Things To Do

Townsend River Walk & Arboretum

Foothills Parkway Scenic Drive

Enjoy a scenic, peaceful drive through the mountains with sweeping views. Frequent pull-offs and overlooks let you pause for photos, spot wildlife, or simply soak in the landscape. Just 15 minutes from Tremont Lodge - the ride itself is about 35 minutes. You can take this parkway of heading to or from Pigeon Forge, where there are many other attractions.

Cades Cove Scenic Loop

Cades Cove is a scenic valley surrounded on all sides by mountains south of Townsend, Tennessee. A popular 11-mile one-way loop road encircling the valley provides access to hiking trails, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and chances to explore the many historic homesites, cemeteries, and churches. The area also holds a visitor center, campground, picnic area, and riding stable.

Historic Townsend/Sunshine Covered Bridge

The covered bridge encourages visitors to stop, fish, walk, sit and for many, ride their bicycles across. The Townsend/Sunshine Covered Bridge as its called – with its rustic tin roof and curving arches, is built on a structure that has been around for nearly 100 years, has rich cultural roots in Townsend, and is a proud part of the Townsend Historical Trail.

Scenic Drives

Townsend is one of the best places to experience the beauty of the southeastern United States. One of the best ways to do that is by taking a drive. There are so many scenic drives in Townsend that it would be difficult to see them all in one trip. There’s also something beautiful to see no matter what time of year you visit – there are wildflowers in the spring and summer, colorful leaves in the fall, and magical snow scenes in the winter. There are also stunning mountain views that will take your breath away.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park.

Tuckaleechee Caverns

Known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies” are the highest rated Cave or Cavern of the Eastern United States. Carved inside the earth’s oldest mountain chain and estimated to be between twenty to thirty million years old, the Caverns are rich in history and lore in recent years as well.

Swinging Bridge

f you like to seek out the more unusual places to visit — the stranger sights to see — then you need to check out the Dark Island Swinging Bridge in Townsend, TN. While you are spending time in the area, you have to take a few minutes out of your day to discover this amazing bridge and if you are brave enough to walk out on it, you can look down into the beautiful Little River.

Townsend UTV Rentals

Enjoy the beauty of Cades Cove and the Smokies riding in a UTV or Slingshot Rental!

Gatlinburg

The mountains are calling! Gatlinburg is perfectly suited for big adventures in the great outdoors. Experience your own mountaintop adventure right from downtown. With miles of hiking trails in the mountains and tons of dining options, attractions, shopping, and arts and crafts in town, Gatlinburg is your basecamp for adventure in every season.

Dollywood

Spanning 160 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood theme park offers more than 50 world-class rides, high-energy entertainment, award-winning dining and the friendliest theme park atmosphere in the world!

The Island in Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge is your Smoky Mountain destination to Eat, Shop, Play and Stay in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Experience live music, fun attractions, unique shopping, and choices in the area.

Peaceful Side Social | Townsend

The Abbey

One of our favorite places in Townsend! The Abbey is located in a quaint chapel with a large selection of craft beers on tap, cider and wine. A great way to spend a sunny afternoon, eating lunch or dinner by the River.

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

Holding a place in the top 1% of listings on TripAdvisor, the Bistro has been named one of America’s Most Romantic Restaurants and is one of the 25 Top Fine Dining Restaurants in the US. Enjoy a craft cocktail or local beer on our patio amidst the calming wooded vistas. Warm up by the fire pit while making s’mores and sipping a new wine from their highly acclaimed wine selection. Take in the breathtaking nature all around you while experiencing the Peaceful Side of the Smokies like never before.

Cades Cove Cellars

Local winery located in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies in Townsend, TN.

Company Distilling

Company Distilling is set along the Little River in Townsend, TN with a greenway running along the front of the 13.5-acre property. Hand-crafted cocktails, tastings, and tours offered daily. Maryville-based restaurant, Amici, has a permanent menu at the distillery, allowing visitors to gather with friends and enjoy delicious food and fine spirits. The new restaurant space will be called “Amico,” which means “a friend” in Italian

Towns End Coffee Co

A cozy mountain coffee house and gift shop serving espressos, cold brew coffee, tea and light brunch. Come eat, sip and shop!

The Dancing Bean

Located at the foot of Dancing Bear Lodge, The Dancing Bean offers counter service, fire-side indoor seating, outdoor deck seating, board games, and free Wifi.

Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe

Located at the foot of Dancing Bear Lodge, the Mountain Village is the perfect place to stop while making your way to the Smokey Mountain’s most popular destination, Cades Cove! Apple Valley Mountain Village consists of The Mountain Store, The General Store, Apple Valley Cafe, The Dancing Bean, and more!

Townsend IGA Supermarket

Supermarket for all your essentials!