Picture a quiet mountain town where a peaceful river twists through the valley, rustic cabins and waterfront campsites rest between the trees, and one of the most beloved corners of the Smoky Mountains lies just a short bike ride away.
Welcome to Townsend, Tennessee, “the Peaceful Side of the Smokies!”
Townsend may be a small, remote mountain town, but since it’s a gateway to the Smoky Mountains, it’s teeming with fun things to do!
As a Tennessee local who lives nearby, I’ve spent countless days exploring Townsend and the “peaceful side of the Smoky Mountains.” And good news: I’ve compiled many of my favorite activities in this guide!
From river tubing and biking to swimming and waterfall chasing, here are twelve fun things to do in Townsend, Tennessee!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks so much for your support!
TOWNSEND, TENNESSEE AT A GLANCE
Before diving in, here are a few highlights for planning a trip to Townsend, TN!
- Getting There: The closest airport to Townsend is McGhee Tyson, which is about 30 minutes away. Find affordable flights here.
- Where to Stay: Camp at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort or stay at the Dancing Bear Lodge.
- How to Get Around: You’ll need to rent a personal vehicle or a bike to get around Townsend.
- Best Time to Visit: March – October
- How Long to Visit: 2-3 days
12 Fun Things to Do in Townsend (From a TN Local!)
1. Float the Little River
First, a Smoky Mountains classic: river tubing!
River tubing is not only a great way to cool off on those unforgiving, humid summer days in Townsend, but it’s a fun and unique way to experience the Smokies.
Conveniently, the chilly Little River runs parallel to the main road in Townsend, providing visitors with many opportunities to float.
While you can certainly bring or rent tubes, the easiest way to float the Little River is to utilize the local outfitter, River Rat. This way, you won’t have to deal with the logistics of getting back to your car once you’ve tubed away from it.
River Rat has two tubing outposts in Townsend.
Outpost A is the family-friendly, pet-friendly route. This route offers a calmer ride down the Little River, with just enough small rapids for excitement. Think “natural lazy river!”
Outpost B is the adventurous route. This route offers a bumpier ride down the Little River, with heart-pounding rapids and refreshing swimming holes along the way. You’re almost guaranteed that you’ll be separated from your tube on this section!
With one unlimited tubing ticket, you can repeat the same route or mix and match the two routes. Plus, unlimited shuttle rides!
A few things to note:
- River Rat is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Water levels can drop significantly in late summer, creating unfavorable tubing conditions.
- Those who book their tickets online in advance will get a discounted rate.
2. Hike to Spruce Flats Falls
Spruce Flats Falls is one of the most underrated waterfalls in the Smokies. Dare I say, it’s one of Tennessee’s biggest hidden gems…?
Tucked just inside the Townsend entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, off the road to Cades Cove, Spruce Flats Falls is often missed by most visitors.
To see this Smokies hidden gem, drive into the park, turn right at the Townsend Wye, and make the first left onto Tremont Road.
Just two miles down Tremont Road, you’ll approach the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont on your left. Turn there and park in the large lot.
The trail to Spruce Flats Falls starts behind the Institute, so walk up the hill and venture to the left side of the building.
From there, you’ll begin your ascent up Fodderstack Mountain. The trail is semi-steep but short. After an ascent and descent, and a couple of peeks at the surrounding mountains along the way, you’ll arrive at the picturesque 30-foot waterfall.
This waterfall is beautiful year-round, but if you want to see the falls flowing as heavily as it is in the above photos, you’ll want to visit in the spring!
If you’re visiting in the summer, consider taking a dip in the shallow pool below the falls. Just use caution; the rocks are slippery, and the currents can be strong!
3. Bike Cades Cove
Biking Cades Cove is my absolute favorite thing to do, not only in Townsend but in the Smokies.
But not just on any ‘ole day. On vehicle-free Wednesdays in the summer!
On Wednesdays from May through September, the rangers close the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road to vehicles, giving bikers and pedestrians sole access to the scenic drive.
Biking the loop road on vehicle-free days means no bumper-to-bumper traffic, no crowds, and no excessive noise – just peaceful pedaling through the wide-open valley. It’s quieter, calmer, and offers a much better chance to spot wildlife!
In fact, we’ve seen upwards of a dozen bears at once milling around the open fields, all on vehicle-free Wednesdays!
