2025's 10 Best Small Towns To Visit In Tennessee
In a land where some of America’s most beloved music was conceived and where battles were fought in conflicts like the War of 1812, the American Civil War, and the Mexican-American War, Tennessee has no shortage of historic landmakrs and iconic attractions to inform and inspire. While they may not have the big-city energy and ammenities of Nashville and Memphis, the best small towns to visit in Tennessee will draw you in with their cultural festivals, scenic hikes, and quirky museums. In 2025, these captivating and entertaining small towns in the Volunteer State are well worth a closer look.
Morristown
Roughly an hour northeast of Knoxville, Morristown is a quiet village in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains that offers a plethora of natural and historic attractions. A key highlight of Morristown is the Crockett Tavern Museum, where visitors can trace the footsteps of legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett, who spent his early years here before gaining notariety. Nearby, Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake are excellent spots for fishing, boating, and peaceful views and wildlife spotting.
For land-based adventures, Panther Creek State Park encourages newcomers to trek more than 30 miles of scenic trails, and Briarwood Ranch Safari Park delivers a surprising number of exotic animals to see and admire, among them camels, zebras, and bison roaming its drive-through habitat. Meanwhile, downtown Morristown’s unique elevated sidewalks allude to the town’s 19th-century railroad past and offer charming shops and cafes. Whether you are into local lore, wildlife encounters, or lakefront relaxation, Morristown is a laidback destination that maintains an air of simplicity and leisure in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountain region.
Jonesborough
As Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough preserves its deep historical roots in a modern milieu brimming with vibrant cultural life near Johnson City. Established in 1779—well before Tennessee became a state—this historic town once served as the capital of the short-lived State of Franklin. Its rich past lives on in the Chester Inn State Historic Site, which once hosted presidents like Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk.
For breathtaking views, you can hike up to the Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower or stroll the nearby Buffalo Mountain Park. For views into literary worlds and realms of lore, you can attend the annual National Storytelling Festival each October, a world-renowned gathering hosted by the International Storytelling Center that draws thousands of visitors to town for three days of inspiration, celebration, and community. There are wonders to see and lessons to be learned from this storied little town, so give Jonesborough a chance to prove why it is one of the best towns to visit in Tennessee this year.
Dayton
Just 36 miles north of Chattanooga near the Tennessee River, the splendid town of Dayton is known for one of the most sensational trials in American history, the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial. At the Rhea County Courthouse, you can tour the site where John T. Scopes was tried for teaching evolution, and even watch a live reenactment during the annual Scopes Trial Play and Festival in July.
Beyond this historic renown, Dayton showcases stunning natural landmarks and regions like the Laurel-Snow State Natural Area, a paradise for hikers and wildflower enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge and Blythe Ferry Goose Management Area attract a wide range of nature enthusiasts, particularly birdwatchers. For something sweet, the Tennessee Strawberry Festival in May showcases the area’s best produce and small-town hospitality, with baking contests, a parade, fireworks, concerts, and plenty of tasty treats.
Tellico Plains
In the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Tellico Plains is an affable and accommodating mountain town that leads newcomers to some of East Tennessee’s most breathtaking drives and scenic hikes. It serves as the western gateway to the Cherohala Skyway, a winding highway renowned for its panoramic overlooks and fall foliage. Before hitting the road, you ought to stop by the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center to get oriented on your way into the Smokies.
Once you are geared and prepared, you can seek out the amazing, cascading waterfalls on the Conasauga Falls Trail or immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystem of the Cherokee National Forest. Indian Boundary Recreation Area provides a public boat ramp, swimming beach, and fishing pier for a pleasant day at the lake. Amidst all the trekking on rugged trails and cruising down scenic byways, Tellico Plains will forever remain a serene retreat for nature seekers who prefer quiet roads and grand views.
Lynchburg
Though it may be small in size, Lynchburg leaves a big impression, especially on whiskey lovers. This unassuming town, about 75 miles south of Nashville, is home to the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the US. Founded in 1866, the site offers in-depth tours and tastings at the visitor center, where guests learn how Old No. 7 became a global icon.
Beyond spirits, Lynchburg boasts outdoor charm, with desirable destinations like Tims Ford State Park featuring lakefront trails, a full-service marina with boat rentals, and even a golf course. Pennington Cave is also a great spot for a paddle. The secluded limestone cavern is only accessible by boat and offers a unique perspective of Tims Ford. If you are visiting in April, you should not miss out on the Lynchburg Wine & Music Festival, a lively gathering of country musicians and food vendors. From sipping Jack Daniel whiskey or adventuring into the unknown, Lynchburg will undoubtedly give you a taste of excitement that will make your spirits soar.
