Townsend Vacation Guide
Welcome to Townsend, the perfect place to explore, uncover and discover your personal sense of serenity — the “Peaceful” side of the Smokies.
About Townsend
Welcome to Townsend, the perfect place to explore, uncover and discover your personal sense of serenity. With so many things to do indoors or outdoors, during the day or into the evening, Townsend offers amenities that will immerse you in opportunities to experience the “Peaceful” side of the Smokies. Whether a trip down the river rages your interest or a softer, scenic hike is more your thing, Townsend delivers it all! Don't forget to check out Townsend's unique small town special events & festivals because they are bucket list worthy.
Things to Do
The “Peaceful” side of the Smokies
Townsend offers amenities that will immerse you in opportunities to experience the quiet side of the mountains.
River days
Whether a trip down the river rages your interest or a softer, scenic hike is more your thing, Townsend delivers it all.
Small town events and festivals
Townsend's unique small town special events and festivals are bucket list worthy.
Cades Cove
The Cades Cove loop map and the Cades Cove Visitors Center are both featured in Bear Tootin's Smoky Planner.
Townsend Visitors Center
One of four in-person locations where Great Smoky Mountains parking tags can be purchased.
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Park It Forward parking tags
If you are in one location for more than 15 minutes anywhere inside the boundaries of the Smokies, you will need a parking tag. Each tag is valid for a single vehicle and must include a license plate number matching the vehicle in which it is displayed. Physical display is required — digital representations will not be accepted. Tags are not required for motorists who pass through or who park for less than 15 minutes.
Free attraction tickets
Bear Tootin guests receive 1 free ticket per day for each participating Smoky Mountain attraction, including Dollywood, Pirates Voyage, Comedy Barn, Country Tonite, Soaky Mountain, WonderWorks, Skyland Ranch, Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, Big Creek Expeditions, Mama's Farmhouse and more.
Know the bear safety rules
Black bears live throughout the Smokies. Review the area bear safety guidance before you head out, and never leave food or trash outside your cabin.
Check weather and park closures before you go
Great Smoky Mountains National Park posts temporary road and trail closures, and mountain weather changes quickly — check both the 10-day forecast and the closure list before you set out.
Use the Smoky Planner
Bear Tootin's Smoky Planner sorts area attractions into Most Popular, Heart Racing Adventures, Voted by Kids, Best Viewing Spots, Hiking, Dinner Shows, Driving Trails, Shows, Winter Vibes, Animals, Water Fun and Museums, plus hiking lists for waterfalls, easy hikes, best views, kid hikes, stroller-friendly and dog-friendly trails.
Getting Around
The Townsend Visitors Center is one of four in-person locations selling Great Smoky Mountains parking tags. Maps for the Smoky Mountain Park, the Cades Cove loop and the Tail of the Dragon are linked from Bear Tootin's Smoky Planner Maps page.
Local Insider Tips
With so many things to do indoors or outdoors, during the day or into the evening, Townsend is the place to discover your personal sense of serenity. Don't forget to check out Townsend's unique small town special events & festivals because they are bucket list worthy.
Featured Properties
Our guests' favorite stays
Ready to Book Your Townsend Vacation?
Browse our full selection of vacation rentals and book direct for the best rates.