Didn’t bring your bike? Don’t worry! Peddle and electric bike rentals are available at the Cades Cove Camp Store, just off the main loop.
4. Swim at the Townsend Wye
If you’re visiting Townsend in the summer, you’ll need somewhere to cool off. I have just the spot for you: the Townsend Wye!
Dubbed the “Y” by locals because of its position at a Y-shaped intersection just inside the park entrance, this iconic Smoky Mountains swimming hole features cool, shallow water with small rapids and a large, rocky shore to spread out.
Getting to the swimming hole couldn’t be more convenient. Just drive or bike into the park from the Townsend entrance. In less than a mile, just before the Little River Gorge Road intersection, pull into the large lot on the left.
You can relax on the grassy lawn by the parking lot, which is usually less crowded, or make your way down to the riverbank for a refreshing dip and waterside chill session.
Make an afternoon of it by bringing a picnic, towels, a swimsuit, and a book. It’s hard to beat chilling by the river!
5. Drive the Foothills Parkway
The Foothills Parkway is the most underrated scenic drive in the Smokies. Since it’s detached from the main park roads, this roadway doesn’t get much traffic.
With endless pull-offs to enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains, you can easily spend an afternoon cruising the scenic road.
Currently, there are two sections of the Foothills Parkway: East (a 5-mile section near Cosby) and West (a 33-mile section from Chilhowee to Wears Valley).
With many entrances available along the Parkway, one of which is in Townsend, you can conveniently hop on and off as you please.
If you have the time, consider cruising all 33 miles of Foothills Parkway West, stopping at the scenic overlooks, enjoying a picnic with a view, and hiking to the Look Rock Observation Tower.
6. Hike to Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is a classic waterfall hike in the Smokies for a reason. Located off the Cades Cove Loop, the hike to the 25-foot waterfall is truly stunning.
And the best time of year to hike to Abrams Falls may surprise you: winter! We’ve hiked this trail in every season, but it’s hard to beat the silence, icicle-laced waterfalls, and lack of crowds that you experience in the colder months.
No matter when you decide to go, you’ll need to hop on the Cades Cove Loop Road and exit onto the Abrams Falls access road at around the 5-mile mark. It will be signed.
Once you park in the lot at the end of the gravel road, begin your 2.5-mile hike to the falls.
The trail follows Abrams Creek almost the entire time, giving you something beautiful to look at and admire as you hike.
Eventually, the trail opens up to a wide gorge with a massive pool, rocky ledges, and a gorgeous waterfall. Abrams Falls may be small, but it’s mighty, especially in the winter or spring, after a good rain!
IMPORTANT: While the pool at the base of the falls might look like an enticing swimming hole, swimming is strongly discouraged here. The deceivingly mighty currents have caused many deaths below and around the falls.
Instead of swimming, sit on one of the boulders and admire the view. Don’t forget a snack!
7. Swim at Cane Creek Twin Falls
Can I let you in on a little secret? Promise not to tell? Aside from Midnight Hole, Cane Creek Twin Falls might be my favorite swimming hole in the Smokies. And while it may be discreetly on Google Maps, most visitors will just pass right by it without a clue as to what they’re driving by.
So this is a true hidden gem.
What makes Cane Creek Twin Falls extra special is that it’s not only home to a gorgeous swimming hole but also a pair of seasonal waterfalls.
Plus, unlike the Townsend Wye, there’s only room for two to three vehicles to park safely on the pull-off on the side of the road, so this swimming hole won’t get busy.
You could get this paradise all to yourself!
To get to this hidden waterfall and swimming hole, turn left at the Townsend Wye and continue on Little River Gorge Road for 2.5 miles. The waterfall will be on the left side of the road.
There is no parking on the right side of the road, so you’ll need to continue past the swimming hole and find somewhere to turn around safely. Once you turn around, slip into the pull-off.
The path down to the river is obvious, located directly behind the pull-off. It’s steep and rocky, but the descent is quick.
Once you make it down to the river, enjoy your own personal paradise, admiring the waterfalls and swimming in the sparkly water.
Psssst: This swimming hole, along with other hidden gems that we’ve discovered, is on my custom Tennessee Google Map. Grab your copy here!
8. Tour the Tuckaleechee Caverns
Most visitors to the Smokies will tour the famous Forbidden Caverns in Sevierville, but won’t have any idea about the unique cave system lurking in Townsend: the Tuckaleechee Caverns!