Columbia
Situated along the Duck River and just 43 miles southwest of Nashville, Columbia is an enchanting small town with a mixture of presidential heritage, Southern culture, and scenic parks. The town’s most prominent attraction is the James K. Polk Ancestral Home, where the 11th US President once lived and began his legal career. History continues at Rippavilla Plantation and the Athenaeum, both of which tell a story about life in the South pre- and post-Civil War.
Columbia, often dubbed “Muletown,” had a reputation in the 19th-century as a major mule trading hub. Today, this tradition lives on through Mule Day, held every April, with a weekend full of parades, live music, and Appalachian crafts dedicated to the beloved beasts of burden. You might even encounter a mule or two, among other animals, on your way through panoramic parks like Riverwalk Park, Maury County Park, and Chickasaw Trace Park, the latter of which even boasts a radio control (RC) car track. In Columbia, heritage and adventure ride side by side on the backs of mules and on the efforts of its friendly citizens.
Pigeon Forge
In the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, travelers will be enamored by the energy and enthusiasm of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee’s answer to family fun and mountain flair. Just 35 miles southeast of Knoxville, this lively town is synonymous with Dollywood, the beloved theme park created by country music legend Dolly Parton. With roller coasters, music shows, and a museum celebrating Parton’s legacy, it is one of the best attractions in one of the best towns in Tennessee.
Not to be outdone, the nearby Titanic Museum offers a surprisingly moving and immersive experience aboard a replica of the ill-fated ship. For those in need of a little lift, you can try soaring through the treetops with Smoky Mountain Ziplines, one of several sky-high adventures in the area. Animal lovers should definitely make time for the Rainforest Adventures Zoo, home to over 600 exotic creatures, or, for a more hands-on experience, you can go horseback riding through the hills at Jayell Ranch Family Adventure Park. From thrill rides to heartfelt tributes, Pigeon Forge is bursting with energy and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Sweetwater
The splendid and serene town of Sweetwater, located midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga, is a site of underground wonders and vineyard views. Chief among its most popular attractions is Lost Sea Adventure, home to America’s largest underground lake. From there, visitors can take guided cave tours and even a boat ride through the vast subterranean channels within Craighead Caverns, which was once used by the Cherokee peoples.
Above ground, wine enthusiasts will enjoy strolling through Tsali Notch Vineyard, the state’s largest muscadine vineyard nestled in the rolling countryside. For history buffs, a short drive will take you to Fort Loudoun State Historic Park, where you can explore an authentic 18th-century British fort on the Little Tennessee River. With a balance of subterranean natural beauty and historic depths, Sweetwater is a relaxing and rewarding stop for travelers who appreciate places rich in both story and scenery.
Cumberland Gap
At the point where Tennessee meets its neighboring states of Kentucky and Virginia, visitors will find the beloved town of Cumberland Gap, a crossroads steeped in frontier history and Appalachian mystique. For centuries, the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park has served as a natural passageway through the Appalachian Mountains, used by Native Americans, early pioneers, and wildlife alike. One can stand atop the Pinnacle Overlook for sweeping views of all three states from a single vantage point.
For those looking to float, fish, or kayak, Fern Lake and the Powell River provide peaceful settings teeming with biodiversity. Adventurers can also explore the Hensley Settlement, a preserved Appalachian homestead perched on Brush Mountain that offers a glimpse into early 20th-century rural life. Its history, mountain scenery, and quiet solitude make Cumberland Gap an attractive choice for visitors looking to escape and unwind.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is another gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, complete with recreational areas, quirky attractions, and breathtaking vistas. A region of roughly 520,000 acres of mountains and valleys close to the state border of North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a mountain lover's dream. Before venturing into the wild and untamed landscapes of the Smokies, however, you ought to stay a while in Gatlinburg and see the many whimsical attractions in town, such as the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum, which exhibits salt and pepper shakers from various periods made from a range of materials.
There is also the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, a sprawling and spectacular site featuring sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, penguins, and a glass-bottom boat ride for those wanting to peek some aquatic life in the middle of a high-altitude landscape. Aside from all the quirks, Gatlinburg also caters to skiers and snowboarders eager to brave the snowy slopes of Ober Mountain. In summer, the resort offers an aerial tramway, zipline, mountain biking, and the Tennessee Flyer mountain coaster.
Without the crowds and chaos of big cities like Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville, these small towns in Tennessee are filled with incredible attractions, activities, and landmarks that everyone should seek out. From the storytelling stages of Jonesborough to the whiskey-soaked hills of Lynchburg, each town promises a rich tapestry of culture, nature, and tradition. You will be riding roller coasters and admiring the legacy of Dolly Parton in Pigeon Forge, cruising an underground lake in Sweetwater, and trekking through the Smokey Mountains of Gatlinburg. In a state named after the Cherokee word "Tanasi," believed to mean "meeting place" or “river of the great bend,” the journey through the best small towns to visit in Tennessee will lead you to many meeting places and around many great river bends to destinations that will be well worth the effort.
