2013 Townsend TN Spring Festival and Old Timers Day

This is Townsend’s week – the annual Spring Festival and Old Timers Day, May 3 and 4, 2013! It’s that time of year when bluegrass, clogging, arts and crafts, BBQ, storytelling, and wildflower walks, all come together in harmony and at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains in Townsend, Tennessee.

As always, the Townsend Spring Festival promises to be a weekend packed with events, and to everyone’s delight, great food. Check out the schedule of events including band lineup, food vendors, craft vendors, demonstrators, authors and other activities so that you don’t miss out on your favorite things that early May weekend.

SPRING FESTIVAL BAND SCHEDULE:

Friday, May 3

11am – CLOGGING LESSONS
Noon – PLEASANT VALLEY BOYS
12:40pm – BLACKBERRY JAM
1:20pm – NOTCHEY CREEK
2pm – CAROLINA BLUEGRASS
2:40pm – JAY TIPTON BAND
3:20pm – ROCKY RIVER
4pm – LARRY HOBBS
4:40pm – APPALACHIAN BLUEGRASS
5:20pm – CAROLINA BACK ROADS
5:50pm – STEVE JORDAN BAND
6:20pm – MIKE CLEMMER DULCIMER
6:30pm – SOUTH OF THE RIVER BOYS
7:05pm – BLACKBERRY JAM
7:40pm – WALKING IN TRADITION
8:15pm – CAROLINA BLUE GRASS
8:50pm – NOTCHEY CREEK
9:20pm – CLOSE OUT BAND

Saturday, May 4

11:30am – BLACKBERRY JAM
Noon – BLUE STREAKS
12:30pm – WILSON FAMILY
1pm – NOTCHEY CREEK
1:40pm – CAROLINA BLUE GRASS
2:20pm – JAY TIPTON BAND
3pm – STEVE JORDAN BAND
3:35pm – LARRY HOBBS AND COMPANY
4:05pm – THANKFUL HEART
4:35pm – CATOOSA CANYON
5:10pm – SOUTH OF THE RIVER BOYS
5:45pm – MIKE CLEMMER
5:55pm – INGRAM FAMILY
6:25pm – BLACKBERRY JAM
7pm – CAROLINA BACK ROADS
7:30pm – NOTCHEY CREEK
8:10pm – SQUARE DANCE
8:40pm – WALKING IN TRADITION
9:15pm – CLOSE OUT BAND

FOOD VENDORS:

A.J.’s Concessions – Polish sausage, funnel cakes, bloomin’ onion, cheesecake, ribbon fries, Philly cheese steak, chicken tenders, hot wings, french fries, frozen dipt’ banana

Gary Gray Shaved Ice – New Orleans style shaved ice

Foothills Smokers/Marc Horton – Pulled pork BBQ, chicken, ribs, cole slaw, chips

Hearts and Hands – Baked Goods: Homemade cookies, cakes, pies-all donated, packaged

Toby’s Kettle Corn – Kettle corn, caramel apple slices, pork rinds, cotton candy

Karns Community Club – Homemade ice cream

Nana’s Kitchen – Pucker powder candy art

Crockett Creek Muscadine Juice

Nonnie’s Fried Pies

On Site Demonstrators
Blacksmithing – Hugh Bowie
Cornmeal Making – Ronald & Angel Fowler
Beekeeping – Tony & Vernell Holt
Blount County Beekeeping Association – Howard Kerr
White Oak Shingle Making – Sam White
Weaving – Cherokee finger – Charaity Hubbard
Sorghum Molasses – Mark & Sherry Guenther
Antique Weapons Display – David Daily

Exhibit Room
Rug Hooking – Carol McBride
Woodcarving – Lendel Abbott
Quilting – Maetta Conrad, Ila Mae Morton, Marcella Emrick
Charcoal & Pencil Artist – Andy England

