Attractions
Townsend Area
Attractions
While you are lodging at the Townsend Gateway Inn, there are lots of things to see and do. Whether you like to go hiking, golfing, fishing, horseback riding, bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, river tubing or touring, Townsend, TN and the Great Smoky Mountains have it all. Or, you can just relax in our peaceful, hilltop setting and enjoy the mountain views from your room!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Established in 1934
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited national park in the United States and remains free to visitors. Today, the park protects over 800 square miles in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and preserves a safe haven for more than 15,000 different species of plants and animals while providing visitors endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
www.smokiesinformation.org
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center celebrates the history of east Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains and is dedicated to preserving the region’s unique culture. View artifacts dating from 3000 B.C. to the 1930s and catch a glimpse of Native American life and its pottery, hunting weapons, ceremonial dress, homes and masks representing the 7 Cherokee clans. Learn about Native American and early settler life through 3-D displays, interactive exhibits, media presentations and a historic village of authentic log cabins, cantilever barns, wheelwright shop, smokehouse, sawmill, setoff house and more.
www.gsmheritagecenter.org
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont provides in-depth experiences through educational programs that celebrate ecological and cultural diversity, foster stewardship and nurture appreciation for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
www.gsmit.org
Appalachian Bear Rescue
Appalachian Bear Rescue cares for orphaned and injured black bear cubs for return to their natural wild habitat, increases public awareness about coexisting with black bears, and studies all aspects of returning cubs to the wild. If you are interested in learning more about ABR, or if you would like to support the cubs, visit the ABR Visitor and Education Center located in the Trillium Cove Shopping Village.
www.appalachianbearrescue.org
Cades Cove Heritage Tours
Tour Cades Cove on a comfortable 19-passenger Educational Touring Vehicle with an experienced and friendly guide. Learn all about the history, personal stories and natural resources that make Cades Cove so unique, and share the beautiful scenery and wildlife with your family and friends instead of worrying about the brake lights in front of you.
www.cadescoveheritagetours.org
Tuckaleechee Caverns
Carved over tens of thousands of years in one of Earth’s oldest mountain chains, the Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend, TN are known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies.” Estimated to be between 20 and 30 million years old, the Caverns are rich in history and lore in recent years as well. Tuckaleechee Caverns are open from mid-March through mid-November and offer guided tours of this beautiful underground wonderland.
www.tuckaleecheecaverns.com
Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum
Collecting, preserving and exhibiting the history of the railroad, lumber industry and the people in this region, the museum features one-of-a-kind locomotives, hundreds of photographs, restored equipment and interpretive exhibits.
www.littleriverrailroad.org
Townsend Visitors Center and Chamber of Commerce
The Townsend Visitors Center has all the information you need on local activities, craft shows, festivals, local weather, brochures, Smoky Mountain hiking trails, horseback riding, river floating, concerts and more.
www.townsendvisitorscenter.com
Little River Outfitters
Little River Outfitters is a full-service fly shop and fly fishing school located in Townsend, TN. Family owned, Little River Outfitters is one of the largest fly shops in the United States dedicated to serving the many anglers who visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to fly fish in its 800 miles of wild trout streams.
www.littleriveroutfitters.com
WOOD-N-STRINGS Dulcimer Shop
This shop features Appalachian Mountain dulcimers handcrafted by Mike Clemmer. They help you create the special dulcimer you’ve always wanted with your own soundhole pattern design.
www.clemmerdulcimer.com
Tennessee Sally’s
Tennessee Sally’s showcases the talent of American hand-crafters. Every crafter has their own story and their own love for what they do, and Tennessee Sally’s is a place where they can put their talent on display.
7623 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN, Phone: (865) 724-3461.
http://www.tennesseesallys.com/
Antique Outlet Mall
Looking for something you had as a child? Maybe that special piece of furniture you never thought you’d find, or you just enjoy taking a stroll down memory lane. With approximately 5,000 sq. ft of collectibles, glassware, furniture, yard decor and much more, you’re sure to find something you can’t live without!
Hwy 321, Walland, TN, Phone: (865) 977-8641
Cades Cove Cellars
Cades Cove Cellars was founded by two generations of the Birkholz and Reed families. With a combined winemaking experience of 80 years, we constantly strive to capture the rustic elegance that surrounds us in every drop of wine we make. Whether it is in the grace of a white tailed deer or the majesty of a bald eagle, we find inspiration all around us for a process that is as much art at it is science. Cades Cove Cellars has many different things to offer those who come to visit the winery. Free tastings of the wines are offered everyday and there is no need to make a reservation. There is a viewing area for visitors to observe the laboratory and tank room as well as see the bottling line in operation. The gift shop has a wide selection of wine accessories, gifts, and crafts made by local artisans.
www.cadescovecellars.com
Gnorbert’s Magic Putt-Putt and Gem Mine
You won’t want to miss Gnorbert’s Magic Putt-Putt and Gem Mine when you visit Townsend, Tennessee. Find magic at every turn whether you select Gnorbert’s Magical Course or Posey Fairy’s Enchanted Course! Families will find an experience for all ages when they bring the troops for some friendly competition.
magicputtputtandgemmine.com