5 Hidden Gems Things to do in Townsend That You Shouldn't Miss

January 14, 2022 Phylicia Berquist

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

825 Cavern Rd, Townsend, TN 37882-4505 +1 865-448-2274 http://www.tuckaleecheecaverns.com/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,463 reviews

Tuckaleechee Caverns

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

10018 Campground Dr, Townsend, TN 37882-5000 +1 865-448-9009 [email protected] http://www.cadescovestables.com
Excellent
75%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 381 reviews

Cades Cove Riding Stables

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. The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum

Us 321, Townsend, TN +1 865-661-0170 http://www.littleriverrailroad.org
Excellent
57%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 148 reviews

The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum

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.

4. Next to Heaven Adventure

1239 Wears Valley Rd, Townsend, TN 37882-3416 +1 865-216-8604 http://www.nexttoheavenmountainadventures.com/
Excellent
83%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 309 reviews

Next to Heaven Adventure

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!

5. Davy Crockett Riding Stables

505 Old Cades Cove Rd, Townsend, TN 37882-4411 +1 865-448-6411 http://davycrockettridingstables.com/
Excellent
82%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 296 reviews

Davy Crockett Riding Stables

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.

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