Other Activities
Old Harp Singers – Saturday 3:30–5 p.m. in front of Center
Black Bear Education Center & Electric Vehicle Display – Bob Harris In front of Center
Model A Club – Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in front of Center
Appalachian Bear Rescue – Kathy Sherrard
Appalachian Church Replica and children’s story telling – Sponsored by CHilhowee ARea Ministries
Children’s Area/Games – Days Gone By Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Back Field
Cades Cove Preservation – Meet descendants of Cades Cove
Picking throughout the Grounds – Dedicated tents for Jammer’s
Antique Tractors

Authors: Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Dr. Lin Stepp – “Second Hand Rose”
Roy Oliver – “The Last Man From Tremont”

Craft Vendors
Appalachian Creations — Danielle Barton
Barry Spruce Photography — Barry Spruce
Baskets & Bowls — Sally Spista
Bearly Baskets — Linda Smith
Bill’s Log Cabin Lamps — Bill Fannin
Bowls & Quilts — Leona & Dalton Jones
Carol Erikson Photography — Carol Erikson
Clay, Wood, Paper — Susan Coe, JoLynn Matthews
Common Sense Candles — Angela Casavant
Martha Crow
Danny Young Photography — Danny Young
Debbie Toney Art — Debbie Toney
Freaks, Inc. — Parker Pressnell, Stacie Huckabe
Greystone Arts — Ken Kant
In The Stix Studio — Sandra Byrne
In The Wild — Jamie Palo and Amber Prakshot
Judy’s Beaded Beauties — Judy Fritts
Lodge Cast Iron — James Lamphier
Love Lies Beading — Renee Parrott
Deborah Lundgren
Maxine Falls Art — Maxine Falls
Mountain Arts — Kevin Reed
Mountain Works — Frankie & Leo Edwards
Natural Affinity Soap — Denisea Mann
Oils by Sharon — Sharon Schoenfeld
Perry’s Woodcraft — Herbert A. Perry
Perspective Unique Photography — Sheila Floyd
Rebecca Hiatt Photography — Rebecca & Jeffrey Hiatt
Rick Kratz Photography — Rick Kratz
Rockytopbob Wood Designs — Robert Law
Sarah B. Weber Fine Art — Sarah Weber
Jean Shamblin
Sing’s Wood Crafts — Steve Sing
T.H.E. Pearl Pagoda — Hui Malkowski
The Amber Lady — Sandra Jaqua
TheLicensePlateMan — Steve Russell
Thomas Pottery Gallery — Larry & Caroline Thomas
Unique & Classy Jewelry — Bobbie Finger
Village Artworks — Corinne Coley
Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop — Mike Clemmer
WoodsbyTom — Tom Sciple

Old Timers Day, Cades Cove
Celebrate the heritage and culture of Cades Cove with the Cades Cove Preservation Association at Old Timers Day at the Cable Mill visitors center. Former residents will speak of growing up and living in this historic valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while musicians play historic mountain music around the lawn at the Mill area. The CCPA will also have historic exhibits and photographs of homesteads that populated the valley.

Take a FREE Townsend Shuttle

Buses, donated from the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center, will run from the Heritage Center to Trillium Cove to Little River Railroad Museum to the Townsend Visitors Center and back to the Heritage Center. One bus will run from 10:30 am to 6 pm and a second from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, both days. Two buses will be in operation from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm each day. The last bus will leave the Townsend Visitor Center at 6 pm and return to the Heritage Center, on both Friday and Saturday.

The Spring Heritage Festival and Old Timer’s Day is the first of a few Heritage Days held each year in Townsend, TN. For a complete list of goings-on in Townsend, check out the calendar of events, as well as Townsend cabins if you’re gonna be here for the entire weekend.

Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival

Townsend’s Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival (April 19-20) is an interactive arts event connecting the community with fiber arts activities. The festival will include fiber animal exhibitions, vendor market, classes, demonstrations of spinning, needlecrafts, dyeing, weaving, and many other fiber processes. You’ll also have the chance to participate in hands-on projects for children and adults, view local artists’ work, purchase fiber craft supplies, and get information about local fiber activities, groups, and businesses.

