Top 43 things to do and attractions in Townsend

Such a cool experience! Saw the billboard while driving to our campsite at Elkmont and decided to check it out. We didn’t buy tickets in advance, and only waited a few minutes to get on the next available tour. Our guide was great! (I think her name was Aliyah?) She made the tour a lot of fun with her commentary. It was pretty strenuous with a lot of stairs and uneven ground. It was slippery in some parts where the ground was wet. Be prepared- wear comfortable shoes with good grip. The views are definitely worth it. The caverns are beautiful on camera but truly breathtaking in person.

It was a wonderful experience—it’s not every day you get to see a real waterfall inside a cavern. Absolutely beautiful! The cave is filled with fascinating ancient formations and an underground river. At the end of the tour, we even got to taste fresh spring water straight from the waterfall—it was crisp, mineral-rich, and delicious. The story behind this place is truly captivating.

Very impressive, took me by surprise. We've been to a few Caverns and the famous Mammoth Cave in Kentucky and to be honest this cave was almost as big or fest bigger than Mammoth Cave. Great value and a great place to take the family for a day out. The tour was entertaining and extensive. Our favorite sections were the falls and the great room. When they turn the lights off things got really interesting lol.

We're in Gatlinburg for Thanksgiving week, and it was raining today so we decided on "inside" activities. I'm so glad we went to Tuckaleechee caverns. First and foremost, wear shoes that can handle slippery surface and lots of stairs. A total of 410 to be exact. If one has health issues, I don't recommend trying this. What goes down has to go back up and they're steep. We had the .ost amazing tour guide and for the life of me can't remember her name. She's tall and has beautiful long black hair. I think it was Aaliyah, but not sure. Its one of the best caverns we've been to and well worth the steps down. They also offer a Military discount, so don't forget to ask.

Definitely one of the top caves I have been to and I have visited a lot in different areas across the USA. This is well worth the visit! We had a great tour guide (Ellie) and all the staff was helpful and friendly. Use caution if you have limited mobility. There are a few sections you have to be able to crouch low and climb up/down uneven stairs. I think this adds to the charm of the cave because it has not been overly developed but it does mean you need to be stable, balanced, and have decent mobility. Overall I highly recommend!

Our tour guide was great - high school kid with great knowledge of the caves and the history of the place. He was terrific with the younger kids that wanted his attention. The caves were well lit, well taken care of, and SO much to see! A great surprise - we weren't planning the last-minute adventure, but sure glad we did it!

Me and my Husband have been on a few cave tours in different states, and this was by far our favorite. The pictures do not do this place justice. Our tour guide, Orie was absolutely amazing. He was so very educated on the history, at such a young age. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and had us laughing the whole time. We didnt have high expectations standing in the building, but after our tour, I would definitely encourage anyone to visit.

Nice little place to stop for kids who love trains, and people who are interested in the history of the area. Luckily no one else was there when we arrived. There is no charge. Nice lady working in gift shop, we purchased a small train and whistle. Gift shop lady said we should return in the fall. Nice time.

Sherrie was very helpful. She provided great assistance for my children who were energetic to see the model train operate and provided open doors for our grandmother in a wheelchair. The museum had a brand new wooden ramp built for easy access to the multiple levels of the gift shop and museum. Definitely recommended for people of all ages. If you have someone in your party or family who needs access to the museum via the ramps then drive your vehicle close to where the ramps are located.

Nice little railroad museum in Townsend TN. Just the right size for the little guy to see a train. It is free to the public but donations are welcome.

This train museum was a pleasant stop... A nice museum with a historic train... train depot... and train water tower... The gift shop was nice too... Am so glad we happened on this wonderful place...

Very small, but very nice Train Museum for the area. You can't beat free so give a donation.

Nice place to visit, a little disappointed in the displays. Can't complain to much with a free admission. The engine display was great!

Nice little museum! Love that they keep it free.

Beautifully laid out for an easy stroll around the different exhibits. Very educational and informative. There was a short video explaining the history of the area. At the end of the tour there is also a small car museum attached included in the price of your ticket.

We had a fantastic experience!. There was a cabin that had furniture and utensils from those years. Everything has pictures with original owners and their history, so you can learn about them. We also got to enjoy the vendors and purchased some homemade soap at a very good price. 100% recommend this place to visit !

This is a wonderful museum. We all learned a lot about the area's history. The historical maps were a favorite of mine. Such a beautiful property!

First of all , I highly recommend pairing this visit with a drive through Cades Cove...made the perfect day trip . The museum and gift shop areas are very nice . Lots to see and read throughout the building and I feel it's just enough to hold the interest of younger children while also being informative and thought provoking for teens and adults . The tour of the outside structures are probably better suited for a cooler day ...but if you really want to have an authentic experience and see just how it felt living and working without electricity I highly suggest a visit in July .

Wonderful interpretive center with informative indoor displays and a sizeable collection of historic buildings representing early settlements in the Smokies. The staff was particularly impressive; knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Extra shout-out to the young docent who dutifully and patiently made her complete presentation to a busload of severely disabled students.

My husband Wes has Indian in his blood. He loved seeing all the Indian artifacts and where all they come from. I like looking at the house and how they lived. I seen things my grandparents used when I was younger.

Wonderful place to visit. The historical displays are great. We really enjoyed the Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra concert in the theater. Highly recommended!

My son and I wanted to do something outdoors on the water and found River Rat by chance as it was about 10 minutes from our cabin. They have rafting and tubing options, both at very reasonable prices compared to other options in the area. We chose to go tubing as we chickened out on rafting. It was a great choice because for the price, you get to tube all day on 2 different “courses”, A, which is a relaxing 2 hour trip and B, which is a little more intense 1 hour adventure. From the time we checked in to the the time we left, the staff were great, especially the ladies at check in. They were Awesome!! Very friendly and helpful!! River Rat is a great option for some fun, reasonably priced outdoor adventures!! We will be back next year and would recommend them to anyone!! 5 ⭐️

What a fun experience! We had so much fun we floated down the River a second time after lunch. Very polite and professional staff, they will hold onto your keys at the front desk, which I highly recommend, while you enjoy a peaceful relaxing float down the refreshing River. It took us a little over an hour from start to finish at 180 cfs which is, according to the website, is average. They have clean bathrooms and changing rooms on site as well as well stocked gift shop for some essentials you may have forgotten. They offer storage lockers for $5 for any items you may not want to risk taking with you. I would also recommend getting there early as the checking process can take some time, for us it was between 20-25 minutes due to the long line.

The family took me to tube as a celebration of finishing my chemo treatments. We had sooo much fun and we're already planning our next outing with river rat! It's definitely a must if never been. Also, the Staff was absolutely the best and so helpful!!! I'd give 10 stars if I could

We had a great time doing the tubing river rat experience. All of the staff we dealt with were extremely nice and helpful. One thing we think that would make it better os if they was a conveyor or steps at the end because the rocks with moss were difficult to keep your balance and try to stand up.

So much fun!! Especially on a hot day, might want to buy a stick before getting in the water though bc of the current. You never know where it will take you, I got stuck on most of the rocks. The staff is really nice! Well worth the money! You can go down as many times as you want to, so get there when they open, and it takes about an hour or so to float down each time. Super fun! This was our family's first time and we loved it!! Definitely a must try if you are looking for a water adventure and FYI watch for snakes!

We had an amazing time tubing. We did both runs, and even had time to do Outpost B twice. Definitely recommend River Rats as a definite outing if you’re in this area. Easy drive from Gatlinburg. Will do again next time we visit this area

Good experience, easy check in and easy entrance to the river. Good family activity. We saw some goats along the way chilling on the rocks. There are no lifeguards, but they do have life vests. You should be comfortable with the water and navigating through rocks if doing this.

I attended the Bigfoot Festival! Beautiful hidden gem...Townsend! Restaurants, artsy shops, and family attractions! Avoid the main stream GSM traffic will stay in the area in the future! Beautiful ❤️ scenic area!

First time visiting this venue for the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival, and it was nice! The event was well staffed: everyone was friendly, helpful, and worked efficiently. The grounds were clean and well maintained. We purchased our tickets online before noon the same day, which helped us save a few dollars on top of also using the lot across the street for parking. We didn’t purchase balloon ride tickets, but they seemed very popular. If that’s on your list, I’d recommend buying in advance because the lines were very long. There were plenty of other activities for children, plus lots of local vendors with handmade items. We especially enjoyed trying some local beers and the fried twisted potatoes; absolutely delicious! Overall, a well-run event and a great time.

The Townsend Visitors Center is a great place to gather information on things to do in the Smokies. The staff are wonderful, so helpful! The building and grounds are clean and well-maintained. This weekend's balloon festival was so much fun!

I stop here every time I go to Townsend. They're really good about knowing what trails are open and closed, and letting you know what to expect hiking that day. I'm sure they know lots more, but that's usually what I ask about before hiking. Everyone is really nice and helpful, and sometimes you learn things about the area you never knew before. There are all kinds of souvenirs, t-shirts, hats, stuffed animals, books, maps, and other things as well. Definitely worth stopping by.

Nice visitors center located right outside the park in Townsend, TN. There’s a room inside their building displayed with beautiful handmade quilts by the Foothills Quilters Guild. You can also pick up a valid parking tag to enter the park.

First time to the Big foot Festival!! So much going on. Lots of skilled vendors and tons of food vendors. And the guest are pretty cool. But if you wanna meet them u better come EARLY. ITS A LOOOONG WAIT.

I was very impressed with this venue. Especially considering this was a festival with thousands of people, the venue was well cared for and clean. I had been to this festival years ago at Maryville College. This venue had a little more space. The space was well organized and easier to move about given the terrain. I would have liked free parking. These events have expensive admissions and expensive food vendors. Enough with the nickel and diming of people.

