9 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in Tennessee

Tennessee is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich states in the South, with Great Smoky Mountains scenery, inspiring country music and cuisine, and plenty of laid-back small towns waiting to be explored. Jonesborough, the state's oldest town, rewards travelers with its storytelling tradition and the National Storytelling Festival that highlights it. Rogersville offers a similarly historic experience, with landmarks like Rogers Tavern and Crockett Springs Park. Townsend provides a slightly different kind of laid-back escape, serving as a peaceful gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and tubing along the Little River.

Lynchburg

Lynchburg was first founded in the early 1800s by Thomas Lynch and became a major center for corn and barley farming. These ingredients would prove crucial for the development of whisky distilleries in the area. Today, the town's biggest tourist attraction is the Jack Daniels Distillery, founded in the 1860s by Jasper Newton Daniel. You can get a walking tour of this historic spot and try out some spirits.

The Lynchburg Town Square features several buildings from the late 1800s, such as the Moore County Jail and Moore County Courthouse. For nature lovers, Tims Ford State Park offers Tims Ford Lake, one of the state's most scenic lakes. Finally, you can also pick up a souvenir at Jack Daniel's Lynchburg Hardware and General Store.

Erwin

Located in Eastern Tennessee's scenic Unicoi County, Erwin perfectly showcases the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Just a short drive from the Cherokee National Forest, you'll discover over 700 miles of hiking trails, seven exciting whitewater rivers, and 30 campgrounds where you can enjoy the great outdoors. A highlight is the famous Appalachian Trail, winding through all the Appalachian Mountain states. Playing by the Nolichucky River offers wonderful fishing opportunities. Plus, there are plenty of other charming attractions to enjoy in Erwin, like the Unicoi County Heritage Players and the Clinchfield Railroad Museum.

Hohenwald

Situated in the heart of Tennessee, just a short drive from Nashville, Hohenwald is a wonderful spot for travelers to explore. Its name, meaning "High Forest" in German, reflects its close ties to the lush woods surrounding it. The town boasts a variety of charming attractions that celebrate the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition from the early 1800s. Notably, this is the place where Meriwether Lewis tragically died under mysterious circumstances, adding to its historical significance.

At the Lewis County Museum of Natural History, you can visit the cabin where he lived and see a huge collection of animal mounts, along with other historical artifacts from the area. Hohenwald sits on the Natchez Trace Parkway, an old Native American trail-turned park. On this trail, you can find the grave of Meriwether Lewis. Hohenwald is also home to the Elephant Sanctuary, a 2,700-acre area where elephants wander free. You can learn more about this fascinating habitat at the Discovery Center.

Dayton

Located in Rhea County, Dayton played a significant role in the American Civil War. For one, it largely supported the Confederacy and raised a women's cavalry company called the Rhea County Spartans. The most famous historical event to take place in Dayton was the Scopes Trial, more commonly known as the Monkey Trials. During this trial in 1925, a teacher named John Thomas Scopes was accused of teaching evolution in class.

You can learn more about this trial at the Scopes Trial Museum housed within the historic Rhea County Courthouse. Dayton is a relaxing town located by Lake Chickamauga, where you can spend a day fishing for bass. For other activities, you can go for a hike at the Swinging Bridge Park or pick flowers from the Lorenzen Flower Farm.

Leiper's Fork

Leiper's Fork offers a charming vintage atmosphere, perfect for a weekend escape. Initially settled by Americans led by Colonel Jesse Steed in the 1790s, the area was originally named Benton Town. Today, visitors are greeted by antique Welcome Cars suitable for selfies. Inside the town, there's a unique gas station turned art gallery called Leiper's Creek Gallery. This inviting space features a fire pit where guests can enjoy s'mores.

You will also find Leiper's Fork Distillery, a 200-year old business that you can tour and taste local drinks. The town is built right on the Natchez Trace Parkway, with the Garrison Creek Loop Trail offering a great opportunity to get out in nature. You can also see the double arch Natchez Trace Bridge nearby. Lastly, visit the Tennessee Turquoise Company to get your hands on a turquoise squash blossom necklace, along with other unique gifts.

Cookeville

This town is a treasure trove for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Cookeville was slowly settled during the 1700s and 1800s, before being incorporated in 1856. Cookeville was a major railway hub, which you can learn about at the Cookeville Depot Museum or the Cookeville History Museum. You can also explore the historic courthouse square, post office, and residential districts. When it comes to outdoor attractions, Cookeville is most known for its waterfalls.

There are more than 150 waterfalls in the wider area, which are easily accessible at several state parks, including Burgess Falls State Park, Cummins Falls State Park, Rock Island State Park, and others.

Jonesborough

Jonesborough is the oldest settlement in the state of Tennessee. William and Lydia Bean first set up a cabin in the area in 1769, and the town itself was established in 1779, 17 years before Tennessee became a state. As the oldest town, Jonesborough keeps the traditions of Tennessee alive through storytelling. You can hear many of these stories firsthand at the International Storytelling Center, which features revolving lineups of the best storytellers.

The town warmly welcomes visitors each October for the National Storytelling Festival, making it a perfect time to plan your visit. History enthusiasts will enjoy discovering charming spots like Chester Inn, which was once visited by notable Americans including President Andrew Jackson. For those eager to explore more, the town's nearby attractions such as David Crockett Birthplace State Park and Cherokee National Forest offer wonderful adventures just a short drive away.

Rogersville

Rogersville is the second oldest town in the state. It was first settled in 1775 by Joseph Rogers, Davis, and Elizabeth Crockett, the grandparents of the famous Davy Crockett. The town was officially chartered in 1789 and became the home of the first newspaper in Tennessee: The Knoxville Gazette. Today, you can see many historic sites in Rogersville, such as Crockett Springs Park, where the Crockett grandparents built their log cabin.

On Main Street, you can see buildings going back to the 1700s, such as Rogers Tavern, built in 1786. You can also enjoy a meal at the Amis Mill Eatery, which is part of the Thomas Amis house built in 1781. Lastly, check out the Local Artists Gallery in the downtown area to see works inspired by the Appalachian Mountains.

Townsend

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a top favorite in the Appalachian region, welcoming many visitors to the nearby towns. Because of this, these towns can become lively and bustling. Townsend offers a more tranquil way to experience the Smokies, proudly calling itself a peaceful gateway. It’s also near Cade's Cave, a charming valley within the park that features scenic trails, historic cabins, and local wildlife like black bears, elk, and more.

Beyond the mountains, you can also go underground and explore the Tuckaleechee Caverns or go tubing with Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing. Townsend has many great indoor attractions for when your feet get tired, such as the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, the Little River Railroad and Lumber Museum, and the Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe, which sells locally-made products.

Sometimes, the best treasures aren't found in big, flashy cities but instead in smaller communities that keep old traditions alive. This is certainly the case in these laid-back Tennessee towns. By going on a road trip through Tennessee, you can enjoy a story in Jonesborough, see black bears in Townsend, follow the footsteps of Davy Crockett's lineage in Townsend, or learn about the infamous Monkey Trials in Dayton. And with the town's laid-back atmosphere, you won't feel rushed or exhausted after a day of exploring.