This year’s fiber arts festival will take place in the Townsend Visitors Center as well as at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Both are top notch facilities for the Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival. You’ll find fiber arts classes and demonstrations, vendor shopping, great food, good friends and a memorable experience in each setting.

In all, this event celebrates all things Fiber Arts, beginning with the raw materials (catch the sheep herding and sheep shearing demonstrations at the festival), through the creative processes (check out the classes and non-animal demonstrations at both locations), and finally, the end product (visit a great collection of vendors who will fill your every supply and project need)!

Townsend is known as the “Peaceful side of the Smokies”, and a place that’s far different from other communities near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We hope you’ll enjoy your visit and check out what all Townsend has to offer including Townsend cabins, all the Townsend events, and some of the Townsend restaurants.

Goings on at the Townsend Visitors Center: Border Collie Sheepherding by Leigh Anne and Paul Tucker and Sheep-shearing by William Rick, plus demonstrations of weaving, spinning, and other fiber crafts.

Occurring at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center: Fiber classes and workshops, marketplace of vendors, demonstrations, museum exhibits of Smoky Mountain cultural history. Click here for the list of VendorsAlso, if you’re interested in participating, check out the vendor application.

Click here for the list of Classes with instructors, dates and times, descriptions, and fees. Class registration form.

At the Townsend Artisan Gallery: Exhibits of fiber arts and many other beautiful works by local artisans.

Please call 865-448-6134, 800-525-6834 for more information and schedules.
Vendors: contact Nancy at 
gsmhcevents@yahoo.com 
Instructors: contact Deborah Adams, quiltsbydeborah@gmail.com .

Look Rock

It’s not hard to see why people make Look Rock a destination when they come to the Smoky Mountains. Look Rock occurred naturally but doubles as an observation ledge that overlooks the national park. It also boasts 360 degree panoramic views of the Smokies.

Located on the Foothills Parkway between Townsend and Maryville, TN, it’s the highest point along the frequently traveled parkway. Visitors can also find a campground and a picnic area at Look Rock which is maintained by the National Park Service. So, when you’re hiking to Look Rock, definitely remember to pack a lunch, then stop and enjoy a picnic with your group.

About the Look Rock Observation Tower

The observation tower at Look Rock is open to the public and is quite a sight if you haven’t hiked up the tower before. Talk about a bird’s eye view! It’s a half mile hike to the tower. To put it clearly, you can see up to 40 miles from the tower on a clear day. Though I’m sure you can imagine the beauty for yourself, keep in mind that some days are hazy, so the view is not as clear. Still, it’s one of the best you’ll find of the national park.

Just a quick note, the railing going up and on the tower is low, so if children are in your group, please make sure they are careful and make a point to watch out for them. The other side of the Look Rock parking lot has another observation area with great, picturesque views, just not the 360 degree panoramic views like you’ll find on the tower.

Autumn in Townsend and the Smokies

This year, September 22 is the start of the fall season and most around the Townsend, Tn are expecting a colorful autumn. Though there were a few dry spurts this summer, expect the next couple of weeks to really determine just how lively this fall season will be.

Don’t look for much in the way of freezing temperatures at night, which is a good thing, and the more sunny days the better. This will keep those good sugars in the leaves longer and provide for more vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows in October. If everything goes as planned, and that’s a big “IF”, November should be a great color month as well. So plan accordingly, especially those of you planning a Smokies getaway this fall.

Outside of all the scientific stuff, elevation is key when determining fall foliage viewing – when you’ll see it, how much you’ll see, and how long you’ll see it. Elevations from 4,500 to 6,000 feet are key. During the first two weeks in October, leaves can reach peak color above 4,000 feet. During the remainder of October, Smoky Mountain tress like the sugar maple, red maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, and dogwood come alive with magnificent fall color.