Excellent service and products. The best Gentlemen running that store. Went in that morning knowing very little, they set me up and I caught several trout just that same afternoon.

I've only been in a couple of fly shops. I get the impression it is a very expensive hobby. The prices here are more than i expected, but I have no reason to think that they are not competitive with other, similar places. The service is outstanding though. The staff was giving advice, making suggestions, and doing everything possible to assist their customers. I was very impressed. This will definitely be my first stop when I start putting together a setup. They also seemed to be well stocked in everything related to fly fishing.

Stopped in here to gear up for a little fishing while on family vacation. Ron was very helpful and knowledgeable. The only fly I caught any fish on was one he suggested. Very nice shop with a great selection. Look forward to visiting again next year!

I'd give them a 10 if I could A++++ staff was welcoming and didn't have a problem giving me tips as I'm new to the area prices are fair and the store is beautiful got a pair of korker boots and ended up having to grab some of their brand merch to support such a great shop. Thank you!

The best fly shop I have ever visited. Every single person working is so helpful, whether you are new to fishing the smokies, or an avid angler. We take a trip there every October and they never fail to give me good advice on fishing spots, flies they are eating, and happily answer any question I have with great detail. I make sure to buy enough flies there every fall to get me through fishing at home until I can make it back the following year, simply because the selection and customer service is so great.

Fantastic people, fantastic shop. They helped me understand local trout habits and what was hatching at that time and had all the flies I needed. I’m coming back every time I’m in the area.

Great shop. Got me set up with new waders and boots and advice. Super nice and helpful staff.

Mike is a true craftsman, beautiful instruments. I had not seen any advertisements. While talking with owner of cabins treasure and custom stain glass. They recommended me stopping in. What a fantastic shop. We spoke with Mike & Connies daughter (sorry have forgottenn her name.) She played some dulcimers for us and a ??Bamer Jammer. Great time.

This is a wonderful store for handcrafted mountain dulcimers and hammered ones too. It's an Appalachian gem! Plus they are have a Saturday night Bluegrass jam session. A great Smokey Mountain attraction!

Great and friendly customer service! Good selection of dulcimers and related supplies to go with them

If you are looking for a dulcimer, this is a the place to look. I found a very nice locally made dulcimer with case. I was traveling so I had them ship it to my home. It arrived in perfect condition.

I had to call for an appointment. But they met us right away. It was fun and educational.

I’m writing this review because I came here to read reviews before I decided to go and the reviews I read were not what I found. I think this place must have changed in recent years. I had read the Google reviews and seen the pictures here and had an expectation of a showroom with many dulcimers to choose from. The larger building that apparently used to be the store is now a church, according to the sign out front, and the dulcimer shop is a very tiny space. There were two other customers there besides me and my husband and it really couldn’t have held more than another couple of people. There were literally no instruments except a few hammer dulcimers and two mountain dulcimers that the owner’s daughter was demonstrating on. When I told her we were interested in a dulcimer made there, she pointed to three dulcimers on the wall behind the cash register and said her dad was a year behind on taking orders for them and that those were waiting for their owners to come pick them up. The two dulcimers she was demonstrating on had been purchased from some where else and they are reselling them but those two were what we had to choose from. The daughter was extremely nice but it was a very odd experience. I think they should update the webpage to indicate they no longer have handmade items to purchase on site.

Stopped in to buy dulcimer cases for our new dulcimers. The owner's daughter works behind the counter and was extremely helpful. I was concerned that a fret was in the wrong position and she called her Dad at home. He drove over to the store to check on it. Wow, what service. We are new players and walked out with some beginner music, some pics, and a hat, lol. We will stop back again if we are in Townsend on a day they are open.

Volunteers are very knowledgeable and eager to share all things bear and their rescue efforts. Very informative and so thankful for their dedication.

We visited the appilacian Bear Rescue visitor Center to learn about what they do. What a great service they are doing for nature. They released 37 bear cubs back into the wild a few years ago. Thank you, guys and girls, for all that you do.

ABR is one of the organizations that would like your donation but they are one of the few that truly uses every penny for the benefit of their cause: the bears. If you care about the lives of these bears just visit the ABR website and go from there. If you must receive something for your donation then order from their store. The jams/preserves/salsa are delicious.

A great organization and I loved talking to the staff. So enlightening about the conflicts humans create with bears. Everyone going through Townsend should stop here and learn from this organization trying to save bears. Nice gift shop too and you can make donations.

A beautiful facility doing incredible work for the bears of the Smoke Mountains. Thank you for all you do!

the ABR does a great job of caring for orphaned and injured cubs from TN and other surrounding states. The visitor center is nice and offers plenty of gifts to help the cause.

They support a good cause. Neat bear based merchandise in the store.

The ice cream was absolutely delicious & a great value. Loved the patio seating outside & everything was clean. The only reason for 3 stars was the burgers & fries. They were both so so dry & had no seasoning or flavor at all. It was the worst burger I’ve ever had in my 30 years…. Better quality beef & a shaker full of seasoning is all this place needs to be great absolutely great. There’s no reason to settle for mediocre, even if you don’t have competition being out in the middle of nowhere.

Prices were decent and the food was delicious. Plenty of outdoor seating. Line to order was long but that just gave us extra time to enjoy conversation about that day's activities we had done. If we got back next year this will definitely be on our list.

Got a Frisco melt, chili cheese fries, and kiddie ice cream cone. Sandwich was awesome and the chili fries were so good everyone in my group tried them and ended up going back up to get chili for their fries too! The only downside to the outside eating were all the flies but that's not something I think they really have control over! The ice cream cones were huge even though I got the smallest size! Great place would definitely recommend and would definitely go again.

Today my friend and I stopped at Burger Master Drive In on Highway 73 in Townsend for a quick bite before visiting the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center across the road. Around 1 PM there was a short line, but it only took a few minutes before we placed our order at the walk-up counter, where we were greeted by a friendly cashier. I ordered the Double Cheeseburger meal with fries and an iced tea. After ordering, we were given Styrofoam cups to fill our own drinks. The iced tea came from a dispenser—not freshly brewed, but still decent. Within a few minutes our buzzer went off, and we picked up our meals from the counter. We sat outside under the open roof area. The fries were hot and well-seasoned, easily the highlight of the meal. The burger itself was good, though nothing particularly special or memorable. It filled the spot, and together with the fries and drink, it made for a satisfying roadside lunch. Overall, Burger Master is a convenient and classic drive-in stop if you’re in Townsend and need a quick, casual meal before heading into the Smokies.

Amazing food, great service, and an overall wonderful experience. If I’m ever back in the area, I’d definitely go again.

This place has ample parking, ample shaded seating, fast and friendly service, fair prices and great food. I got the smoky burger pictured below, my girlfriend and the bologna sandwich, and we split a strawberry milkshake..... Absolutely phenomenal... you'd be a fool to miss this place

The burgers are delicious and perfectly cooked. French fries are seasoned well and they are nice and crispy. Soft serve ice cream is the best!! We love eating here. Give it a try if you haven’t already. You will not be disappointed.

We stopped for a few cocktails after a moonshine tasting elsewhere. The vibe was high end chill. I tried the neopolitan which was a new cocktail and it was AMAZING. We also had the cowboy colada, the bees knees and a bourbon on the rocks- all was very good. Would definitely go back again!!

This place is really nice. They welcome you when you walk in. The atmosphere is more upscale and makes you want to sit in a leather chair and sip on some whiskey. They don't sell all of the sweet flavored stuff and moonshine like so many other spots along the Tennessee Whiskey trail, so that was a bit refreshing. The employees do a great job at describing their whiskeys. We just stopped through to taste some whiskeys and buy some, but looks like they serve some small bites and cocktails.

Absolutely blown away at the hospitality & flavor of this place! Loved our food so much I didn’t even get a photo because it was quickly eaten. Highly recommend the pesto Parmesan fries. The drinks we got to enjoy on the patio were unique and flavorful. The staff was helpful with recommendations & telling us about events coming up. This place feels homey yet fancy at the same time. We will 100% be back!

Was awesome to be able to walk right in and have some free samples before buying the bottle! Everyone was friendly and knowledgeable or the products! Was even greated by and shook hands with Mr. Jeff Arnett.

After experiencing the Jack Daniels tour in Lynchburg, we discovered the company in Townsend and it has become our new favorite place. Really enjoy the whiskey/bourbon and Claire was especially helpful. Must visit if you’re in Townsend

Great Bourbon and Rye also they have food which is nice. The wife Had Chicken Salad. And I had Roast Beef. Both were great.

Great atmosphere! Id say an older crowd. At least while I was there. Great outdoor seating and they had someone singing and playing guitar. Very nice! The drinks were a bit pricey but didn't mind too much because I enjoyed being there! Definitely worth a visit! We had sandwiches which was an outside vendor but in the building. The sandwiches and fries were delicious! I think you'd enjoy it!

I tried the mountain man mocha because I love a good mocha and this one was amazing, it has mocha, butter beer and cinnamon! I also had the breakfast sandwich, yum! I m a huge fan of this place and will be back!

Great food! Great service! Great atmosphere! Our family enjoyed each delicious beverage, tasty treats, and breakfast sandwiches. Our experience was a most delightful and we highly recommend this special coffee shop!

This coffee shop has great atmosphere. The owners were very friendly and welcoming. Loved the iced black americano so much that my wife and I stopped back in several hours later for another. Also picked up a bag of beans!

