Location: Townsend
Top Things to do in Townsend
Top Restaurants in Townsend
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10 Things to do Good for Kids in Townsend That You Shouldn't Miss
Townsend is a city in Blount County, Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. The population was 244 at the 2000 census and 448 at the 2010 census. For thousands of years a site of Native American occupation by varying cultures, Townsend is one of three "gateways" to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has several museums and attractions relating to the natural and human history of the Great Smokies.
Restaurants in Townsend
1. Tuckaleechee Caverns
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,463 reviews
Tuckaleechee Caverns is a massive cave / cavern system and tourist attraction located in Townsend, Tennessee awarded 5 stars by AAA. Tuckaleechee Caverns is a short drive from Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Townsend, Cades Cove, Knoxville and Chattanooga. Tuckaleechee Caverns is the Highest rated cave or cavern in the Eastern US awarded 5 star "GEM" attraction by AAA. The "Big Room" is the largest cave/cavern room that is open to the public in the eastern United States could almost fit a football stadium. Many stalagmites reach over 24 feet tall with flow-stone formations over hundreds of feet in length and width. Tuckaleechee Caverns is proud to have the tallest underground waterfall in the eastern United States, named "Silver Falls", a 210 foot two-tier waterfall. OPEN - MARCH 1 to NOVEMBER 30.
Reviewed By cl8on
Great place, beautiful caverns, Zach who was our tour guide had a great sense of humor and enjoyed talking. Always had jokes. Many cool formations and other must see things.
2. Cades Cove Riding Stables
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 381 reviews
Welcome to Cades Cove Riding Stables located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cades Cove. The National Park's only authorized riding stables in Cades Cove Whether you're young or old, expert or novice, a Horseback, Carriage, or Hayride trip in the breathtaking Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an adventure you'll never forget. If you have a hearty frontier spirit and are ready to hit the trail, come take pleasure in some wholesome outdoor fun at our stable area. You will be greeted by our Guides, who are committed to providing you with a safe and memorable excursion within the scenic Cades Cove. Cades Cove Riding Stables offers adventure options for the entire family who wish to enjoy the magnificent Cades Cove. We specialize in providing Guided Horseback, Carriage, and Hay rides for National Park visitors who desire an alternative method of enjoying the scenic splendor of the park. Off the beaten path, you'll see what's under the forest canopy, and maybe even some woodland critters! You'll even learn a bit about our Cove as our guides share stories of the remnants of a historic settlement period.
Reviewed By nadiyar2017
Our family absolutely loved horseback riding at Cades Cove Stables. Our kids, 9 and 7 years old, got smaller horses and were very comfortable. Helmets are required for kids and optional for adults. We arrived at the stables about 30 minutes before they opened and we were the first group there. The ride was about 1.5 hours. We saw deer and wild turkeys. Our guide was very nice and knowledgeable, great with kids. I definitely recommend arriving early - it increases your chances to spot wildlife. Also, Cades Cove Stables don't take reservations and they do get busy.
3. Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Connect with the spirit and history of Townsend, Cades Cove, and the Great Smoky Mountains at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. A 501(c)(3) organization located just one mile from the Townsend entrance to the National Park, the Heritage Center offers indoor museum galleries as well as an Appalachian village containing historic structures covering the time period of 1802-1960. On weekends, the Heritage Center also hosts a variety live concerts that draw attendees from across the region. Admission tickets may be purchased online, by phone, or on a walk-up basis.
Reviewed By scubacamper
This is a pretty cool place to see some of the historical artifacts and experience some of the cultural norms of the area. The curators have presented a nice collection of Native American artifacts discovered in the area as well as a nice collection of original buildings from the area. It appears they have moved some original log style buildings from the area to this one location, offering a neat little "tour" of they way folks lived in that area a century or more ago. The pricing is reasonable and their gift shop has a decent selection of "dust-collectors" for you to remember your trip. The staff was very friendly, helpful, and professional.