No matter where you go in the Great Smoky Mountains you’ll find beautiful fall foliage, especially in places like Townsend and Cades Cove. Places like Cataloochee, located on the other side of the national park, are great spots for nature lovers as well and probably a bit less crowded. Cades Cove can get downright packed during the fall season and for good reason. Oh, and by the other side of the park, that means the North Carolina side. If you’re coming from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or Sevierville, take Highway 321 north to Interstate 40, then east towards Asheville. Take exit 20 to Cove Creek Road and go another 11 miles to Cataloochee.

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that Cataloochee is definitely a worthwhile drive each fall because it provides for some great sights and some even better photo ops. It’s amazing the number of people who visit the park yearly yet never find out about places like Cataloochee until a year later. Just a thought. Cataloochee offers the same spectacular color show as Townsend and Cades Cove. It’s just the lack of crowds that really make it so different. Who knows, by the time everyone sees this, the crowds may have shifted to that side.

Rich Mountain Road outside of Townsend is another great fall foliage viewing spot. Head out to Cades Cove on Laurel Creek Road and enter onto the Cades Cove Loop Road. About 3-4 miles into the loop (loop road stop #8) turn onto Rich Mountain Road. It’s a wonderful drive with some of the best views the Smokies have to offer. During the fall, it’s indescribable. It’s something you just have to see for yourself. There are numerous places to stop, walk, and enjoy these colorful scenes along the road, so take your time and don’t drive too fast. And don’t worry about a map or needing your GPS, Rich Mountain spits you right back out in the middle of Townsend, no problem.

These are just a few of the many opportunities there are to catch the majestic fall foliage offered up by the Smoky Mountains each year near Townsend. If you do nothing else, just drive around and get lost on a mountain road, you’re sure to end up not too far from where you started out and you’ll see the Smokies like they were meant to be viewed – colorful, passionate, and as beautiful as any other place you’ve ever ventured to see.

Townsend, Tn Fall Itinerary

Fall season on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” might lead one to think that gorgeous views and vistas of fall foliage may be all that Townsend, Tn has to offer during the autumn months. Well, that’s as far from the truth as saying Cades Cove is a “so-so” place to take pictures. From the town’s Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers Day to the numerous chances to catch local musicians and artisans throughout the area, Townsend, Tn is a hive for fall activity and family fun of all kinds.

So you’re in Townsend for a few days, or a long weekend this fall, well let’s start out with the reason most people come the Smokies each fall – the gorgeous fall colors. Townsend is the perfect place to catch fall in all its splendor whether you’re taking a quick trip around Cades Cove loop road or a longer drive down Rich Mountain Road. Both routes give you a good chance at taking in some picturesque fall scenery. And you can do everything in a day, probably even half a day then get back to town to do something else. If you’re wanting to get a bit further away from town, try driving the Foothills Parkway or the Cherohala Skyway. Both have plenty of magnificent overlooks and historic destinations located along the way.

You’ve got to at least set aside one day just to try the offerings from a few good Townsend restaurants. We suggest a different meal from a different restaurant for each meal. Try camp cooking for at least one meal, or going on a picnic. Some of the area’s best BBQ can be found at such events as the Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers Days (Sept. 28 & 29), as well as all kinds of specialty sandwiches, homemade ice cream and desserts, and any other kind local festival-type food you could think of.

Now, while there does seem to be quite a few things to do around town, don’t forget to stray a bit into nature. As mentioned, take a picnic and explore the byways of the Smoky Mountains. Pack a backpack and hike to a beautiful, quiet area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are numerous hikes around Townsend, and especially the Cades Cove area. Find out about biking Townsend, or just stroll over to a nearby stream and throw a line in.