My husband and I are always looking for a good cup of coffee when traveling and we hit the jackpot with finding this coffee shop! The coffee was wonderful! Probably the best we've ever had! Service was amazing as well! We can't wait to come back. Wish you were in Virginia and not so far away because we'd be in every day lol

This was my wife's favorite coffee shop in the Gatlinburg/Townsend area. She ordered the Brown Sugar Vanilla hot latte and loved the unique roast they offered. The flavor was smooth and perfectly balanced between milk, espresso, and the added flavor. I'm giving it four stars because when I ordered the iced caramel latte, they didn't have enough ice for my drink. We plan to return in the future and hope they'll have ice next time.

If you’re in Townsend, I can’t recommend The Artistic Bean enough. Lovely little shop. Their Peanut Butter Cold Brew made it hard to leave. Bravo!

Iced white chocolate macchiatto, cinnamon bun & pepperoni rolls were delicious! Great service!

We were searching for a place to eat before heading to the firefly event at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our first stop had just closed, but the employees there recommended this spot, and I’m so glad they did. What a hidden gem! It was bustling, possibly due to an event happening at the time, but it turned out to be perfect since we had time to spare before the fireflies event. We waited in a long line to order, which actually worked in our favor, everything on the menu looked so good, we needed the extra time to decide! Our boys went with the pepperoni pizza, while my husband and I shared a couple of sandwiches and the fig pizza. Every bite was absolutely phenomenal. The service was fantastic, the atmosphere lively, and the food unforgettable. Next time we’re in town visiting the Smokies, this will definitely be our go to spot!

Parking is easy and plentiful at 2pm on a Wed. You order when you walk in then sit down with a locator and they will bring your food to you. If you get adult beverages they will give you those immediately to enjoy while finding a table and waiting on your food. The fig and arugula pizza was very tasty. The steak bites with brussel sprouts and potatoes was very flavorful and left me wanting more. Other than ordering up front and getting your food brought out to you the service was great when dropping off food and even cleaning up. The atmosphere feels a little like a cafeteria, not bad but very basic. There is outside seating if your pups wants to come along ( and who's doesn't) and they even let well behaved kids in. But don't bring your spoiled, entitled, brats because nobody wants to be around those, even you. Give this review a like👍 or mark as helpful❤️.. With the creamery next door you will want to save room for some dessert or ice cream.

A nice surprise in Townsend. First off, VERY Pet Friendly. Not a huge menu, but some good stuff. Pizza is amazing and so are the sandwiches and stuff. The outdoor patio has carabiners attached to poles for dog leashes and they even bring dog bowls to the tables. A tad pricey, but the food was excellent. Didn’t try the creamery next door, but will next time. They also sell Peaceful Side swag in a small area between the bar/grille and the creamery.

We stopped by at 10 minutes to closing time. Since it was late, we ordered a pretzel, beer cheese, and a couple beers. Wow! What a pretzel. It was hot right out of the oven and very tasty. We enjoyed their Quiet Side beers as well. We went back the next day for pizza, salad and beer. They were slammed but did their best to get us served. The outdoor seating area is nice.

Stopped in for lunch on our way out of town. Our short visit was fantastic! The ordering process was quick, and the food arrived promptly. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, are dog-friendly, have a play area for kids, provide nice food options, and have a brewery. There's nothing this place doesn't offer. Definitely a must-try if you're in the area!

Cades Cove Jeep Outpost recommendation is what lead us here. The pepperoni pizza was exceptional! The crust was crunchy, and the pepperoni was delicious. We enjoyed the outdoor seating; mountain views were peaceful and the service quick and friendly.

We made a great discovery today! What a great place for food and craft beer! Try the goat cheese corn fritters and the Margherita Pizza, and if the weather permits, have it outside facing the mountains! It just doesn't get any better than that!

Love this coffee shop! They have great espresso and their drinks are fantastic!! I love the vanilla latte & matcha!! I get one every time I come up to Townsend!!

We recently went on our honeymoon in Gatlinburg and did our own “coffee tour” where we visited a different coffee shop every morning. While we enjoyed some others, my husband and I both greatly preferred Towns End, so much that we went more than once! I love the House latte and my husband loved the Blueberry latte! We both enjoyed the breakfast sandwich and burrito, oatmeal cream pie, and banana muffin! It was also the most affordable option! The cabin is so cute! We loved both the indoor and outdoor seating (with a great view)! We even got some merch before we left!

I'm a local here and frequently bike ride out here in Townsend. We stumbled onto this place today while riding and wow, absolutely amazing. I have to say one of the best avocado toast I've ever had, and the breakfast burrito was outstanding. They also amazing chai tea lattes and coffee. I definitely recommend this place.

I LOVED this place. We visited twice during our stay and I would have went everyday if it wasn't a bit out of our way. The girls behind the counter were sweet, the decor was so cozy, and the drinks were great. We also had their cinnamon rolls and they were phenomenal! The outdoor area in the back was very pleasant to hang out in. The only thing I will say that isn't as positive is parking is a bit of a cluster if it's fairly busy.

We finished Cades Cove around 2 PM, tired and hungry, and found this café on Google Maps — it was still open until 3 PM (which is rare since most places close at 2). We rushed over and ordered a large iced Americano, a house latte, and three hot dishes. Every single item was incredibly delicious — way beyond our expectations! The staff were super friendly and welcoming. The coffee was so good, we even asked them to grind a bag of beans for us to take back to our cabin. Highly recommended!

Extremely friendly staff and great coffee. I've been a few times and I always get a large Americano and a sausage and egg sandwich. There's a nice outdoor seating area as well. This is a must for a good breakfast experience. Highly recommend!

I am so excited to have been introduced to this coffee shop! The coffee is amazing. True quality coffee. For decaf, they use a process that is 100% chemical free which is amazing! I had the sausage balls and they were delicious. Looking forward to trying more of their food! The environment was lovely and peaceful. It feels so warm, inviting and cozy. Like a safe place to rest. Then in the back there’s room for kiddos to run around and play with plenty more seating. It’s currently fall and they have a really cute fall display set up too! The staff I encountered were extremely kind and accommodating. I live almost an hour from here but I already am looking forward to coming back. Some of the best coffee I’ve found in East TN!

Went in for dinner today and got take out pulled pork dinners. The pork was alright but not the best I ever had. The mild bbq sauce was really good. Both dinners came with two sides. I got green beans & Tennessee bbq beans. These sides were absolutely fantastic. My other dinner had fries that were coated. These aren't my favorite but a lot of people like them. The coleslaw was alright but nothing special. The people were nice & the service was fast and accurate. This is now the only bbq place in Townsend. If your looking for bbq I would recommend a visit.

we saw the reviews online and thought that this would be a great place to try out. I smoke my own meat at home and thought this would be an excellent place to try. They were short-staffed and the weight was long to be seated. Once seated however our waitress was very quick in taking our order. I ordered the brisket and my wife ordered the three ribs and we got the whole chicken à la carte. The brisket did not taste like it was smoked at all and actually tasted as if it had been boiled and reheated as well as the ribs. The chicken was dry and was not able to eat. We did not finish the ribs or the chicken. I would suggest anyone traveling through to choose another establishment to get food from. I normally do not give poor reviews but seeing how they did not want to make the customer happy and only wanted to give me 10% off my meal I only had no choice but to give this poor review.

Excellent!! Went late so there wasn't any brisket left but going back tomorrow!! Delicious. Next day...UPDATE...Went back for the brisket..... .omgoodness AMAZING!! Definitely a good place for delicious food and excellent service!!

I always love coming to this restaurant! I have never had a complaint about the food nor the service. This is true southern bbq.

Food was good. Meat needed more smoke and was too moist. Coleslaw and baked beans tasted like they were from a can/jar. Service was great - very quick to fill our order. It appears as if only recently reopened after COVID, so I’ll cut them some slack on the food quality and will definitely try them again next time I’m in town.

When are amazing waitresses responds, we have Blackberry or Pecan Cobbler. Only answer to give is, One of each please. And yes, you are correct I did get the ice cream. Food, Service was great, and clean. I will stop again.

Had a blast!! We love and enjoy coming to Tennessee every year!! And this is the best place to eat at!! MOUTH WATERING!!

The room we stayed in was great! We were in the smokies for the day and it was the perfect location. Close to the park, easy access to room, good nights sleep. The bed was comfortable and the room clean. We plan on coming back. Thanks!

You better check your email! I made a two night reservation for a car club event. I made the reservation by phone with Sandy, who was very pleasant. The event was three nights, but I had a conflict and wouldn’t be able to arrive until late on Friday and checking out Sunday. I did receive a confirmation email, but didn’t read it. My mistake! It seems that Sandy made a mistake and booked my reservation for all three nights. I arrived as planned on Friday night just as the front desk was closing, no problem. I got the room key and was told to come back and check in the next morning. When I checked in the next morning Sandy informed me that I would be charged for all three nights. I said that I had only booked two nights and never had any intention on arriving on Thursday. Sandy told me that I should have checked the email, and I would be charged as such. I disputed that the mistake was on their end, but was told it was too bad, and again I should’ve checked the email, because they couldn’t rent the room it was on me. I appealed her decision on checking out and she said I could have a free night, out of season. Admittedly it was a shared mistake, but only of consequence to me. I’ve booked well over a hundred rooms in my life and never had anything like this happen. The facility is good for a car club event, with extra parking and a good size meeting room. The rooms are a little long in the tooth, but clean and tidy. The continental breakfast of juice, coffee, hard boiled eggs, toast and some pastries, and cereal is fine with me, but not as extensive as some hotel chains. As a hotel and facility, I definitely have to give it a positive review, but I don’t appreciate a $172 hit for someone else’s mistake.

Staying at Highland Manor Inn feels like I've stepped into a time capsule. The nostalgia is crazy here! The rooms and entire property look like a late 80s/early 90s hotel (and I mean that in a great way)! The owner was very warm and welcoming. The rooms are spotless and way cleaner than any chain hotel that I've stayed at. You can tell that the staff care and I love that! I highly recommend the Highland Manor Inn to anyone who is visiting the Townsend area. I most definitely will be back!

