on the water, and this is possible at the Hidden Harbor Marina. Several boat rental services allow guests to enjoy remarkable cruises and take in the scenery. A challenging session with friends at the Smithville Golf Club, which boasts a 9-hole course with serene natural surroundings.
Smithville has a vibrant side, and this is evident at the Harvester Performance and Event Center. This social hub hosts parties, ceremonies, concerts, and similar events. Also, Smithville hosts the annual Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival, a fun celebration of the arts and Bluegrass music.
Townsend
This Blount County village invites tourists to discover the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains without worrying about the crowds. Townsend is an excellent destination for outdoor lovers, with the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum inviting leisurely strolls in a tranquil oasis straddling the Little River. An exotic underground adventure awaits at the Tuckaleechee Caverns, an otherworldly network of caverns in the Great Smoky Mountains with stalactites and stalagmites formed millions of years ago.
Adventure-lovers can take a fly fishing trip on choppy waters courtesy of Little River Outfitters. On the other hand, indoorsy tourists will feel at home browsing the intimate pieces at the Townsend Art Center, which displays more than 30 artists from the region.
Maryville
Maryville is a historic city in Blount County, established in the late 18th century by Mary Grainger. It has a beautiful backstory, preserved by the Blount County Historical Museum using a collection of interactive exhibits. Furthermore, guests can get a glimpse of life in the pioneer days at the Cades Cove Preservation Museum, a delightful log home with related furnishings and relics.
Those who fancy fine dining and contemporary shopping can visit Foothills Mall for a classy experience. This expansive mall houses almost 70 brand stores and restaurants and sits next to the similarly impressive Foothills Plaza complex. Lastly, those who want to step outside can visit the Bicentennial Greenbelt Park, where wide open spaces and lovely trails let you enjoy the great outdoors.
Signal Mountain
Signal Mountain is an outdoor lover's paradise, famous for its wooded trails, gorgeous waterfalls, pristine lakes, and sublime overlooks. The town opens doors to engaging adventures, starting with demanding hikes to Julia Falls Overlook. Despite the effort, trekkers are rewarded with sweeping panoramas of the Tennessee River Valley and its lush vegetation. More exciting experiences await along the Rainbow Lake Trail. Stretching about 2 miles, this wooded walkway ends at the scenic shores of Rainbow Lake, which calls for a restful picnic.
Visiting families can make the most of fun moments with loved ones at the Pumpkin Patch Playground, which features plenty of wooded play structures and pumpkin-themed playsets. But for a change of activity, consider catching a riveting live show at the Signal Mountain Playhouse.
Paris
This sleepy community in Henry County stands out for the replica of the Eiffel Tower, a visual spectacle that draws tourists to the Eiffel Tower Park. Besides the imposing landmark, the outdoor space is popular among picnickers and walkers wanting to revel in nature's company. Kentucky Lake, which was formed by the damming of the Tennessee River, presents a fun recreational hub for visitors and locals alike. Everybody gathers here to enjoy picnicking, boating, birding, and camping.
Paris preserves its story at the Paris Henry County Heritage Center, which stores diverse documents and archives inside an Italian Renaissance Revival mansion. Elsewhere, fans can catch up with the latest Hollywood releases at the Parisian Theatre.
Lynchburg
Most visitors to Lynchburg are drawn by the prospect of learning about Tennessee's most recognizable whiskey brand and a chance to taste fresh from the distillery. This lovely town houses the Jack Daniel's Distillery, where guests can get a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility and sort through historical memorabilia about the brand. At the end of the tour, a taste of the freshly crafted whiskey serves as the icing on the cake. Lynchburg's colorful heritage is documented at the Moore County Old Jail Museum, where a 19th-century jailhouse depicts the lifestyle of convicts.
Several eateries in the downtown area invite newcomers to sample delicious Southern-style cuisine. Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant is one of the longest-enduring eateries in the region, serving trademark dishes like fried pork and roasted pork in a family-friendly setting.
Cookeville
Cookeville promises delightful opportunities for both indoor and outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its great balance of a vibrant downtown and a naturally rich backcountry. Recreational immersion beckons at Cummins Falls State Park, which hosts winding trails across its over 280 acres, highlighted by a stunning 75-foot waterfall. The town also houses the City Lake Natural Area, a popular escape for bass fishing, paddling, picnicking, and sightseeing.
Back in downtown, the Cookeville Depot Museum preserves the town's railroad heritage. Constructed in the early 20th century, the site is listed on the NRHP and exhibits historical train cars and related relics. Also, antique collectors can stop by the Cookeville Antique Mall to comb through its collection of primitives and collectibles.
Savannah
Savannah is a close-knit community on the Tennessee River bank, known for its lovely natural areas and exquisite water views. Thanks to its rich outdoor scenery, people can find several areas to relax and let loose, such as Wayne Jerrolds River Park. The park spreads across 10 acres and features a combination of walking trails, pavilions, a boat ramp, and picnic areas. Alternatively, the Savannah Disc Golf Course provides more open space for those looking to spend quality time in a serene setting.
The Tennessee River Museum showcases a collection of archives and artifacts that tell the story of the Tennessee River Valley and the people living there through the years. Every year, the Savannah Bluegrass Festival treats visitors to a rich cultural experience as townsfolk gather to celebrate a longstanding tradition.
Pigeon Forge
Family getaways in Tennessee don't get better than this mountain town on the eastern side of the state, known for its impressive amusement parks and unusual museums. Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, a 160-acre property with dozens of thrill rides, water slides, and live performance venues. Furthermore, the Island in Pigeon Forge keeps the fun going with more amusement rides, unique shops, restaurants, and several other entertainment amenities.
Guests can also get adventurous with a ride on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, which features a thrill ride through the lush wilderness of the Smokies. Elsewhere, the Hollywood Wax Museum leaves guests second-guessing with its life-like wax figures of different celebrities and movie stars.
Wartburg
If you wish for an isolated escape to ease the pressures of city living, Wartburg is an excellent destination to consider. It sits in the Cumberland Plateau, surrounded by rugged natural landscapes with river gorges and lush forests, accessible at the Obed National Wild & Scenic River Visitor Center. The area is popular for paddling and whitewater rafting adventures. A sprawling wilderness at Frozen Head State Park invites isolated hikers through miles of nature trails, with scenic panoramas of the Cumberland Mountains.
A moderately difficult hike along the Emory Gap Trailhead brings you to two gorgeous waterfalls in a magical location. Finally, after a long day of adventures, try unwinding with a pint of craft beer at the MoCo Brewing Project.
Whenever you feel like taking a break from the bustling city and its constant chaos, these undisturbed towns to visit in Tennessee provide all the hallmarks of a relaxed and gratifying vacation. While each destination brings a unique sense of charm to the table, they all allow you to forget about daily life struggles and clear your thoughts as your body refreshes. Whether examining the fascinating backstory of Jonesborough or hiking the rugged trails of Signal Mountain, there is always something to your liking in the United States.
