The Best Small Town In Tennessee For A 3-Day Weekend

Tucked into Tennessee's rugged Smoky Mountains, Townsend is a great place to get lost for the weekend. Long before the first English settlers arrived in the 1700s, this area was home to Cherokee peoples, who called it Tuckaleechee (peaceful valley), and it retains that reputation today. Townsend itself was built on the back of the lumber industry. When Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934, the town became known as one of the best destinations to access the park, as it was less crowded and commercialised than the other entry points of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Over the decades, this sleepy community has grown into an unpretentious tourist destination that attracts wanderers, outdoor adventurers, and those simply wanting to unplug and recharge on a long weekend.

Things to Do in Townsend

With just over 600 residents, Townsend isn’t a big community, but it is fairly spread out. The Little River runs north of the main thoroughfare, the Lamar Alexander Parkway, which cuts through downtown. Here you’ll find plenty to keep you busy, whether you’re in the mood for shopping, snacking, or sipping. Fuel up with a cup of something delicious at The Artistic Bean, a locally-owned cafe serving small-batch organic coffee roasted right on the premises. Aside from its extensive coffee menu, the cafe serves seasonal drinks, soups, sandwiches, and bakery items.

For unique souvenirs, high-end gift shop Townsend Mercantile Co. blends old and new, continuing the legacy of the original Townsend Mercantile Co., which served the town in the 1900s. Today, the shop carries a range of home and kitchenware, clothing, and decorative items that reflect the tranquility and beauty of the Smoky Mountains

In business for over a decade, Cades Cove Cellars is a rustic winery selling a range of award-winning bottles that you can try before you buy. Free tastings are available daily, and visitors are also encouraged to view the lab and tank room to see how and where the magic happens behind the scenes. The winery gift shop is a great place to pick up a memento, with wine accessories and crafts made by local artists.

Townsend Historic Sites

Townsend was named after the founder and president of the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company, W.B. Townsend, who bought the land that would become the settlement in 1901. Operating for over three decades, Townsend’s company shaped the town that bears its name, bringing industry and wealth to the remote corner of the Smokies. Learn about this fascinating era at the Little River Railroad Museum, which features vintage locomotives, a replica depot, and a gift shop. The museum is open from April to October with seasonal hours, and admission is free.

Take a short drive west on E Lamar Alexander Parkway to see one of Townsend’s most beloved historic landmarks, the Sunshine Covered Bridge. Nearly a century old, the rustic bridge spans the Little River and is a popular spot for vacation photos. Its tin roof and covered arches were recently restored after community leaders came together to save the iconic structure from demolition.

There’s more history on display at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center, which tells the story of the area’s inhabitants throughout the ages in its museum, heritage village, amphitheater, and heirloom gardens. The center is open year-round and hosts a wide range of events and festivals, so check the schedule before your visit to see what’s on offer.

Outdoor Recreation in Townsend

As the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there’s no shortage of stunning scenery and outdoor activity in and around Townsend. The main attraction, of course, is the park. There are many ways to explore the mountains in this vast wilderness, which has more than 800 miles of hiking trails. Some of the best day hikes include Deep Creek to Indian Creek Falls, a 1.6-mile round-trip route with beautiful views of two waterfalls. For a more challenging option, take the 3.5-mile Chimney Tops Overlook Trail, which has a fairly steep climb but stunning views over the mountain peaks at the summit.

The park also contains more than 90 historic buildings, including houses, barns, churches, schools, and gristmills. Drive the scenic 5.5-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to see some of these remnants of the past. Self-guided tours and hiking paths are also available at the Visitor Center. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open year-round, but some facilities close in winter. Be prepared for traffic during peak summer weekends and check for weather alerts before you visit.

To escape the crowds at the park, head for Cades Cove. This lush valley south of Townsend is home to an array of stunning wildlife, including white-tailed deer, elk, black bear, groundhog, coyote, and wild turkey. See the sights via the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road or go to the visitor center to pick up a trail map and get walking. Cades Cove Loop Road is open from sunrise to sunset year-round, but closed to vehicles on Wednesdays from May through September.

Another must-see in this area is the Tuckaleechee Caverns, an underground cave system featuring a cavern as long as a football field and a 210-foot double waterfall. The Caverns are open from mid-March to mid-November and accessible via guided tours.

Where to Stay in Townsend

Whether you’re looking for a secluded cabin in the woods or a stylish lodge, Townsend has lots of accommodations to choose from. For a rustic retreat, check out Little River Log Cabins. Located on the water, there are three old-fashioned log cabins to choose from — The Pioneer, the Settler, or the Homestead. All are equipped with hot tubs, a fully-equipped kitchen, a cozy gas fireplace, and a screened-in back porch.

If you’re looking for a little more luxury, try Dancing Bear Lodge, which offers stylishly furnished and fully equipped villas, cottages, and cabins. Also on the property are walking trails and the Lodge’s award-winning restaurant, the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, which offers seasonal menus featuring locally-grown ingredients.

Mountain Magic

A weekend away in the mountains is good for the soul. Breathe in the fresh air that rolls off the Smokies, watch the elk as they graze in the lush foothills, and wander the friendly main streets of a Tennessee treasure. Townsend is a top destination for weekend warriors, wanderers, and wayfarers, providing access to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, as well as a dose of typical Tennessee charm in its busy boutiques and eateries. Three days might not be enough to see all the attractions, but it’ll give you enough of a taste of this special town to plan a return trip.