We absolutely loved our stay at The Highland Manor Inn. The owner & staff were very friendly & helpful. The rooms were very clean, it was quiet & peaceful there, the pool was really enjoyable, the continental breakfast was nice, and the Inn is close to so many fun things to do (Cades Cove, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Wears Valley, the Townsend Wye, Apple Valley Cafe, walking paths, & so much more! And most importantly, the views of the mountains were breathtaking! We'll definitely be back.

My wife and I have stayed here many times. Started with our honeymoon in 1988, and just stayed again this week. Add a clean comfortable room, always kind and family-like staff/owners, comparable rates...and subtract all the noisy traffic and cookie-cutter feel of the Pigeon Forge chains and yoi get the perfect retreat! Trust us, we have tried others but we always come home to Highland Manor!

Rooms are adequate. Beds are very firm. A/C works great. A little outdated but it is in the woods. Breakfast was kinda continental - boiled eggs, muffins, cereal. Coffee was good.

Owner Sandy was very nice and informative about the history of the area. Suggested a few restaurants for use eat at. All were very nice with great food. Thank you everyone. Oh, thank you, Victoria, for a funny breakfast and great conversation.

I loved this shop! They had such cute stuff. They had the classic souvenirs, but along with this they had other cute practical stuff!! They had items for everyone, all people, and all ages! The staff was so friendly and helpful as well. If you stop here make sure to grab a coffee next door, it was amazing!!!

The store is nice and cute, but I noticed that the clothing I bought there was already pilling when I got home from the trip, even though I never wore it. I should have checked more carefully before buying it.

This is a beautiful store, right on Lamar Alexander Pkwy in Townsend, Tn. Lots of great merchandise, including great pottery and really unique UT sweatshirts. The staff is super friendly - a pleasure to shop there. Highly recommended!🤗

The BEST staff and coolest merchandise!! Nice selection of gifts and souvenirs, always with free gift wrapping. If you're a local OR a tourist, put this place on your list! Brooke and her team are top notch!

What a fantastic shop. Best store in Townsend. Such a great selection. Will be back everytime I'm in Townsend! Cam was so sweet and incredibly helpful! She made the visit that much better.

Cute store, lots of parking spaces, easy to walk in. A nice variety of merchandise to choose from. Sales clerk very nice and helpful. Located close to other places to shop and eat at.

Very cute souvenir and gift shop. Nice variety of things.

Some of the most challenging mountain bike trails I've done even at the intermediate level. Very challenging climbs up steep mountain sides. Beautiful setting. Trails are well laid out. Lots of steep switchbacks. Some trails are directional. No hiking is allowed. Vee Hollow has a bike rental store located in a house just 100 yd past Southwest of burgermaster on the same side of the highway. There's no charge for using the trail system which is open until 6:00 p.m.

Super cool place, the trails are very fun. The climb up is tuff but the ride down makes it worth while. If you want to have a great time but your bike isnt so great, just rent one of their top of the line ebikes. They also have a really nice skills area. its near the river rat and monster burger.

Quality place to ride stop by shop to sign waiver with super friendly and informative staff. Trails and skills area are amazing along with incredible views. You can easily spend full day here. Parking is next to burger master.

I’m not a mountain biker but a casual biker but according to a real biker this place is really great.

Great downhill trails right next to the National Park

Nice new spot to ride! It's steep but fun...the switchbacks could use more berm. Great technical and pump tracks to warm up and I'm sure the jump zone is amazing but I'm not there yet There's trails for every level of rider.

*Map to Vee Hollow parking lot* on opposite side of river! This place has something for everyone and mtb only trails, it's awesome!

When you walk in there is a small entryway that would contain the line of people waiting to order if there had been a line when we rolled up. Since it was early 4:50pm, I assume there was not yet a crowd and we walked right up and were able to order quickly. I ordered off the Specials menu and got the Seared Salmon. My husband got a pulled pork sandwich and our girls split a pizza and pretzels and cheese. There was actually enough cheese to eat with the pretzels which was nice. Usually places give you a teeny tiny container of cheese and a big hunk of pretzel. I did not try the pizza, but it looked all right. The kids didn’t love the blackened parts from the wood fire oven but they ate the rest. My salmon was pretty good and the potatoes were buttery. The vegetables were okay. Green beans, yellow beans, carrots, and the like. They tasted like they were cooked in butter but I guess that’s how most stuff is made out here. The ambiance inside the big room with the fireplace was nice. You could see outside because the whole wall was a screen. The river rushing by was very pretty. There was a private event or we would have sat outside by the river.

I don't think I can say enough great things about this wonderful, charming restaurant!! The old, nostalgic feel of the chapel makes this restaurant a unique dining experience. It is absolutely beautiful and has a stunning view of the creek. The food is delicious and the service is awesome. We enjoyed a delicious Italian style sub and chips. The portions are very satisfying. You don't want to miss this dinning experience when you are visiting Townsend.

Great food and worth the stop. You order your food at the entrance and then find a spot. They have both indoor and outdoor seating with several tables with a wonderful view of the river. We got Loaded Tots, Chicken tacos, chicken salad sandwich, and flatbread pizzas. Drinks are self service as well as bussing your own table. We enjoyed this as it meant no interruptions by servers until the food was delivered. Prices were pretty reasonable, plenty of parking, and friendly staff.

It used to be a church and the vibe of the place and the outdoor area is palpable. You can even eat in the chapel, in pews with tables. Good vibe in this entire space - no kidding. The food is good but on the pricey side given the flavors. The $18 ish brisket sandwich is basically a brisket doused with sauce, the “big” burger is just a big large patty you could fry at home…. BUT the flat bread is the thing to go for. The pork belly and apple flatbread OUTSTANDING for this foodie [flavor, freshness and uniqueness] and flat out 5 stars. Giving the food review 4 stars for that alone. The fish & chips were fresh, light and good. The burger…. ugggh ooooof. glad i went, worth going to and i would go again. val

What a treasure!! Not only is the atmosphere a total vibe but the service and food were great! I had the burger with a GF bun and the bun was great! My husband had the gator and we had the chocolate torte for dessert. We enjoyed the live music and the musician was giving us trivia questions on the songs. So fun!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely delicious food with an even better view! We had a wonderful experience dining riverside at The Abbey. Every dish we tried was flavorful and freshly prepared—from the cheesy pulled pork tots to the perfectly cooked burger and crispy chicken tenders. The pulled pork sliders were also a hit! The real standout, though, was the service—friendly, attentive, and welcoming. Sitting outside by the river added a peaceful and scenic touch to the meal. Highly recommend for a relaxing bite with a beautiful view. We’ll definitely be back!

This is a must if you are in the area. We had the pork belly pizza and OMG!!! Who knew apples on pizza was such a beautiful thing!!! Also had the loaded tater tots, a meal in itself! Plenty of beer to choose from, I recommend the cider with cinnamon! It was fabulous! If you are in or going thru Townsend TN you must eat here! The old church is a great atmosphere, sitting right in the Little River. We loved it!!! Took the fish home. It was good too!

This is a beutiful bridge right by The Abbey and you can use it to cross the river. It has beutiful views and is cool in the summer. The nostalgia of this type of bridge is charming. I gave four stars because the other side of the bridge is posted private property. It is heavily marked in signage on the other side. People on that side have delt with a lot of tourists and can be unfriendly. It is thier private property and I do sympathize. Go on the bridge and enjoy the view but be aware the other side is not public space. I reccomend a visit but be respectful of property boundaries.

You can overlook the people tubing down the river, and that's a restaurant next to it called The Abbey. That's not much parking for the bridge. We only stay for just 5 - 10 minutes.

What a find!!! I decided to go for a little walk while participating in a craft show. I stumbled upon this bridge and fell in love. Keep in mind the other side is private property so you can't exit the bridge. Just walk the bridge and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Pictures are from the bridge. The Abbey restaurant is next to the bridge. Haven't been there to eat yet but I will!

Interesting little bridge. My wife and I were coming through town on our honeymoon and wanted to stop at a swinging bridge, so we found this one and decided to stop by and see it. Not being from the area, we didn't know what to expect; but we stopped to check it out anyway. It was much smaller than I thought it was going to be, and in a residential area which I was not expecting. Once we got there we found that there is no place to park, so we had to park at a restaurant up the road and walk down to the bridge. We got to the other side and found that it is all private property and you can't actually step off of the bridge. It was still a nice stop though and only a few minutes out of the way for us.

This little swinging bridge was fun to walk on with a great view of the beautiful river. The other side was filled with private property signs everywhere so we did not explore much on that side. The little path on the river bank that goes on the side and underneath the bridge was nice.

Stop for a quick look. Only saw a small space to park right in front of the bridge. It look a little scary at first. I feel better when I walk on it. It swings the most in the middle.

Nice little local attraction, but not anything to go out of your way to see. It is at the edge of a neighborhood and leads to private property. Parking is minimal, but we did enjoy walking out on it and taking pictures.

Food was amazing. Fast service. Friendly staff. Very clean. Nice environment. I asked for the bacon extremely well done.

Spacious dining area. Sunday morning, 9 am no wait. Clean. Employees all seemed quite serious, hurried and polite. Service was fine. Food was okay. Nothing hideous, but also nothing super tasty, creative or memorable. It's a pancake place, and they do have pancakes, but nothing creative or interesting...no fun flavors, add ins or toppings. And the actual pancake was "meh." The biggest food issue was probably the hashbrowns. I would not recommend. 4/4 people who ordered them at our table would not recommend. They are rubbery, a little over cooked and difficult to chew. Over all: Okay if you're hungry. Disappointing if you're looking for a "warm southern pancake hug" kinda meal.