There are musicians and crafts people around town too numerous to even list. The arts and crafts of Townsend come alive in Townsend’s Artisan Guild. Most artists are in their stores daily and love for people to come by and talk with them about their craft…. And purchase a few things too. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. So come to Townsend, TN this fall and spend a day or two and get back to the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”.

Rich Mountain Road – A scenic Townsend drive.

If you are a yearly visitor to the Smokies, you probably spend part of one of your days in idyllic Cades Cove.  If you want to change up your trip the next time you head around the loop, try taking Rich Mountain Road.  This rugged journey, that starts almost halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road, is not for everyone but it does offer a different view of the mountains and the valley that is Townsend, TN.  The road is gravel and dirt from start to finish but on a clear day, the views are worth it.

Scenes like this one are prevalent along Rich Mountain Road during the fall.

While there is only one way into Cades Cove, there are three ways out.  Either you can follow Cades Cove Loop road out of Cades Cove, or you can take Rich Mountain Road or Parsons Branch Road.  Rich Mountain Road is the more popular of the two alternative routes as it drops you out in Townsend.  If you have gotten one of the self-guided tour maps you will see the turn off for Rich Mountain Road across from the Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church.  You will turn to the right before you get to the church and follow the road out of Cades Cove.

The road you find yourself on is gravel and dirt the whole way.  Make sure that you are prepared for this because once you start down the road, you will not be able to turn around.  Rich Mountain Road is a one way road that allows you to leave Cades Cove and take an alternate route to Townsend.  During the winter, this road is closed due to bad road conditions. Keep that in mind when you decide to take this alternate route.  Also remember that the road is closed to RVs and campers.  In fact anything bigger than a truck will make some of the turns a little difficult to simply impossible.

Looking down into Cades Cove from Rich Mountain Road.

But though the road is twisting and mountainous, you get to see some amazing scenery as you climb your way out of Cades Cove.  One of the highlights is always the view of the Primitive Baptist Church.  The setting is incredible and it is perfectly set against the mountainside for a vacation photograph that you will love to see and take home.  Also, as you creep along the mountain you can watch wildlife that is not as viewed nearly as often as the wildlife in Cades Cove proper.  The animals tend to climb the mountains to get away from the tourist traffic and the possibility to see not only bears but smaller mammals is greater here.  Along the way, you will come across small waterfalls and some old growth forest along the ridge lines as well.

All in all, you need to add Rich Mountain Road to your bucket list.  Make sure at one point while you are on vacation in the Smoky Mountains that you make the trip from Cades Cove down Rich Mountain Road.  Follow this gravel road from the middle of Cades Cove and see a different side of the Smokies as you work your way to the “Peaceful Side” of the Smokies:  Townsend, TN.

Townsend, TN Weather

Townsend, TN is known for truly having all 4 seasons, it is on the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park after all. With each season comes even more incredible changes to the landscape than the previous season as spring brings out the area’s natural colors, smells, awakening wildlife, and warming temperatures while summer’s sunny days are perfect for taking a dip in the pool, lake, or one of the many mountain streams.

The most popular season is Fall, to us at least, with the bursting red, orange, and yellow colors; local festivals, and that hint of coolness in the air. The winter season often covers the mountains with a white layer of snow, especially in the higher elevations, making cabins with fireplaces an attractive vacation for locals and visitors to the area as well! There simply isn’t a “bad” time to come to Townsend, TN. There is always something to do on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” no matter if the sun’s out or the snow is falling!

Well, for all those planners out there, we’ve made a list of the average daily temperatures below as well as links to find the forecast and current weather conditions in Townsend, TN. Townsend’s weather conditions are a work in progress every year, much like the rest of the Smokies so don’t let a little rain in forecast discourage you from enjoying the ever-changing and natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains!

Much is the same for Cades Cove, which is located just outside of Townsend in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cades cove receives around 50+ inches of rainfall each year, a good potion of it during the spring and fall. Cades Cove has a pretty dry summer climate, but as always, be prepared for rain if you decide to some hiking or anything else outdoors. In other words, keep a poncho handy. Afternoon showers are fairly common due to in Cades Cove.

