The Most Charming River Towns In Tennessee

The landscape of Tennessee takes varying forms. From the intimidating grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the east to the west, where the Mississippi River flows, it is a mishmash of terrains. However, the Mississippi is not the only flowing natural beauty in the Volunteer State. There are the Tennessee, Harpeth, and Nolichucky Rivers, among many others, brimming in pristine elegance across the state. Some of these rivers are flanked by charming small towns that complement their natural splendor with human activities, stunning artificial structures, and parks to delight tourists. From Loudon and Savannah on the banks of the Tennessee River to Tiptonville along the Mississippi, here are the seven most charming river towns in Tennessee to visit today.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is arguably the most charming river town in Tennessee. This resort town sits along the West Fork of the Little Pigeon River, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, boasting numerous attractions that make a vacation unforgettable. One of its top attractions is the Titanic Museum, a two-storey building shaped exactly like the RMS Titanic, making it the largest permanent Titanic Museum in the world. This museum mirrors the Titanic and its iconic history, with over 400 real artifacts. Pigeon Forge also hosts Dollywood, the most ticketed attraction in Tennessee, which is themed after the life and music of Dolly Parton. The standard amusement park features 50 attractions, including 10 rollercoasters and two water rides, a theatre, and a narrow-gauge Dollywood Express steam train, among others.

Elsewhere in town, visitors are invited to the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, a crime museum designed to appear like a 19th-century prison building. Inside, guests can learn about the history of crime in America with interactive exhibits and displays on criminal profiles, criminal acts, penalties, victims, and law enforcement. Also, it is always a delight to wine and dine at the Old Mill Restaurant, reputed as one of the best restaurants in America, with its delicious Southern cuisine, and the enchanting scenery of the Little Pigeon River.

Kingston Springs

Sneak into the serene town of Kingston Springs and explore this slow-paced community of less than 3,000 people in absolute bliss and peace. The Harpeth River flows along this town and is preserved for recreational purposes under the Harpeth River State Park. Visitors can embark on swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing on the river within the park or just picnic and admire its rhythmic flow.

Burns Park is another premier outdoor destination in Kingston Springs, ideal for those who want to enjoy picnics, leisure walks, and views of greenery and a small pond. Meanwhile, the Fillin Station is the town's most famous restaurant, always open to offer regional delicacies in a vibrant atmosphere of music and welcoming locals.

Townsend

Townsend is one of the smallest river towns in Tennessee, populated by fewer than 600 people. It is a gateway town to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but while here, it is easy to forget the national park as the town is quite big on attractions. First off, the Little River flows through the town, and visitors can fish, boat, canoe, kayak, and just float on it. Additionally, one can explore the Townsend Riverwalk and Arboretum to combine river views with nature's floral beauty, walking through a diversity of colorful plant species.

Townsend is also rich in history and hosts the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum. This museum unveils the role of the company in the expansion of the town and other areas around the Little River, and how Native American pioneers relied on the river for survival. For lovers of art and its many expressions, the Townsend Artisan Guild Gallery is the ideal stop to see local arts and crafts or participate in seasonal art events.

Savannah

Savanna sits right on the Tennessee River, where it charms tourists with a mix of everything. For those who love history, this town is particularly exciting as it hosts the Tennessee River Museum. This museum and its many artifacts and exhibits highlight the history of the Tennessee River valley from its prehistoric times to its Native American heritage, the Civil War era, and more. A few notable items in the museum include hundreds of fossils dating back millions of years, steamboat memorabilia, and artifacts from the Battle of Shiloh. Also in town is Cherry Mansion, one of the region’s oldest houses, sitting on the banks of the Tennessee River and once used as headquarters of Union Army Generals, including Ulysses S. Grant. Built in 1829, this mansion is private but still impressive to admire from the outside.

Away from the history, Savannah is less than 15 miles from Pickwick Landing State Park, a 1,400-acre paradise for recreation. This park has access to the Tennessee River (Pickwick Lake) for fishing, boating, and swimming activities. The park also includes a three-mile hike through a hardwood forest, developed campgrounds, and a lodge with over 100 rooms and a conference center.

Tiptonville

Tiptonville is one of the few towns in Tennessee on the mighty Mississippi River. Populated by around 4,000, this town is small, but perfect for a quiet retreat as it is bordered by Reelfoot Lake, which was created when a series of earthquakes in 1811 to 1812 caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards for some time. Here, travelers will find waterfront cabins at the Reelfoot Lake Sportman’s Resort North, with fishing equipment and easy access to the lake for incredible fishing expeditions. The resort also has another location at the south end of the lake offering similar experiences. At the town’s Reelfoot Lake State Park, travelers will be met with a flooded forest of Cypress trees, full of birds, including American bald eagles.

Hiking trails offer access to the park’s beautiful sights and sounds, and the shallow lake is ideal for kayaking; plus, campsites are available. Notably, Tiptonville is home to Boyette’s Dining Room, one of Tennessee’s top restaurants, offering authentic Southern dining. This restaurant will make any trip to town memorable as it serves generous portions of fried chicken, catfish, country ham, and more in a lakefront setting.

Paris

The city of love in France is partially replicated in one of the river towns of Tennessee, bearing the same name, Paris. But this American version of Paris adds a natural appeal here in Tennessee, with the beauty of its rivers. The town’s east end is drained by the tributaries of West Sandy Creek, which flows to the Tennessee River, and the southwest end by the middle fork of the Obion River, a tributary of the Mississippi. With water bodies flanking the town, there is so much scenery and recreation to enjoy in this charming town. For starters, the Paris Landing State Park is near town and offers access to the Kentucky Lake for swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, and camping.

Downtown, there is a park with a 66-foot-tall replica of the Eiffel Tower, designed to give people a feel of the city of love in France. The park also features hiking paths, a splash pool, picnic areas, a swimming pool, and many other facilities. For history buffs, the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center offers a peek into the town’s history through interactive exhibits. Notably, this museum is located in Cavitt Place, a 1916 Italian Renaissance Revival mansion, which is exciting to explore and see original painted-glass windows, murals, and mahogany woodwork. Additionally, the town’s Olive Pit A Pasta House is one of the state’s finest restaurants worth experiencing. The restaurant offers a wide variety of delicacies, from pizza and pasta to salad, steaks, sandwiches, and more.

Loudon

Loudon is one of the best-kept secrets along the Tennessee River that offers an enticing blend of entertainment, outdoor recreation, and history. Visitors here will lose track of time while kayaking, boating, and fishing at the nearby Tellico and Fort Loudon lakes. Meanwhile, the Loudon Theatre, built in 1909, is always open to offer premium movie entertainment, while the Tennessee Valley Winery has over 20 wine varieties to delight wine lovers.

For retreat seekers, the town’s Windy Hill Farm and Preserve is one of the best places in Tennessee. This resort is the perfect riverside wellness destination, offering all kinds of relaxing activities, from massages, gardening, and beekeeping to cooking classes, bourbon tasting, hiking, and fishing.

Rivers are undeniably spectacular, and so are the towns around them that serve as launch pads to relish experiences on the water. In Tennessee, these towns are no less exciting as they reveal the raw elegance of nature and beckon nature-loving souls for unhindered indulgences. More than the flowing waterbodies, these towns are pathways into the culture, history, and cuisines of the South. There is just something magical about an authentic Southern meal in front of a flowing river, and these towns are the few places in the world where that experience can be enjoyed. Visit these river towns in Tennessee today, and you will make unforgettable memories.