My boyfriend and I stopped in for a late breakfast/brunch. The inside was beautiful and has a homey feel. The inside of the restaurant has a lot of space for larger groups of people. Everything appeared very cleanly. The ham, gravy and biscuit was delicious. Just as good as my moms cooking at home!

I'm surprised by the low reviews. This was one of the only places in this town that didn't feel like an overpriced tourist trap with bad food. Stopped in for breakfast with a large group and the staff were very accommodating. We had biscuits and gravy, several hearty omelets, oatmeal, etc, plate lunches with okra and grilled chicken; everyone enjoyed their meal. I haven't found REAL biscuits and gravy at a restaurant in years and Townsend pancake house delivered. If I'm ever in Townsend again this will be my first stop.

We had the spinach baked ravioli with onion soup and the gyro plate. Both were good, and we were THRILLED to find a place offering something other than sandwiches and pizza and also willing to do a carry-out order. We stopped by they following day for breakfast, which they serve until 3pm. Hallelujah! So many other places stop serving at 11am. Had eggs, a biscuit with gravy, and country ham. Nice-sized portions and decent flavor.

We ate breakfast here on our last morning in town. To be honest we had put it off because of the poor reviews. The food was actually very good. Atmosphere was pleasant. Our waitress wasn’t very friendly and even asked me to leave a tip as I paid my bill in cash. I told her I had already left it on the table. Never had a waitress literally ask me to leave a gratuity as I paid. I thought that was very awkward. Other than that, we would eat there again next time in town.

The food was pretty good and came out super fast. The service was prompt and respectful, however our waitress said everything at a whisper so it was difficult to hear what she was saying. The cleanliness of the restaurant could use a little more attention from ownership and the pricing was too high for what you get. If it is convenient, then go! Just don't go out of your way if you're expecting something super special.

Cute little outfit in the middle of town with great service staff. Found this place on google while friend and I were looking for a lunch spot in Townsend. We got the city folk and buffalo chicken wrap. Both were pretty good and filling. They have a salad bar, which is a plus given that it is not common to have one around here. I must stress that their service here is on point. The lady that attended to us was very friendly and personable. She made the dining experience very pleasant and always ensuring that we’re doing well. Would recommend to anyone stopping by Townsend for a bite to eat!

A must try! Ask for the Cuban panini and thank me later, the Wendy Lou was also delicious. The location, food, views of the river and their friendly staff is what makes this place great. I don’t have pictures of the food because it was too good to pause after first bite- their patio is dog fry and they bring water for your pup 🤩

The atmosphere is awesome and our server Alexis was the best (her and our 6 year old daughter became besties)! We ate there 3 times during our stay in Townsend. The food was delicious and the beer was cold. I couldn’t recommend it more!!!

Such a cute place on the river! Had a great lunch with a wonderful view of the river. Staff was so attentive and the owners made sure we had everything we needed. So friendly and welcoming!

Our new favorite pub - too bad it's 5 hours away from our house. Ed and Erin and the rest of the team are great. The Kareoke was a great surprise, and the food was even better! We came back the next day for live music in back and an amazing reuben sandwich. We will be back every time we come to town.

What a find!! This was our first time here and I look forward to out next trip to Townsen so we can come again. The top shelf margaritas was delicious. I had the Rueben and hubby had the Cuban, both were delicious! Prices are reasonable, which was nice. Chips, salsa and queso were also recommend. Our server, Jennifer, was a delight. She spent time chatting with us about the menu and various other things specific to this area. A wonderful dining experience I plan on recommending to others who are looking for someplace new to dine!!

Our Airbnb had some recommendations on places to eat. This was not one of them, but it looked like our kind of place, so we went. It was exactly what we wanted, a local pub, with good bar food and friendly service. Toward the end of our meal, we learned that our server, Jessie (I think) was on her first shift, there. She was brand new. We never would have known. She was friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and efficient. We loved her. Our food was off the new menu, and we thought it was delicious. We got quesadillas, wings, and then meatballs to go. We would definitely go again.

We found the Townsend IGA to be an excellent little grocery store. They have every type of beverage I would ever expect and prepared hot food as well. The store is very clean and well organized. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed shopping here.

This is a nice, local grocery store. You can even pick up a few souvenirs. This has all the offerings of a typical grocery just not as many options as some of your larger stores. You could smell the deli and hot foods available when you walk in the store. Jim was the cashier that checked us out and he did a great job! He was very nice. Each checkout is manned by a cashier, so no self-checkout. It was kind of nice.

The staff here were all very friendly the store stocked everything we needed but I felt like I was walking around in a refrigerator. Other than that, great little grocery

Stopped here to use the restroom during my trip, walked right in the door to the restrooms with a lady yelling that the store is apparently closed and told me that I couldn’t use the restroom due to them not letting people in the store after being closed. Maybe lock the doors and if I’m already in the store then I find no problem.

Bought tenders and wedges for lunch. Chicken was so dry. Not edible. Wedges were ok and the star of this gas station staple. What happened to this place? The food used to be fantastic. Now it's not worth stopping for.

I love coming into this store any time I visit Townsend simply because it smells so good and it’s clean and the staff are always friendly.

Friendly. Smiles * laughing * joking. It's a real small town love, hard to find s these days. Plus they are collecting to feed the less fortunate during the holidays. A+ in my book.

We grabbed a great site on the river, highly recommend trying to get one when you stay here. The facilities are very clean and the staff is very friendly, plus being on the river is an added bonus. We wanted something near the Smokies but wanted to be away from Gatlinburg and we found it. We’ll be here three nights and anticipate a great stay.

KOA Townsend, TN is close to anything you want but away from all the hustle and bustle of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The park has a lot for the kids to do-wade the river, new playground, ride bikes, close to hiking, Cades Cove. Staff is excellent and professional. Everything is updated and clean. Our family had a lot of fun and would love to return. Highly recommend for a family vacation.

Awesome nice and tidy campground. They have e-bike rentals at an affordable price. Also they have a nice camp store/gas station. If you like it more quiet, I would chose koa Townsend over the hustle and bustle of pigeon forge or gatlinburg. I loved my stay at the koa!

We stayed at a 30amp back in site and it was great! Beautiful location and the kids enjoyed going down to the river. The entire place is well maintained by people who truly care and it shows!

Super clean campground. 10 out of 10. Staff was great. Bathrooms were super clean. They offer a septic tank emptying service if you have a camp spot with no hookup. Cheap and easy. My kids played on the playground and basketball goal. They had a bounce house one day. The river that runs beside the campground was gorgeous and fun to play in. We will be back.

Do not stay in site 51. One of the managers is in the site in front of this. They have harassed us over something every day. We have been here 2 days and already had 2 complaints. We have stayed at this campground over 10 times and have NEVER had any issues. The campground is amazing for families, that is why we stay here. Just make sure you ask NOT to be near one of the managers site.

Is this the cutest campground ever? Perhaps!! The staff are so kind and welcoming. Families are playing, cooking and enjoying each other. Our cabin is adorable!!

So glad we found this jewel! The food is amazing! The serving size is above average. Had the country fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy. Fabulous place for comfort food. You will definitely be glad you went. My favorite place in Townsend.

This place mainly serves burgers, hot dogs and the like but said they will be offering more homecooked specials this fall. The fries were amazing and apparently are bottomless (I didn't see this on the menu but the owner told me so.) Their prices are fair and competitive. There was a mistake with my burger and they remade it twice. The owner came over and personally apologized and the 3rd time it had to be made the owner himself made it (it's a husband and wife team - Keith and Kristen maybe? I could be wrong even though I asked her their names several times, lol.) The burger was very good as well once it was made the way I ordered it. Then, even though it had been remade and I told her it was totally unnecessary, she removed the meal from my bill. She said "I want to make it right." This is what I feel is lacking in almost all of the Townsend restaurants - owners who take a vested interest in the business and in the customer. Hands down we will be back and will tell everyone we know. I really hope they do well. Check them out. The handout fries - mmm!

Went for lunch today to this small restaurant in Townsend. The place is small & has outside seating. The service was very good and attentive. I got a cowboy burger which had cheeder cheese, onion straws, and moonshine bbq sauce. It was overcooked but otherwise pretty good. I also had onion rings that were kind of average. This was your average dinning experience. It didn't suck, but it wasn't fantastic food either. I may go back and try breakfast.

This was decent little place, that the food was ok. Fresh cut fries were good, my chili dog was little plain and only warm. Needs a little pizzazz to make it shine.

Great burger, fries and steak sandwich and friendly service but the fries and steak sandwich were too greasy but still good

Had the chicken salad sandwich and baked potato for dinner tonight and both were very good. My waitress was very nice and the food was quick. Thank you!

Props to the chef 👍 delicious food, the staff is always super friendly. Wish you guys were in Knoxville!!

This Inn was very cute, and had great proximity to the national park. Staff was nice, and I highly recommend upgrading to the balcony suite. Only complaint is that the room could have been a bit cleaner. It seemed like the floors could have used a good sweeping. Would stay again if I'm in the area.

Location was where we wanted. The room however, had a very strong odor of old smoke. They charge for smoking in a room, but as soon as we opened the door and said it really smelled they offered a spray which did little. All of our clothes smell- even things we didn’t wear. This is unacceptable. We also had several large cockroaches in the room and woke up to one crawling on us. We did not stay our second night! When we said we were leaving due to these issues, the staff just said ‘ok’. Apparently they are aware ? I would not recommend room #4.