 

Average temperatures in Townsend, TN

Month Avg. High Avg. Low
Jan 46°F 25°F
Feb 51°F 27°F
Mar 61°F 34°F
Apr 69°F 43°F
May 77°F 53°F
Jun 84°F 61°F
Jul 87°F 65°F
Aug 86°F 64°F
Sep 81°F 57°F
Oct 71°F 43°F
Nov 59°F 35°F
Dec 50°F 27°F

Insider tip:
Get weather and road condition information in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN by calling:
Using your cell phone in TN: 511
Nationally: 1-877-244-0065
Locally in Townsend: (865)436-1200

Enjoy summer in Townsend, TN!

Tubers at the Townsend Wye.

It’s summertime which means the kids are out of school, the temperature has the mercury rising, and you’re looking for fun things to do locally that can fill up some of those idle days. Townsend’s summer offerings grow with each passing year from tubing the Wye to new ranger programs offered by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And there’s always Cades. Visitors have flocked to the cove for years each summer to explore whether by bike or foot.

To get you started, we suggest starting your itinerary in the national park. With so many waterfalls to take in, you’re bound to find a trail leading to at least one – try hiking to Abrams Falls by way of  the Abrams Falls Trail. Need a map? They’re available for anyone to pick up at the Townsend Visitors Center. Looking for something different? As previously mentioned, throw a tube into the Little River and let the current do the rest. There are numerous outfitters in town located on the banks of the river to rent a tube, or tubes, for a day. If not, just play in water or dip your line in and enjoy the countless summer hours fishing for some of the best Smoky Mountain trout you’ll find. The visitors center also holds a  pottery festival each June if you’re more inclined to spend part of your day inside.

Maybe spending as much time in a more natural setting is your cup of tea. Well, you won’t find a place to get more familiar with the outdoors than you’ll find in Townsend. Townsend is home to a number widely used campgrounds as well as one located in Cades Cove that you’re sure to find one that suits you and your needs. Summers are the perfect time for a cook out and a late night campfire. Roast a few marshmallows and tell some ghost stories while making memories that will last a lifetime. If you feel like trekking closer into Gatlinburg, stop by the Sugarlands Visitors Center and catch the amazing synchronous fireflies (early to mid June) at Elkmont.

Summer is also concert season around Townsend. You’ll find an array of concerts and jam sessions in the area. Just pick a date. Listen to local musicians and visit with instrument builders. Or, attend one of the town’s week-long acoustic music camps and learn how to pick a guitar, banjo, or Dobro with the best of them. There’s so much going on this summer in Townsend it’s hard to just come down for a day. So stay a while, or a week, or be our guest for the entire summer. You’ll won’t regret a Townsend summer.

Picnic Pantry Cafe – Lunch, Brunch and On the Go

Townsend, Tennessee’s Picnic Pantry Cafe offers a wide variety of sandwiches and coffee shop fare for anyone looking to stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just to grab a snack before hitting the trail.

For many, coming through Townsend means a quick bite to eat on the way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or fueling up before hitting the trails for a few days. And that’s just the way Townsend, Tn restaurant the Picnic Pantry Cafe would have it.

Not only do they welcome visitors in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they’re always ready to send you on your way with a salad, sandwich, or other to-go snack in order to get you out in nature all the more sooner.

Those of you seeking breakfast, the Picnic Pantry Cafe offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches, wraps and yogurt. Daily specials include ready-made sandwiches and soups, as well as salads. Paninis, roast beef, turkey, ham, and pastrami are piled high on top of 9 grain wheat, marble seedless rye, croissants, freschetta, and sourdough bread. If you’re there in the afternoon, or evening, maybe it’s a refreshing glass of wine (try with a fruit or cheese tray) that’s more to your liking, or an ice cold beer. Expresso, lattes, and various hot coffees are also available.

