Best Things to Do in Townsend, TN: The Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains

We’re back with another fun adventure for you—this time, we’re heading into the Smoky Mountains to Townsend, TN, otherwise known as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. If you’re visiting Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, or even Knoxville, Townsend is just a short drive over the mountain. You can leave behind the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and take a stroll around Townsend, which is our favorite way to see the sights.

There’s so much to see and do in Townsend that it would take several blog posts to cover it all. For now, we’ll share some highlights and tips for your trip to the peaceful side. We’ve pulled together some of our favorite places—divided into categories to make it easy for you to “plan your own adventure.” No matter what you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable trip! We grew up visiting Townsend and remember when it was just a two-lane road from the Knoxville side. Back then it seemed to take forever to get there, but in reality, it’s only about an hour’s drive from Knoxville. Over the years, we’ve watched it grow, and now we love returning to grab a pizza, snap photos of the mountains, and browse the local antique shops.

We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention that Townsend is the gateway to Cades Cove. On your way into the park, stop by some of these soon-to-be favorite spots to stretch your legs, grab a bite, or soak in a bit of history.

Outdoor Adventures in Townsend

If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Townsend is the place to be. With hiking trails and the Little River flowing through town, the area makes the perfect backdrop for an active day in the Smokies. One of the most exciting ways to explore is by renting a jeep and taking a drive on the backroads, where you’ll discover hidden mountain views and quiet corners of the valley. But our personal favorite is fly fishing. Townsend is well-known as one of the best fly-fishing spots in the region. We stopped in at Little River Outfitters, a shop that’s been serving anglers for years. While they don’t offer guided trips themselves, they’re happy to recommend local guides, the best flies for the season, and the right gear for your adventure. Upstairs, they have a fully stocked fly-tying materials shop where they also host classes. Imagine dipping your toes into the Little River and catching a fish on a fly you tied yourself—that’s the magic of Townsend.

If you’d prefer a slower pace, tubing down the Little River is another classic Townsend activity. Several outfitters in town rent tubes and will point you toward the best start and end points for a fun, safe float. Another peaceful option is the Townsend Riverwalk and Arboretum, a rustic riverside trail where you can take a gentle stroll, identify native plants and trees, and enjoy a little time in nature. And if biking is more your style, Townsend has more than 10 miles of paved path on the Shadows of the Past Townsend TN Bike Trail, which winds past many of the town’s highlights. If you don’t bring your own bike, you can rent one from Scotty’s Bike Shop or Ride Vee Hollow, which also rents mountain bikes for the area’s trail system.

Historical Places to Visit in Townsend

Townsend is rich in history, and some of the best attractions in town bring that history to life. One of our favorite places is the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, which features historic cabins, heritage gardens, and a museum filled with fascinating exhibits. If you plan your visit ahead of time, check their class schedule—they often host workshops and cultural programs, and we even had the chance to teach a class or two there ourselves! If you’re visiting in the spring, be sure to attend their annual Fiber Festival, which celebrates sheep, wool, and the fiber arts.

Another can’t-miss stop is the Little River Railroad Museum. Founded in 1982, this non-profit organization preserves the history of the Little River Lumber Company and Railroad. It’s a great spot to learn about the people and industries that shaped Townsend and the surrounding area. While we haven’t had the chance to visit just yet, it’s high on our list for our next trip to the peaceful side of the Smokies.

Festivals in Townsend

For such a small town, Townsend knows how to throw a great festival. Each year, you’ll find everything from the Fiber Festival to the Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival, where you can even purchase a ticket to ride in a tethered balloon. The Appalachian Homecoming Festival at Dancing Bear is another highlight, celebrating the region’s food, music, and culture. The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center also hosts a Blue Ribbon County Fair every September, complete with contests, exhibits, and good old-fashioned fun. And if you’re visiting in November, don’t miss the Grains & Grits Festival , which celebrates Tennessee whiskey alongside gourmet food and live entertainment. With so many events happening throughout the year, there’s always something festive going on in Townsend.

Where to Eat in Townsend

We can’t talk about Townsend without mentioning the local food. While the town isn’t large, it’s full of flavor and offers plenty of farm-to-table dining experiences, which are near and dear to our hearts. One of our favorite stops is Peaceful Side Social especially for their Pear & Fig Pizza, which has become a must-order for us. Of course, they also serve classic pizzas and local brews, and their dog-friendly patio makes it a perfect stop if you’re traveling with furry friends.

If you’re in the mood for something traditional, there’s a pancake house in town that serves the kind of hearty breakfasts this part of Tennessee is known for. For something more upscale, the Dancing Bear Lodge offers a refined Appalachian dining experience. In between, you’ll find sandwich shops and cozy sit-down restaurants scattered throughout town. For a full list, the Greater Smokies Region’s website is a great resource.

Coffee lovers will also find plenty of options. While our longtime favorite, Towns End Coffee, has since moved to the Townsend Mercantile, we spotted several other inviting shops worth checking out, including The Artistic Bean and Little River Coffee Co. 

Other Things to Do in Townsend

If you’re looking for a little nostalgia, plan a night at the Parkway Drive In. This classic drive-in theater is the perfect place to load your car with blankets and pillows, grab dinner from the concession stand, and enjoy a movie under the stars. It’s an old-school experience that’s hard to beat.

We also have to mention Blackberry Farm, which, while technically located in nearby Walland, is only a short drive from Townsend. Known for its luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and curated grounds, Blackberry Farm is a destination in itself. Even if you’re staying there, you’ll definitely want to carve out time to explore Townsend’s small-town charm.

Shopping in Townsend

Shopping in Townsend is all about character and charm. The town has long been known for its antique stores, where you can spend hours hunting for treasures and perhaps even outfit your home in one weekend. We also recommend stopping at the Townsend Mercantile, one of our favorite places for kitschy yet upscale souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for a puzzle to enjoy during downtime at your cabin, a cozy throw blanket, or a candle to light by the fire, you’ll find it here, along with plenty of gifts to take home.

This guide is by no means a complete list of everything Townsend has to offer—it’s simply a way to help you get started on your own adventure to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. There’s so much to do and see here, both along the main drag and off the beaten path (and you know how much we love exploring those hidden spots). Let us know what adventures you discover when you visit Townsend. Who knows—we might cross paths on our next trip!

About the Author:

Kristin is the founder of Chicken Librarian and the Host of Life on the Farmstead, where she shares real-life stories, seasonal living tips, and her love for all things local. A freelance blogger with a background in storytelling and small-town life, Kristin has been chronicling her journey online since 2017 at chickenlibrarian.com. Whether she’s spotlighting East Tennessee small businesses or sharing life from her own farmstead, Kristin writes with honesty, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the people and places that shape her stories.