Vacation rentals in Townsend

There’s nothing like a trip to the Smoky Mountains. Especially in Townsend, a scenic mountain town, nestled in Tuckaleechee Valley, offering travelers a taste of the Smokies from a different perspective. Visitors will find a myriad of attractions, refreshingly far from the crowds. This is the place where you can truly immerse in nature to the sounds of frogs and crickets while naming the constellations. Townsend is also just a 30-minute drive from entertainment cities like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, giving you the best of both worlds.

Have an incredible vacation in one of these authentic woodland rentals. Visitors will get the full Smoky Mountain experience with all the comforts and rustic and elegant decorative touches imaginable. Choose a rental with an outdoor fire pit, or one with a giant living room and fireplace for relaxing with your entourage. Many of these rentals feature a hot tub, large fully equipped kitchen, and spacious terrace for absorbing the amazing views! A perfect fit for solo travelers, couples and especially groups, you’ll find many of these cozy rentals throughout the Tuckaleechee Valley, in strategic locations near Townsend.

If you’re wondering where to start, head to the Townsend Visitor Center, your gateway into the Smokies. This informative center is the place to go to find the hotspots and get real insider tips. Stop by the Apple Valley Mountain Village & Café for souvenirs including local arts and crafts as well as fried pies, burgers and coffee. Want to try award-winning food? The Dancing Bear Bistro is the most upscale restaurant in town, elevating farm-to-table Appalachian cuisine to new heights. Coffee connoisseurs can get their fix at The Artistic Bean, serving artisanal coffee roasted in-shop the same day.

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is a must-see for newcomers to the area. It is here that you’ll find some of the most well-preserved historical buildings in Townsend. The main gallery is dedicated to the Native Americans of East Tennessee Collection. While in the vicinity, be sure to visit the Historic Village, a group of 13 heritage buildings which is almost as good as taking a time traveling vessel to the past.

Any hiker coming to visit the Great Smoky Mountains will inevitably find Cades Cove, an 11-mile loop and starting point for many incredible hikes. These gorgeous hikes should be on your itinerary. Hikers looking for a relaxing trail leading to a 20 ft waterfall should follow the famous Abrams Falls Trails. This low-intensity trail takes you on a 5-mile round trip journey to a breathtaking cascading waterfall and scenic pool. The Ace Gap is another peaceful trail passing through lovely wildflowers on the way to Bull Cave, the largest cave in Cades Cove. Later you’ll walk along the beautiful ridges of Rich Mountain leading to the iconic Methodist Church.

There are lots of fun and unusual things for travelers that do not require strenuous activity. For instance, enjoy spectacular views of the Smokies by car with a scenic drive along Foothills Parkway. This less visited, 33-mile parkway takes between 2 to 3 hours to complete. Browse local artwork starting from Tennessee Sally’s with artisanal goods and unique gift ideas. Try a handmade dulcimer compliments of Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer shop. You might catch locals serenading the front porch with their own dulcimers! Fishing fans can get suited up at Little River Outfitters where you’ll find everything you need for a fantastic fishing excursion.

Find out how Townsend was founded as a logging town back in 1900 by a railroad company. Visitors will learn about W.B. Townsend, the town’s founder and namesake, as well as explore an antique logging locomotive.

One of the top must-see attractions in the Smokies, a visit to Tuckaleechee Caverns could be a life-changing experience. Visitors will be guided into the Big Room, large enough to host a football game, and one of the tallest subterranean waterfalls in America.

Looking for a thrill that will leave you drenched? Head no further than Smoky Mountain River Rat for the best tubing in Townsend. You’ll have a great time drifting down the river with cool mountain water to quench the heat. Choose a laid-back trip at Outpost A, or the treacherous rapids for the daring at Outpost B.

Rent a bike at the Smokey Mountain Outdoor Center and explore the easy, 5-mile Townsend Bicycle Trail (10 miles roundtrip). Also known as the Townsend Historical Trail, visitors will enjoy stunning views of the Tuckaleechee Valley and the Great Smoky Mountains beyond.

While there are plenty of low-key things to do in Townsend, Smokies hotspots like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer more thrilling attractions. Check out fun, unusual museums like the one-of-a-kind Titanic Museum and Alcatraz East crime Museum as well as Dollywood and other Pigeon Forge amusement parks. The top unmissable attractions in Gatlinburg include Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the adventure park of Anakeesta.