Have stayed twice here, very nice place, SUPER FRIENDLY staff. Nice and QUIET away from all the Riff Raff on the "OTHER" side. Very peaceful sitting in the rocking chairs at night and hearing the steam across the road and watching fire flies. Owner is very pleasant talking with. DEFINITELY staying here our next trip

My family and I traveled to the Smoky Mountains on vacation. Our first stay was in Townsend River Breeze Inn booked through Booking.com. On arrival, the motel gave me the keys to a handicap room which had a super strong odor of febreze and the back of the room smelled like urine. We requested another room, and was declined, we check-out. I had to put a dispute to the C/C to refund money booked in advanced.

We were looking for a place to stay near Cades Cove and what a gem we found. The lady at the desk was so sweet and helpful. The rooms were so clean with comfortable beds. The beds were so comfortable that you didn't want to get out of them. Would definitely stay here the next time we are in Tennessee.

We recently saw this motel featured on Motel Rescue on Hulu. We stayed in the room that they featured a makeover on. The pool and outdoor space is so unique,fun and inviting. This is a motel we will be deffinetly be visiting sgain. Plus the staff were so friendly.

This building is from around 1960 but has been meticulously maintained and is very clean. Rooms and beds are what you would expect from a new facility.

I rented a UTV for my 51st bday yesterday for 5 hrs. It was myself and my friend and my 2 pups. Unfortunately it scared my French bulldog and we had to take the pups back to my rental. Then we were off for lots of fun! It comes with a National Park parking pass so that saves u a little bit. The lady working the front was sooo nice and loved pups! One note is take a blue tooth speaker and play ur own music! They gave me and adapter for my charger (my UTV took a cigarette lighter charger). Luckily I had a JBL portable speaker back at my rental and when I took the pups back I grabbed it. Then we went thru Cades Cove. We seen 2 bears and it was the middle of the day and pretty crowded! The UTV goes a good speed and most other drivers are very respectful. When we left Cades Cove we went to Wears Valley and ate at Hillbilly’s! This was our first time to Townsend and I loved it! I highly recommend Townsend UTV. The prices were fair and the staff was fantastic! See yall next yr!

HIGHLY recommend this place! Everyone was so nice and extremely helpful. Great hospitality and awesome suggestions on where to explore. We thoroughly enjoyed our 5 hour rental. When we come back to this area we will use them again 😀

Townsend UTV Rentals is a great place for your UTV needs. They are very helpful! When my wife could not get in the one, I rented they switched it out for one she could get in. Thanks again! We had a great time riding around the Smokey Mountains.

Highly recommend renting with Townsend. Incredibly friendly and helpful staff! Facilities were very clean! My friends and I had an amazing 5 hours in Cades Cove riding in the brand new side by side!

If I could give 0 stars I would! I understand we can’t control the weather but what we can control is the things you say to the customers before taking there money and what you do after. We called ahead and the owners told us “it’s not supposed to rain, you should be good”. Personally as someone who managed multiple retail stores, I would NEVER give any response like that without explaining the risk if it did rain. If they weren’t 100% certain they should have communicated what happens if it did rain and the policies! They NEVER communicated it at all! The weather channel didn’t say it was going to rain until 3 and we got there at 10:30 so we thought it would be ok…. We rented the 2 UTV for 8 hours and they knew we would be going to Cades Cove. Almost immediately upon leaving it started pouring the rain. We thought ok sure let’s tough it out, it shouldn’t rain for long. One UTV we had to manually use the windshield wiper, the other UTV had no windshield wiper. You have to drive down the highway to get there and so our vision was very impaired. We were getting wet almost immediately so we stopped to get blankets to cover up with. It’s not exactly like you can use an umbrella going atleast 45 down the road. Once we finally made it to Cades Cove entrance we pulled over before going on to decide if it was worth it and hoping the rain would stop. Literally a stream of water came pouring down on the front seat in the 6 seater UTV. So the person in the front seat had to stand up hunched over. If it weren’t for us having paper towels for a picnic (also NOT happening) they would have just had to sit in the puddle of water! Not enjoyable at all! After sitting that way for at least 30 minutes holding umbrellas over each corner of the UTV and still getting soaked we decided there was no way we were going to enjoy it. No seeing or taking pictures of any wildlife and scenery was going to happen and we were soaked so we made our way back still hardly being able to see! We got back and figured more than likely they wouldn’t want to give us our money back since we were the only people they were making money off. We were only hoping for a rain check for our time not used since we only had them out for at most 2 hours. They refused to do anything for us. No refund! no rain check! We wasted our money and didn’t have a single photo to share the experience because it was awful from the start. I would never run a business this way and would absolutely have taken care of my customers! We will be driving a UTV from Pigeon Forge and not waste our money again even if it is the closest to Cades Cove. Horrible business practice just because they weren’t making any money that day and they knew it! Thanks for nothing!!

Reserved a 4 seat side by side for Saturday the 4th so we could enjoy Cades Cove. Unfortunately, due to gov"t shutdown, it was closed. I called with intent to cancel but, after talking with staff, found alternative places to go. We arrived Saturday morning and our ride was ready to go. Owner was very friendly and personable and gave us a few tips for our route. And, to make our day, Cades Cove was opening that morning! We had an excellent adventure! Highly recommend! Fair price, solid equipment and excellent customer service.

Whenever we visit The Smokey Mountains/Cades Cove we rent from Townsend ATV’s. They are always very accommodating and had us 5 six- seater’s available last minute!! They even gave us extra RIDE TIME with our wedding party!! Definitely an adventure worth taking !!!

It started raining just as we arrived, so we had to hurry inside. Don't forget to pay for your parking. There are 2 kiosks on the right side as you go in where you can pay. While there's no entrance fee, a parking tag is required for any vehicle that parks in the park for more than 15 minutes, which would include parking at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Parking Tag Costs: Daily parking tag: $5. 7-day parking tag: $15. Annual parking tag: $40. There's knowledgeable Park Rangers there who can answer questions. We also saw several elk while there. One was by the entrance of the park, and another was by the exit of the park. There were also many wild turkeys in the area. After the rain stopped, we got a few photos of the gorgeous sky and mountains, plus one elk on the way out. Remember to stay away 50 yards from them and bears. Getting any closer is a federal offense.

I really liked this visitor center. It's definitely smaller than the Sugarland Visitor Center but it's still full service. They had a good selection of gifts and information pamphlets. The parking lot is decent sized. The restrooms were very clean. And of course the staff were very friendly. This is a good stop for souvenirs, parking permits, maps, gifts, and for a restroom break.

Nice welcome center— very clean, with lots of books, tees, and toys— mostly higher quality items, and reasonable prices, from what we saw. We picked up a park newsletter and fishing regulation guide, and oriented ourselves on the topo map in the back corner as well.

A great jumping off point for your Great Smoky Mountains trip. Souvenirs, gifts, literature,and maps are well organized in the bright, cheerful building. Staff are helpful, and don't forget your parking pass if you plan to park for more than 15 minutes in the park boundary.

Great place to stop to get a trail map and souvenirs. One of the personnel, Yvonne, has a wealth of information on hiking in the park. She is very congenial, and in between taking care of other customers, was able to give us all of the information that we needed. If you need to know about a trail inside the park, she can give you the inside scoop, as she is an avid hiker. She is definitely an asset to her employer and her customers. Everyone here is so friendly. Lots of books on the Smokies and the history of the area. Smoky Mountains parking passes are available here.

Won’t even attempt to solve a problem. Won’t even be reasonable about it and do their best to help. One of the worst experiences trying to a have issue solved with our parking pass. It’s a joke and I won’t be donating anymore money to the park, which I have alway done aside from purchasing the parking pass which supposedly goes to the park. We buy a pass and have car totaled in the same month and you can’t figure out how to be courteous enough to trade in the one we just bought for a new one. Rolling your eyes when asked if you could be helpful. Y’all are just as soulless as any corporation out there.

Our first stop before the smokies for the first time. They have alot of cute souvenirs, restrooms, and can pay for a parking tag.

Okay, let's knock out the important stuff first 🤣, you will need to map yourself to the Campground United Methodist Church for parking (it's totally fine to park here), secondly, don't try to play frogger crossing the road to the trail 🫠, there is a pedestrian walk under the highway, just walk up the street toward the trail (it's maybe a 1 min walk) and you can't miss it. Now, the trail itself is super cute, well maintained, and such a cute little nature scape playground for the kids. I feel like this is kind of a hidden gem. We live about an hour away, but we'll definitely be back 😊!

Great small walk. Gotta walk up highway to get to it. But worth it. Bring a small gnome to add to the party! Great spot for kids and a relaxing book read!

Nice little shadey walk alongside the river. Someone, planned or not have made it into a fairy grotto. Cute.

Great for families. Easy access and lots for little ones to enjoy.

Great little nature area close to the creek/river. Wonderful area to stroll and look around. Several play areas for children. The only trouble is you have to walk here as there’s no parking available except for private businesses. We asked a local and they parked at a church across the road.

There is no parking here so getting here was about a mile walk from the picnic area across from the Apple Valley Cafe. It is a cute, short park. Lots of info on the plants in the area which was great to learn something new! It has some nice memorials and a fairy garden.

Cute walk with labeled trees and a fairy garden. I would choose other walks in the area that may have better views, but this is still a nice and easy walk. Unsure if parking was available, but I parked at a nearby gas station.

So nice we did it twice! Seriously, my wife and I were on our Honeymoon in Sevierville and found this place on Google Maps and I love utv's and my wife had never been in one. So we decided to go and oh man, it was the best time and yep, we did it twice. We got to ride up to Cades Cove and through into Gatlinburg and it was fantastic. I highly recommend it to anyone - it's an experience you cannot get through a car. As a man said to me when he saw it "You don't only see Cades Cove, you get to hear it, smell it and have a 360 uninterrupted view" and that is very true. The best part of our honeymoon and something we still can't wait to do again!

