Things To Do

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. Allow at least two to four hours to tour Cades Cove, longer if you hike some of the area's trails.

Tuckaleechee Caverns

Tuckaleechee Caverns of Townsend, TN. Known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies” are the highest rating 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.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Foothills Parkway

The Foothills Parkway is a scenic parkway in East Tennessee that runs along the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers stunning views of the park and surrounding areas, and is a popular alternative to the more heavily traveled US 441 route through the park

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

Connect with the spirit and history of Townsend, Cades Cove, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Our museum offers something for everyone, from hands-on activities to tours of original 19th-century buildings and our Cherokee Native American Collection.

Company Distilling

Learn about the craft of creating our whiskey. Enjoy a flight of our award-winning spirits, savor one of our signature craft cocktails, and relax with the best of company

Cades Cove Cellars

Nestled in the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountains in the area known as “the peaceful side of the Smokies”, Townsend, TN serves as the perfect setting for truly inspired winemaking. We chose the name Cades Cove Cellars because we are not only passionate about the award-winning wines we create, but because we are also very passionate about the beautiful area in which we work, live, and play.

The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel

The Abbey is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon, eating lunch or dinner by the river and drinking your favorite brew, whether it be craft beer, cider, sweet iced tea, or a soft drink. Our family-friendly atmosphere brings a smile to all ages! Join a friend in the corn hole or Connect Four on the patio. Escape the hustle and bustle of Pigeon Forge (25 minutes away) or Gatlinburg (25 minutes). Visit Cades Cove or ride your bike along our 6-mile Townsend bike path and rest with us!

Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe

Apple Valley Mountain Village has been a fixture in Townsend since 1992, welcoming guests on the west side of town with our iconic big red barn roof. It’s hard to drive into Townsend and not pull into the familiar Apple Valley Mountain Village where visitors will find shopping, dining, and a peaceful place to relax in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Townsend Mercantile Company

Our selection features a range of home and kitchen goods, apothecary lines, as well as apparel and accessories. Inspired by the historical significance of Townsend Mercantile Co., a cherished establishment from the past that served as a general store for the Little River Railroad, I envisioned its revival.

Tennessee Mountain View Winery

We’re nestled in Wears Valley, completely surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. At about a 15 minute drive from Pigeon Forge, we offer the largest selection of wines around. Our wine selection spans from Sweet, Semi-Sweet, to Dry. Our family has been making and crafting wines since 1986. Come enjoy gorgeous views, great wines, and great times

Wears Valley Zipline Adventures

Experience thrills and incredible views ziplining over the Great Smoky Mountain National Park! As you zip along our thrilling zipline course, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of lush forests, rolling hills, and the majestic peaks of the Smoky Mountains and Mount LeConte