Known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” the Tuckaleechee Caverns feature the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern U.S., a room as big as a football stadium, and millions of unique formations. Needless to say, it’s definitely worth seeing!
Tours are available from March through November, 7 days per week, and tickets can only be purchased on site.
PRO TIP: Our guide told us that the best time to visit is after a thunderstorm because the waterfall roars!
After your caverns tour, stop by the seismic station in the lobby. This is the most sensitive seismic station on Earth. How cool is that?!
9. Bike the Townsend Historical Trail
Get ready to do something the locals love to do: bike the Townsend Historical Trail!
This 9-mile paved, fairly flat trail runs the length of the town (on both sides), stopping by points of interest like the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, the Little River Railroad, and the Lumber Company Museum. Plus, lots of places to stop for local food and drinks!
The 4.5-mile section on the north end of the road runs along the Little River, so there are endless opportunities to get out and enjoy the water. Have a picnic, go for a swim, or simply rest along the shore. You’ll pass by a covered bridge, an unpaved River Walk that leads to the water, the Little River Railroad, and the Lumber Company Museum. Plus, grocery stores, local restaurants, and coffee shops!
The 4.5-mile section on the south end of the road runs a little bit further from the main road, offering a more peaceful experience as you bike past things like the Townsend Visitor Center and Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
There are a couple of underground pedestrian tunnels along the route, so you can safely cross the road. However, you will still be passing intersecting side roads and driveways, so use caution!
NOTE: E-bike rentals are available in Townsend, right behind the trail, at Scotty Bike.
10. Hike to Crooked Arm Cascades
Most people who visit Cades Cove will hike to Abrams Falls (I don’t blame them – the falls are beautiful), but will unknowingly pass right by Crooked Arms Cascades to get there.
Because most visitors aren’t aware of its existence, this is definitely another Smokies hidden gem.
To get to Crooked Arm Cascades, park at the set of parking spaces right before the entrance to Cades Cove, or in the overflow lot next to the riding stables.
Hop on the Rich Mountain Trail, which is located just inside the Cades Cove Loop Road on the right side of the road. Hike for about a half-mile before turning right onto the Crooked Arm Ridge Trail.
A quarter-mile from the junction, you’ll hear the waterfall below; it’s off to the right of the trail, slightly obstructed by trees.
While the waterfall may not be the best in the Smokies, I love it because it’s largely unknown. I had it all to myself, and you might, too!
PRO TIP: I’d recommend hiking to this waterfall when the leaves are off the trees, like winter or early spring; otherwise, you may not be able to see it very well!
11. Get Ice Cream at Peaceful Side Social
A trip to Townsend – or anywhere, really – isn’t complete without ice cream. Can I get an amen?!
Peaceful Side Social has a creamery plus an adjoining restaurant, so you can enjoy a cold beer, hearty meal, and tasty ice cream cone after a fun day of exploring Townsend and the Smoky Mountains!
12. Attend the Hot Air Balloon Festival
Finally, even though this event happens only one day per year, I had to add the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival to this list!
This exciting summer festival takes place in August at the Townsend Visitor Center, featuring local crafts and food trucks, activities for the kiddos, and, of course, hot air balloon rides.
If you’ve ever dreamed of riding in a hot air balloon but were too scared of heights to make the jump, I’d encourage you to take a hot air balloon ride at the festival. The balloons are tethered, so you’ll only go up into the air about 30 feet or so. Enough to get a good vantage point, but you won’t have to worry about floating away!
If you’d prefer not to go up in a balloon, you can always bring a lawn chair, grab a drink, and watch the colorful balloons float up and down in front of the rolling mountains.
The 2026 Hot Air Balloon Festival dates haven’t been announced yet, but the event is usually on a Saturday in mid-August!
Discover more amazing places and things to do in Tennessee with my custom Google Map!
Finish Planning Your Trip to Tennessee
Take the stress out of trip planning with the help of my guides!
- Summer in Tennessee: 18 Unforgettable Things to Do
- Fall in Tennessee: 14 Unforgettable Things to Do
- Winter in Tennessee: 12 Unforgettable Things to Do
- Spring in Tennessee: 11 Unforgettable Things to Do
- Tennessee Bucket List: 10 Adventures in TN
- Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary (From a Local!)
- 11 Hidden Gems in Tennessee You’ll Have to See to Believe
Discover Your Next Adventure
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