8 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Tennessee You Should Visit

Home to hundreds of waterfalls, around 540,000 acres of lakes, and 14 million acres of forest, Tennessee knows how to go big when it comes to nature. And its small towns make just as big of an impression, home to world-famous storytelling festivals, distilleries, and alpine coasters. The following eight towns wonderfully represent Tennessee’s beautiful and bold character, giving you the chance to experience what makes the state so special.

Gatlinburg

Kicking off the list is the Smoky Mountains town of Gatlinburg. This town is the ultimate destination if you are hoping to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as it sits just a few minutes north of the park entrance. Once inside the park, you’ll have access to more than 500,000 acres of waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife that you can explore via an extensive network of hiking trails.

Returning to town after your hike, grab dinner at Altitude Rooftop Bar & Lounge, which has some of the best views of the mountains in town. You should also check out Gatlinburg’s event calendar before your visit, as there is almost always something going on! In the first week of December, for example, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community will host the Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, featuring a wide range of unique, handcrafted gifts.

Columbia

As a nationally accredited Main Street community, Columbia has a gorgeous and exciting downtown district to explore. The Packard Playhouse downtown is a great place to catch a show, a newly renovated, 125-seat theater that has hosted a variety of successful shows since its opening in 2023. You won’t have a hard time finding a delicious restaurant, either. For a truly memorable meal, make reservations at Prime & Pint, a butchery that is known for its premium cuts of meat. Year-round, you’ll find community events like the Columbia Farmers Market, which takes place right at the Riverwalk Park Pavilion.

Lynchburg

This next stop is for the whiskey-loving readers. Lynchburg is home to the famed Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the country. Here, at the distillery, visitors can tour the facilities and sample a selection of the iconic whiskeys for themselves. After your tour, have some lunch at Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant, renowned for its southern favorites like fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and meatloaf. For an adventure outdoors, drive down to Tims Ford State Park, which is just 20 minutes southeast of Lynchburg, popular for its bass fishing and water recreation on the Tims Ford Reservoir.

Jonesborough

Jonesborough has earned an international reputation as the Storytelling Capital of the World, a name that makes perfect sense once you discover its storytelling attractions. The International Storytelling Center sits at the core of this creative tradition. It is best known for Storytelling Live, a seasonal series held from May through October, and the National Storytelling Festival, hosted each October.

Year-round, visitors can also enjoy a weekly storytelling performance on Tuesday evenings, hosted by the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild at the Mary B. Martin Theatre. After some good tales, travelers can indulge in a nice meal at The Kitchen at Grace Meadows, a restaurant located on a local farm that serves its dishes with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Morristown

Morristown sits between two lakes: Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake, making it a must-visit if you have been craving a weekend on the water. Panther Creek State Park is a great option for accessing Cherokee Lake, a 1,444-acre park that has 17 hiking trails, a boat ramp, and plenty of fishing spots.

Interestingly enough, the town is also known as Tennessee’s Disc Golf Capital! You’ll find several disc golf courses throughout the area, including the Cherokee Park Disc Golf Course, which keeps things interesting with elevation changes and a combination of wooded and open holes. Those interested in history, meanwhile, can check out the Crockett Tavern Museum, a museum that sits on the site of Davy Crockett’s boyhood home.

Pigeon Forge

Between its dinner shows, mountain coasters, and exotic bird attractions, Pigeon Forge, located in the Smokies, quite possibly has some of the most unique activities in Tennessee. Travelers can take in the mountain views atop the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, one of the longest alpine coasters in the US, at over a mile long.

Afterward, the family can head to Parrot Mountain and Gardens, where they can admire hundreds of tropical birds among thousands of plants and flowers. To end the night, sign up for one of Pigeon Forge’s famed dinner shows. Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a popular option during the holidays, featuring holiday music, ice skating, a live nativity, and more.

Sweetwater

In Sweetwater, you’ll find the largest underground lake in the country: The Lost Sea. While the total extent of the lake remains unknown, the visible portion extends 800 feet long by 220 feet wide. Visitors can experience this natural marvel on a guided tour covering three-quarters of a mile and lasting about an hour and fifteen minutes.

Back in town, local art galleries and shops abound. 3 Generations Art Studio & Gallery sells handmade ceramics and gives visitors the chance to paint their own piece or try their hand at the pottery wheel. For a sweet treat, stop by Towns Toffee, which sells toffee, chocolate, truffles, and more.

Greeneville

Greeneville is surrounded by waterfalls and mountains, making it a nature lover’s dream. Margarette Falls Trail, for example, is just a short drive from town, a 2.4-mile trail that leads to a fan-shaped, 60-foot waterfall. If you have an appreciation for vintage cars, make sure to swing by the City Garage Car Museum in town, which exhibits everything from a 1930 Model A to a 1972 DeTomaso Pantera Sports Car. A couple of blocks from the museum, travelers will also find the Mason House Gallery, which is housed in a building that dates back to 1889, today showcasing monthly art exhibits.

Although Tennessee’s beauty extends far beyond this list, these eight towns serve as an excellent place to begin your journey. Not only do they have some beautiful waterfalls, parks, and gardens, but their downtowns are also filled with unique museums, markets, and festivals that make them even more special. So pull out your calendar, make those hotel reservations, and get ready to experience some of the state’s most fantastic destinations!