In Blount County, the foothills of the Appalachians meet Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In Townsend, the town borders the park, and the Little River flows through town. South of Townsend lies Cades Cove: a valley surrounded by mountains, where landscape and historic heritage come together.
Cades Cove: Valley and Cultural Heritage
Among the areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove offers the greatest variety of historic buildings. The valley is also scenically beautiful and surrounded by mountains. This combination makes it a special destination for anyone interested in both mountain scenery and historic structures.
History at Sites in Maryville
In Maryville, the Sam Houston Schoolhouse State Historic Site features a single-story log-cabin-style schoolhouse built in 1794. The Cades Cove Museum, housed in the historic Thompson-Brown House, preserves stories, photographs, and artifacts from families who lived in Cades Cove before Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established. The two sites offer different ways to explore history: an early schoolhouse at one, and the stories of Cades Cove families at the other.
The Blount County Historical Museum in Maryville offers a broader perspective on the region. Its exhibits highlight the people, places, and stories that have shaped Blount County. At the Townsend Visitor Center, you can find information about attractions, natural history, and cultural traditions in Townsend, Blount County, and Cades Cove. In the exhibit space, local artisans demonstrate their skills and sell their work.
Discover Nature: From a Tree Trail to a Hiking Trail
The Townsend River Walk & Arboretum is a nature education park. Plaques on the trees provide information about each tree. This makes it a way to explore nature and trees in its own right, in addition to the larger landscapes around Townsend.
The trail network in Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans more than 800 miles and an area of more than half a million acres. The Foothills Parkway, a scenic drive, offers a different scale: an approximately 0.8-kilometer hiking trail leads to Look Rock Tower. This means you can choose between an extensive trail network and a specific hike with a named destination.
The Little River also offers different activities in Townsend. Smoky Mountain River Rat offers two tubing routes there. The route features described include a private rock jump, swimming spots, and several moderate rapids. Since seasonal operating conditions can change, check in advance whether the offering is available during your travel dates. The stretch of river running through Townsend offers easier access to fly fishing and plenty of stocked fish. Check fishing regulations and license requirements separately.
Townsend and the Region’s Traditions
The Townsend Heritage Festivals take place every spring and fall in the Great Smoky Mountains. They celebrate the cultural heritage of Appalachia and the Townsend community. If you’re planning to attend a festival, check the dates for your travel period.
Getting Your Bearings for the Drive
For most visitors, a car is the easiest way to travel between Blount County communities and the national park. Public transportation is limited; a vehicle is needed for most trailheads and scenic drives. One route into the park goes through Townsend: follow US-321 North/TN-73 East through town, then take TN-73 into the park. Check current road conditions before you set out.
Discover more destinations: Alcoa, Friendsville, Maryville, Townsend, Warren County, Coffee, Hamilton and Humphreys.
For the main travel overview: Tennessee.