Everyone at Mtn Trax were friendly and knowledgeable, told us about some of the hidden gems in the smokies. I recommend you to give them a try. We rented two side by sides. We had a blast on Father's day. There's no better way to drive the loop at Cades Cove.

This was the highlight of our vacation last week. We had never done anything like this and we loved it. My sons are 19 & 13 and loved every minute of it. We all had a blast! Our guide Matty was very cool and he made sure we all had a great time and were safe. We had 3 drivers in our group and Matty made sure that we all got a chance to drive. He also made sure we got wet and muddy. I never thought I'd have so much fun getting muddy, but I did. We will for sure do this when we come back again.

I rented a sxs with my wife and her parents labor day. We rode through cade's cove and took Rich Mountain road. The scenery was fantastic. This is one of the best adventures I've had in the Gatlinburg. area. Highly recommended

Can not say enough good about this! Lets start with Cameron our guide, AMAZING so personable and just down right nice! Great at his job! We tried to add him to our family! The utvs were awesome. My husband and I both drove and had a ball! Cameron even videoed one of our passes through a water hole! Great memories! Hope to visit again!!!$

Great place and service. Cathy was fabulous and it's always nice to meet a Patriots fan. Our UTV was perfect and the value/ pricing was better than any place else..plus we were so close to Cade's Cove it was an amazing experience for us all! Thank you:)

Y'all got to go. Had an absolute BLAST! Wear clothes that you don't mind leaving behind because it's dusty, dirty and wet. EXACTLY WHAT WE SIGNED UP FOR! Very professionally run outfit and was over and beyond what we thought it'd be. We could've stayed for longer if we didn't have a show to go to. You will be very pleased with your experience.

Our group had a great tour with the guide. Warren was very knowledgeable and provided photos taken in Cades Cove. A great visual learning tool. Very informative. Very nice. Recommend highly. Great for family and groups!!

Beautiful and entertaining! This place is a great place to learn about the mountains and its people. Great gift shop and events going on year round. You must to check this out, it’s a hidden jewel.

So beautiful!

This was a very scenic drive.You do drive slowly through the area behind other vehicles , but there is places where you can pull off and you can view cabins and churches and cemeteries with Graves from 1900s. There is areas where you can stop and visit. There's an old mill that you can go visit. It was very interesting they have a gift store there & restrooms. Also, there was one section of the older houses on the land there that they had a park ranger who was showing you how to make dolls from the 1800-1900's with cornhusk. That was really interesting as well as the old water mill. I saw a lot of people sitting in lawn chairs along the scenic drive taking a view of the scenes as well as people that were painting the mountain scenes. So beautiful well worth. It's free and they do accept donations. You must go here!

Hidden gem in the Smokies. Not a lot of bike trails in the area unless you want to pay to go downhill. This place has great rolling terrain well groomed and fun for any skill level. Beautiful bridge entry as well. I suspect it will get busier as more tourists discover this just 25 min from pigeon forge.

Awesome set of trails! So first off they are free to use and well maintained. All you have to do is fill out a liability waiver. I would definitely recommend.

Absolutely awesome trail system I stumbled upon while visiting the smokys! Really only got to ride Bootleggers run- link&pin and over yonder but they were some of the best I’ve ridden. I frequently ride snowshoe, rock creek and kanuga in Asheville and these trails are for sure up there on my list. The trails were leaf blown, marked very well and very kept up.It was a great first experience riding in TN

Incredible free park. There is something for all levels of rides. Blue and Black trails are properly rated. Be sure you're confident in your skills before sending these trails. One of my favorite places to ride!!

Great mountain bike trails near to Pigeon Forge. Trails are well maintained with great signage. Long assent that leads to multiple downhill runs at different skill levels. Coming from Chapel Hill (small hills, much roots & rocks), these descents were fast, smooth, and for me, occasionally scary narrow-trail twists. Easy parking just off main road with portable toilets, then bridge over river to a small skills park and bike shop. Then uphill to trails. Exhausting and fun but it took me 20 minutes per climb to start downhill runs.

I have trout fished for the past 50 years where they installed a bridge. Fencing and private property signs. Nothing stays the same.

These trails are more gnarly than the others around Knoxville, some of my favorite, but definitely not for beginners. Really enjoy going here. They stay open and dry when the others in the area close.

(mid-May2024) Was closed when we tried to visit, although the hours of operation sign suggested they should have been open. I believe the new owners are working on bringing it back to life from years of being closed - a fun addition for Townsend. Unfortunately, its current condition is near unplayable - see pics. Can't wait for it to be back in working order so I can update this review! Price seems a bit steep as well, at least for the current course condition; 'brand new' course south of Maryville is less. Well wishes in getting it up and running, can't wait to try it out.

This golf course is under a new name and new owners. The gem mining and gnomes theme add a little something special to bring new life to this attraction on the peaceful side of the Smokies. There are water features throughout. You'll probably want to protect yourself from mosquitos in some way. The course could be challenging at times which made our experience even more fun. The owner was very friendly and awarded everyone who got a hole in one a small gift. We had a blast and plan to play here during every future visit to Townsend TN.

A poorly maintained, completely uninteresting 9-hole course. Big holes in the outdoor green carpet, ball chutes that don't work, dirty golf balls, most things in disrepair and none of the holes have any extra element to make it interesting or challenging. Skip it unless you are staying in Townsend and desperate for mini golf.

When are they open? Who knows???? Conflicting information in signage, web presence and phone message. We called and the phone message said they were open every day until 9pm for the summer. We arrived on a Monday afternoon and the windows were open, a flag stating "OPEN" was waving but no one was around. Pretty disappointing.

Great friendly service in a quiet and relaxing mini-golf environment.

Great, hidden, shaded place to spend some time.

Love it ther.

Our wedding reception at Tremont Lodge Events and Wedding Venue was absolutely perfect! As an out-of-state couple, finding the right venue felt like a huge task, but we were so incredibly blessed to have found this gem. The space itself is both spacious and gorgeous, providing the perfect backdrop for our celebration. What truly set Tremont Lodge apart was their exceptional team, especially Michelle and Alicia. They were absolutely fantastic, going above and beyond to help us in every way we needed, including recommending all the vendors that made our day seamless. Their support was invaluable. The bridal suite was stunning – a dream for getting ready with my bridal party. It was spacious, beautifully appointed, and provided the perfect atmosphere. We also loved that all 68 of our guests were able to stay on property, making the entire weekend feel like a wonderful, intimate celebration. The accommodations were just as amazing as the reception space. Being just a short and easy drive from our ceremony in Cades Cove was the icing on the cake. The convenience couldn't have been better. We wholeheartedly recommend Tremont Lodge Events and Wedding Venue to any couple looking for a truly perfect and stress-free wedding experience. We can't recommend it enough!

We used this venue for our baby shower and our point of contact was Michelle Davis. Michelle is probably what makes this place as special as it is. Not only was she accommodating when we needed to change the date due to weather, she genuinely seemed invested in making my day special by helping us collect things to use as props or decor. They allowed us to use serving trays, drink carafes, and baskets that we forgot to bring ourselves and she made herself available to us even at late hours while we were setting up. This venue was beautiful and spacious and a blank enough slate to turn it into whatever you want it to be for your event. The pricing is very reasonable and Michelle was transparent about any fees that may have been on the invoice ( which there were no unexpected or hidden fees ). They are attached to a cute little motel/hotel and offered any of our guests that may be traveling from out of town a discounted rate if they wanted to stay over night.

We are from out of state (Alabama) and our daughter wanted to get married in cades cove. We were so blessed to have found Tremont Resort and Lodge. Not only were the rooms clean and beautiful but the reception area was spacious and beautiful. She led us in the right direction with caters and photographers and DJ. They made her day very special and Beautiful. I would recommend them for an event or to get away.

We hosted our church Ladies Retreat here at Tremont and the place is beautiful and the people are amazing. The did all our set up and took great care of all 80 ladies.. We have already booked our 2026 retreat with Tremont. Thank you

Michelle helped us plan the fairytale wedding of my daughter's dreams! She was quick to respond to any question or concern, and offered extremely valuable input on things we didnt even consider. The venue was gorgeous and made for memories we will all cherish for a lifetime!

I had a reservation for my son and I for August 10th 2025. Unfortunately and sadly our rental car broke down in the North Carolina side of the Smokies late that afternoon. Due to the US 441 road closure within the park as well as the fact that it was a Sunday and we could not get the car fixed, we were unable to leave and make it to Townsend to the hotel. (I was charged for the room on 8/5 when I booked). When I called the hotel/lodge at 4:00 pm on the 10th to cancel I was promptly told that they "require a 72 hour cancellation notice" and I would not receive a refund. I requested an exception and the person said they would check with the manager, whom was off until Wednesday. I called again over the weekend and left a message juat to reiterate my request and conern. There was never any follow up by the person I spoke to or the manager. I called again on August 18th and again was told that the manager would be off until today and would follow up. I called again today and was told "we will follow up with you". I highly doubt I will ever hear from the manager and I will chalk this up to a bad experience and a lesson on where NOT to stay when in Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains. Customer service can really make (or hurt) a facility and for me this experience has taken the Tremont Lodge off of my list of possibilities.

This place is so nice and cozy! It was everything I loved! My husband surprised me with this cabin for my birthday and Valentine's Day since they're days apart.

Super cozy! Excellent place to stay.

Beautiful rental.

Amazing trails, great horses and when better staff. It was fun and beautiful. The horses knew where to go and they did really well at keeping our group together. We will be back

We had a blast ziplining here!! Friendly people own this place and the long 13000 foot line has the best view going down! ❤ Our 7 and 9 year old were so brave and went down the lines too! They said, "That was EPIC!"