As mentioned, for those of you looking to beat the crowd in the national park and hit the trail, the cafe offers numerous baked goods that can be wrapped and saved for later. Trail mix, crackers and jerky are also offered for numerous hiking junkies that make the pantry the final stop before getting back to nature.

The Picnic Pantry Cafe’s special events including cookie decorating classes for kids are always a hit around town. Every month the cafe seems to be offering something new and different, and July is no different. June featured a wine tasting event and July will feature one as well on Tuesday, July 14 at 6 p.m. This will be a four course meal that is paired with four wines. Reserve your spot by calling the Picnic Pantry at 865-738-3183.

Starting June 30th, the Townsend Farmers Market will be located in Trillium Cove Shopping Village next to the cafe.  It will run every Thursday, starting June 30th.

Picnic Pantry Cafe operating hours: Sunday and Monday : 11 am to 5 pm – Tuesday -Thursday: 8 am to 8 pm – Friday and Saturday: 8 am to 9 pm

Townsend Spring Itinerary

Cades Cove church

Spring in Townsend, Tn might just be the perfect time to be in the Smokies for some, though you’re sure to hear the exact opposite from those fall foliage lovers, but that’s neither here nor there. In actuality, both seasons offer ample opportunities geared at getting visitors back to nature – something Townsend excels at, no matter the season. From popular festivals to numerous hikes and bicycle tours around the Smokies and Cades Cove, we’ve compiled a list of Spring “to-do’s” in Townsend. Be prepared to spend a few days if you plan on getting to everything, or just use it as a daily reminder if you plan on coming back a few time this spring.

Strap on your hiking boots and pack something warm just in case as the first jaunt on the Townsend Spring Itinerary gets you off the beaten path and onto the trails of the Smoky Mountains –

  • Take one of the numerous wildflower walks and hikes offfered in the Smoky Mountains; rent a bike from the Cades Cove Campground store and bike the Cades Cove Loop Road or rent from one of the many locales in town and ride the Townsend bike path. One of the most popular day hikes in the area is the Abrams Falls hike by way of Cades Cove – an easy 5-miler that will cool you off halfway through with a quick dip in the pool below Abrams Falls. Definitely worth the hike.

Our next itinerary suggestion lets the traveler enjoy the best of what Townsend and the Smokies has to offer – Cades Cove –

  • Beat the crowds and tour the Cades Cove loop in morning. Take in an evening tour if you’re interested in the Cove’s wildlife and history. Guided tours are now available through Cades Cove Heritage Tours. Be sure to stop by the Cades Cove Campground Store for some of their fabulous ice cream.

So, you’re ready to get back and sample some of Townsend’s offerings, etc? Not only does Townsend offer a handful of great locally-themed stores, there are also a number of historical stops around town to introduce visitors to the history of Townsend and the Smoky Mountains.

  • Check out the arts and crafts of Townsend at some of its many galleries and craft boutiques. From Apple Valley Farms to Nawger Nob to Southern Fried Gallery, Townsend is ripe with local artistic flavor. During the spring there are numerous festivals including the Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timers Day, as well as the Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival. For you history buffs, check out the Little River Railroad Company. It was there that the region got its start as loggers roamed the area before it was designated part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Did you miss anything while you were exploring? Use your final day to just mill around town, or ask the locals what some of their favorite haunts are –

  • Many people come to Townsend to fish. If so, stop by an Little River Outfitters and find out where the fishing is best to be had and pick up some of the latest gear too, eat a great meal at a distinctive local Townsend restaurant, or tour a Tennessee farm. Whatever it is, you’re sure to be back in town in no time. Townsend sort of has that effect on people – they drive through just looking for a way to get to the national park and end up staying for a few days. There’s sure to be even more to add to your list next time you’re in town, hopefully this is a good start.
Cars parked along Cades Cove loop road