24 Hours in Townsend, Tennessee
Known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Townsend welcomes visitors to experience the mountains at a slower pace. If you only have a day in the area, these experiences will showcase its beauty while tempting you with another visit.
Don’t miss the NPS signs. You might have to stand in line for the souvenir selfie.
What to Do
Rent a UTV
Take to the roads in a street-legal UTV or slingback. Stop by Townsend UTV Rentals and choose the four wheeler that speaks to your adventurous soul. Although they don’t allow off-roading in their vehicles, they promise an afternoon of exhilarating mountain air disrupting your hair. Make sure you know the rules - where you can and can’t drive - as well as safety stipulations. Roam the Foothills Parkway for a great afternoon outing.
If trail or off-roading is more your speed, look at the Cherokee National Road or private road parks. Consider Rich Mountain Road within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Citico Creek Road in the Cherokee National Forest is graveled and follows the creek.
Experience Cades Cove on foot or wheels
Cades Cove puts you in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether you discover the perfect trail or drive the 11-mile, one way looping road, its an emersion into one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Take your time, and make these stops (in order of the drive):
John Oliver Cabin (1820), one of the oldest log cabins in the Smokies
Primitive Baptist Church (1827)
Methodist Church (1902)
Missionary Baptist Church (1915)
Elijah Oliver Place (small homestead, via a short hike from road)
Cable Mill Historic Center (Visitor Center)
Henry Whitehead Place
Dan Lawson Place (1850s, brick chimney and original brick smokehouse)
Tipton Place (19th century farm, barn, blacksmith shop)
Carter Shield Cabin (last historic site)
The loop is one-way and takes 2–4 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
Located on the Cades Cove driving loop, the primitive church dates back to the early 19th century.
There are many hiking trails within the Cades Cove area, ideal for your activity level.
The Middle Prong Trail is an easy hike for families and seniors.
Where to Eat
Dine at Appalachian Bistro
Located at Dancing Bear Lodge, the Appalachian Bistro is fine dining with unique dishes that were curated from the region. Executive chef Jeff Carter serves the traditional Appalachian fare with his modern take, complimenting it flavors and history. Everything on the menu is regionally inspired.
You’ll discover foods like okra, cornbread, Hoppin’ John, trout and other familiar vegetables and meats on the menu that will taste anything but ordinary. Spend a couple hours in conversation and dining. Reservations recommended.
Grab a pint at Peaceful Side Social
Whether you grab a six-pack for your picnic in the mountains or stop in to unwind at the end of the day, Peaceful Side Social greets the family with delicious food and lots of space to share a table with friends. Kids have room to play while the adults chow down on fresh pizza and in-house brews. It’s the best of all worlds - and the taco bar proves it.
If you find yourself in Maryville, stop in at Peaceful Side Brewing.
Enjoy good company at Company Distilling
Once the master distiller at Jack Daniels, Jeff Arnett now creates his own recipe of shimmering brown liquid at Company Distilling in Townsend. Grounded with love for his community and his art, Arnett is hands-on and often on-site. Part of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, the distillery offers tastings as well as small bites. Enjoy their unique cocktails made from gin, whiskey and bourbon.
Bottle your own whiskey at Company Distilling.
Where to Stay
Bring the crowd to Dancing Bear
Bring the entire crew to Dancing Bear Lodge. Rustic cabins - all outfitted with kitchens and cozy amenities - are designed for the perfect weekend getaway. Lodging options from one-to-two bedroom cabins and villas are available. Two off-site river cabins are available, too. Book early for fall getaways.