We went today with two girlfriends and had so much fun, I got to ride Joe, an amazing horse, it was their first time but the horses know what to do and the views... it is totally worth it. We live in charlotte but definitely coming back when we are in the area.

Beautiful mountain experience with amazing views. The staff was incredibly kind and genuine. 10/10 Clyde and Trigger were amazing mounts!

Went here with my husband on our honeymoon, he has very little experience and the horses took great care of him. They know the trail and require little/no steering. Love that it was unguided and we could go at our own pace. The view was outstanding and the people are very kind as well! Very reasonably priced for a trail ride! Was met at the top to get our photos taken, which is a very nice touch! Over all an amazing experience and highlight of our trip!! Would definitely go back!!

This place was great! The horses are very well trained and beautiful! The staff were very friendly. We've done a few of the guided rides at other places so it was a very nice change from that. It was a nice private ride just my husband and I. The views were amazing! We will definitely come again on our next trip!

10/10 experience unlike any other! You and your family can ride a horse on the most beautiful trail without a guide needed. These horses are extremely well trained and sure footed on the rocky terrain. The horses know exactly where to go and you can sit back and relax and look at the amazing scenery and take pictures with your phone. At the top the mountain the horses bring you to an overlook where the staff met us to take pictures for us! The ride is about an hour long and takes you through the mountains and by a creek. Breathtaking views! The horses are calm and well mannered, even for beginners. The staff was very nice and helpful and you can tell they really know and care for the animals and the property. The owner was extremely accommodating when my boyfriend was over their weight limit and found us a heavier built horse form him to ride. One of the best parts of our vacation!

Such a great stop on the way into Townsend. Very sweet & delicious wines. Cherry berry slush was so tasty. Can’t wait to go back and try more.

Wanted a bottle of sweet Muscadine wine for my Easter dinner Sunday. The girls working there let me sample the red and the white. They were very friendly and helpful throughout the process. The white Muscadine tasted exactly like the grape itself. Bold and robust with a subtle sweet tone. The red is sweet with a slightly muted Muscadine flavor not as up front as the white. I did go with the red as my mom really likes sweet wines. I also grabbed a couple of $3.00 wine glasses. This place is really nice inside and has cheese and wine related items. I highly recommend the wine slushy. They have a wine for every palate I just prefer sweet. Stop in and have you three free samples and pick one out. You won't be disappointed.

My wife and I stopped at Cades Cove Cellars because it was part of the wine trail. So glad we did!! The store had an excellent selection of items to purchase. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. We enjoyed every sample we tried. If you have never had muscadine wine, you need to try it. If you are planning on checking our Cades Cove, make sure you stop in and try some wine.

Beautiful setting and good service. The wine tasting was nice and I would have given 5 stars if the winery respected their wine more. I purchased 4 bottles, ($22-$30 each), got home to find out they didn't have corks. "Screw Top", like the cheapest wine at the grocery store. Very disappointed 😞. Bottles don't fit a standard wine stopper, so when you open one, plan on drinking it all at once. On a good note, they were puppy friendly and had a veteran discount 👍

We were staying down the road at a little cabin and decided to stop in on a Sunday midday for a tasting. We were so pleased to see the strict Covid measures this business is taking to not only protect their customers, but to also protect their employees! We were asked to place our masks back onto our faces in between tastings and we reused the same tasting glasses. Definitely worth it to keep everyone safe and still enjoy the great selections this winery has! We loved every tasting we tried so it was hard to choose, but that’s a good problem to have. We walked away with two Cades Cove winery glasses and a bottle, super happy with the service and experience. If you’re in the area, please give this winery your business. They are incredible!

Their Mead is my favorite I have ever had! I highly recommend checking them out. Friendly staff as well!!

Great winery with very nice staff! I did a tasting and ended up buying three bottles. The worker let me know about their 3 bottle discount and member program so that really sealed the deal on that last bottle that I knew I wanted anyway! The Laurel Blush was my favorite!!!!

Property: the property is beautiful and perfect for anyone wanting a garden or outdoor wedding. The gazebo made a perfect backdrop to our ceremony and the grounds provided ample locations for pictures. The barn we used to get ready in was full of amenities. The grooms cabin seemed small but I heard no complaints. The reception space was recently renovated and absolutely beautiful. All inclusive - we really wanted a hands off wedding we opted for the all inclusive package and was not disappointed. They provided basically everything except DJ Photography and DOCs. We opted to bring additional decorations they accommodated our changes and everything went well! Thank you Janice, Loren & the Lily Barn Team for doing such a great job on our wedding.

We went to a wedding here in early October. The ceremony, cocktail hour and reception were all done here. The ceremony in the meadow was great, the gardens are unique and the Lily barn makes for a great location for a cocktail hour. The reception hall was comfortable for around 70 guests seated. The location is an easy 5-10 minute drive from most of the hotels in Townsend.

This is such a gorgeous place. (I wish I had more time to explore)

Janice and her team were so incredibly accommodating and such a source of support! As a wedding planner, I was blown away by their customer service and level of professionalism. They are TRULY talented and go above and beyond for their couples as well as all the vendors involved in making the day happen. I can't recommend her venue enough...absolutely beautiful.

My wife and I got married at the Abbey in Oct. 2022. The Lily Barn and owner Joyce Fillmore did and amazing job with everything. She is a great photographer and the honeymoon cabin was fabulous. Highly recommend.

You can go walk the gardens here for free. Very pretty, when all the bulbs bloom I'm going to go back!

Very beautiful place. It was nice to walk around and see all the flowers.

Today, I had the pleasure of visiting Townsend Tennessee with my mom for the first time! As a long-time horse lover, this was a must-do on our trip. Upon arrival, we were greeted promptly by the staff, who were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Their prices were very reasonable, and it was evident that they genuinely care for all the animals in their care. The horses appeared calm and well looked after. Our guide, William, was phenomenal during our 1.5-hour tour. If we return to the area, we will definitely stop by again. I highly recommend Davy Crockett Riding Stables. Thank you for a fantastic ride!

Yesterday I had a terrific two hour ride with a very experienced guide a British couple. I was the least experienced and rode on my horse Thunder who was incredible. She seemed to know where to go all the time and needed very little direction. Although having not been on a horse for 30 years it was super fun and not too stressful. Totally recommend Davy Crockett!

We had a good time coming out to Davy Crockett to ride horses. The horses were well maintained and very healthy. It’s clear that these folks really care about their animals. There were several cats on the property too that were very friendly. We opted for the hour and a half ride, though they do offer one and two hour, as well as a half-day ride. You need to call a week in advance to book the half-day ride. I will say, though, this is not really a good spot for experienced riders. I was hoping for an opportunity to lope or even trot, but this is just a walking in a line only ride. We ended up being paired with very inexperienced riders, which made it just an okay experience. That being said, this is great for kids in those who have never ridden a horse before.

This experience was incredible!!! We pulled over on a whim, came back a few hours later for an hour ride and the process was so smooth. It is also well priced at $40 for an hour. We rode with Mr Scott and he was a wonderful guide! He made it fun and easy and calmed nerves of first time riders. Mr Kelly was a hoot and a half, providing kindness and respect, as well as full bodied entertainment and enthusiasm. We loved the trail, was very beautiful and easy to follow.

Kelly and the crew were amazing! Our family loved the trails and the horses all had unique personalities and were so well trained! This experience surpassed our expectations!! Bring cash to tip your guide!!

Wonderful experience all around, very kind staff. They eased my little one into riding with such care, she was a natural and felt secure with their instructions. We will do it again but longer next time!

We drove past the stable by chance and stopped to ask if they had any availability last minute. They fit us in a half hour later. Meanwhile we got to meet the wonderful family who runs the place, and met the two cute cats of theirs. The ride was great. Not stressful or intimidating, but challenging with the hills, and fun to learn about your horse. Mine liked to graze constantly, but I learned how to let him be himself for a couple seconds and then give a slight tug and he knew it was time to move on. We became in sync. It was so great, hard to describe. I love that horse so much. This place gives you the instruction, is there the entire time, but lets you do your own ride. I’ve done several now in different places, but this was my favorite.

First pic was taken at Balsam Bunches Overlook on the BRP as headed toward Cades Cove. Our hiking adventure this week took us to Cades Cove to hike the: Crooked Arm Ridge, a very short section of Scott Mt, a section of Rich Mt, Indian Grave including the spur section, and down Rich Mt Loop back to the Cades Cove Loop road. Total trail book distance was 10.7 miles. We logged 10.9 miles. We hiked in a counter clock wise direction. Crooked Arm is up and steep with switchbacks to the left and right. There is a nice overlook view of Townsend on the Rich Mt Trail. Horses are allowed on these trails. The Loop Hike was almost void of water. All the creekbeds were dry with the exception of a very small stream on Rich Mt Loop. The trails were in good condition with lots of rocks and roots coming down Rich Mt Loop. I think hiking during the fall would provide lots of color and late fall/early winter would improve your views. Until next time safe 🥾 hiking everyone.

Sometimes I find Google's questions humerus, sometimes foolish and pointless. Crooked Arm Cascade is a waterfall a short hike from the parking area at the begining of the Cades Cove motor loop. You hike to the falls. You don't have to buy a ticket, nor do you have to wait to get in. You would think Google could identify the location as being within the GSMNP and would not ask such stupid questions. Perhaps question about the length of the hike (under 2-miles) or the level of the hike (beginner) would be more helpful to the reader...

Not much of a cascades, but worth a pic along the trail

Beautiful walking path after the falls following the river. Steps leading down to river edge is available at several locations.

It was raining today and the cascades were roaring! Had to go up right side in wood because trail was flooded

Beautiful Falls! Was a great surprise. The trail was a little muddy, but we'll worth it.

Beautiful trail and falls in Cades Cove.