10 Can't-Miss Places in Townsend, Tennessee - The Peaceful Side of the Smokies // Travel Guide 2023

Under an hour drive southeast of Knoxville and 14 miles from the resort town of Gatlinburg is low-key and often underrated Townsend, Tennessee. This tiny community of a few hundred folks is nicknamed the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” It’s a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the very popular Cades Cove scenic drive.

While not as flashy or as crowded as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, there’s enough to do in Townsend to make it your vacation destination. From outdoor activities like tubing down a cascading river to exploring what this former logging community was like more than a century ago at a heritage museum and a train museum.

In this episode, we’re taking you to 10 Places You Can’t Miss in Townsend, Tennessee.

#townsend #smokymountains

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[hvnlrnt]

As a resident of Townsend, I can confirm that If you get yourself a place near here and spend a few days hiking or just go camping, you will have yourself a time much better than anything you could ever dream of anywhere else!

[BruceLeigh-euwm]

I love Townsend and Cades Cove. I go there for the awesome natural beauty of the area. I go there for peace and rest. Was there last week with my wife. I go alone next time.

[nightsongs]

I used to live near there until I had to move back to Florida (BARF) a few years ago. The Townsend / Walland area is my favorite by far. It is my dream to move back there.

[richardhyatt-beekeeping]

Been visiting for a few decades now, sure has changed. In fact, I just happened to be there last week.

[lakewoodil]

As a former wears Valley resident, have been to Townsend many, many times. Back in the 50's my father had a Doctor who treated and cured him and we often would go to a little store on the river who sold the absolutely best ham. My aunt was born and raised there and ended up owning major land there. Giving the choice I would opt for Townsend as my base if you are visiting the smokies. Pidgeon Forge and Gatlinburg are nice but the traffic is horrible and I have lived with Atlanta and Chicago traffic forever!

[TennesseeTrio]

Great video! You get to experience the Smokies without the chaos of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! Bliss!

[johndatownsend]

Trailhead Steak & Trout restaurant. Awesome food especially the hush puppies!

[DrJohn]

Townsend has long been my favorite gateway to the northern side of the Smokies and the park's hiking, backpacking and fly fishing opportunities. Never miss stopping in at Little River Outfitters to check out where the trout are rising and what flies are working on the streams. On my last trip up in mid-December '22 before heading into the park, I had a couple of great meals at Peaceful Side Social Brewery and Craft Kitchen. From the looks of the weather, appears like we were passing through Townsend at about the same time.

[donnatraylor]

For those that have never been there it's beautiful. It's calming and yes peaceful. Take your bikes to use on the paved walking and biking path. I love it!

[TomHoffman-uwpf]

I went to Townsend several times in the 1970s. I stayed at the Smoky Mountain Ranch Court for $8 a night (in 1971 LOL).Also the Docks Motel a couple times. I've little use for Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.

[derekk]

Right around the corner from the Townsend Wye is Tremont Rd which is probably the prettiest road in the Smokies especially after a rain. Tremont rd follows the Middle Prong of little River for about 6 miles to a parking area and middle prong trail, Lynn Camp falls.

[JoshieandStacy]

We appreciate you dropping by our live stream last night. Ive been watching you for a long time. Your St Augustine content hooked me. We love St Augustine! Great Townsend video!

[mitchellries]

I've never heard of this town before but I think I'll have to make a quick stop here for the Tuckaleechee Caverns. I already have plans to visit the underground caves at Silver Dollar City in Branson and Glenwood Caverns in Colorado so I definitely have interest in these ones also.

[domfer]

Giving away some secret location of peace and quite

[BruceLeigh-euwm]

I have stayed at the River Breeze the last few times. Highly recommend them. Rooms are clean, quiet and prices are very reasonable. Nice people at the desk.

[tracyantonioli]

What a well done, concise and well-shot travel vlog. As someone who has tried and failed to create similar high-quality content, I applaud you! I immediately clicked subscribe. I'm looking forward to diving into some of your Florida content.

[chrischeesennancysemiretir]

As always, another GREAT video. We were in the area in September, clearly we missed some places and will have to go back. Thanks for great info!

[dmhenshaw]

Always enjoyed eating at The Wilson’s Hillbilly Restaurant. Food was excellent!

[jerrynunley]

Dont forget Wood and Strings dulcimer shop

[Cutter-jxxj]

I just came back from 5 days in Servier Tennessee. The thing that they fail to tell anyone is about how damn dangerous the skinny, paved one lane roads are up into parts of the mountains. Locals hauling ass around corners, absolutely NO guardrails and no place to pull over safely. Roads like that are a disaster waiting to happen. We rented a very nice cabin, it was rainy and dark when we got there and they failed to tell us there was 6 switchbacks up to where we parked. Average drop off the side, 100 ft or better. It was absolutely beautiful there. I have been all over Kentucky and West Virginia. I have family in both. I would never advise anyone I know to drive anywhere around that area at night if you don't know what u are doing. Tennessee is a beautiful state. Pigeon forge and Servier. Never again, not on a bet. We read the guest book at the cabin, nearly everyone one said. Beautiful cabin and area, but roads terrifying.