4. The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By texdawg89 - Bogart, United States
This is most definitely worth a visit for anyone with an appreciation of local history that reflects American history from the early 20th century through the depression era. A "must" for children as this museum accurately depicts how timber and railroads were a huge part of the industrial revolution and created jobs and an economy for many small towns in America. The Shay steam locomotive on display is unique not only in how it was built but very few escaped the scrapyard. This railroad and lumber mill were the "lifeblood" of several Tennessee towns and the pictures, log loader, steam engine and various artifacts take you back to a time when railroads were essential to get the lumber out of the mountains to the growing country. It's free!, but donations are appreciated.
5. Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,050 reviews
Smoky Mountain River Rat has offered guests tubing adventures on the Little River since 1995! River Rat is located 15 miles South of Pigeon Forge in Townsend, TN- the Peaceful Side of The Smokies. Tubing trips offer plenty of rapids to satisfy your craving for excitement, but the Little River is mellow enough for your youngest thrill seeker. Ages include 2+ years old. Open 7 days, May-Labor Day. Private Riverside Cabana Rentals now available! For photos and info, visit our website. Want more PADDLE, SPLASH & PLAY? River Rat also offers whitewater rafting with Smoky Mountain River Rat Whitewater. Formerly USA Raft, River Rat Whitewater offers guests rafting adventures on the Pigeon River in Hartford, TN- conveniently located off I-40 at the TN/NC border. We are the closest rafting outpost to Gatlinburg, Knoxville and Pigeon Forge. Rafting, fishing and more... The most fun you will ever have on the water awaits you on the Pigeon River. All experience levels welcome!
Reviewed By ashleyrZ4847CB
We did tubing and white water rafting and while tubing was wonderful the white water rafting was amaaaazing!!! Our guide Bobby was top notch!! Definitely recommend!
6. Next to Heaven Adventure
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
Reviewed By Navigator19428395557
This was the highlight of our trip! Beautiful and well behaved horses...very friendly staff...and THE MOST GORGEOUS VIEW ON EARTH! Loved that the ride was self guided and we could just relax and enjoy heaven on earth! We will definitely be back!
7. Davy Crockett Riding Stables
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By 1MomWithAPlan - Knoxville, United States
This stables lack activities while you are waiting but the friendliness of the staff and the ride more than make up for it. Loved the proximity to Tuckaleechee Caverns! The guided trail ride was beautiful and flatter than another trail ride experience, which allowed for a more relaxed riding experience.
8. Cades Cove Trading Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Cades Cove Trading Company, located in the Cades Cove Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, provides a Gift Shop with Souvenirs, Convenience and Camping Supplies, a Cafe / Deli, 150 Bicycle Rentals, 24 hour Vending, Firewood and Ice. We also carry on the tradition of serving some of the best soft serve ice cream in the Smokies! We are now open for the 2019 season!!!
9. Townsend Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Townsend Visitors Center is located in the back yard of Cades Cove. Stop by for area information regarding accommodations, restaurants, and things to do during your visit! As well as Great Smoky Mountain National Park info and gift store ran by the Great Smoky Mountain Association!
Reviewed By 291genej - Silver Spring, United States
We stopped here for a general overview of Townsend. After using the clean restrooms, we perused the room filled with a sampling of local crafts and an early photo of Townsend's Lumber Company, then into the gift shop run by 2 friendly locals with all the info you need. We went on to visit the Little River Railroad Lumber Museum (3 pieces of rare steam powered equipment), the Lilly Barn wedding venue (2 bridges over its stream), walked across the recently restored Sunshine Covered Bridge and the unique "Swinging Bridge", both over the Little River. Later, we walked to the Heritage Center from our nice stay at the Gateway Inn.
10. Apple Valley Mountain Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Located in Townsend, Tennessee, at the foot of Dancing Bear Lodge, the Mountain Village is the perfect place to stop while making your way to the Smokey Mountain’s most popular destination, Cades Cove! Apple Valley Mountain Village consists of The Mountain Store, The General Store, Apple Valley Cafe, and The Dancing Bean.
Reviewed By LordJosmar
This store has a large number of souvenirs, from the typical magnets and shirts, to local made foods. Prices are what you’d expect and I felt like I got what I paid for. The people working there were very friendly and made me feel welcome.
