Maryville, TN

People are the Key


Maryville is the county seat of Blount County.  Blount County is the home of Townsend, Walland, the Foothills Parkway and of course one of the most popular entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Maryville is also one of the towns that is a little off the beaten path but has a lot to offer people who visit  the areas each season.  Shopping, dining and of course historic locations make Maryville a great place to visit while you are on vacation in the Smokies.

History
The first people to call the Maryville area home were the people of the Cherokee village called Elajay.  Elajay (named after the Ellejoy Creek) was located near present day Heritage High School on Lamar Alexander Parkway on the way to Townsend.  Elajay was built along the Great Indian Warpath, one of the transportation routes for the native people of the Smoky Mountains.

Maryville received its name from Mary Grainger Blount.  Mary was the wife of William Blount (territorial governor) whom Blount County was named after.  The first settlers in and around the Maryville area was John Craig and his family that built Fort Craig.  The fort was built to defend the settlers from attacks by the Cherokee.  Craig donated the land that Maryville was founded on.  In 1808 Sam Houston came to Maryville from Virginia and for a time was a school teacher in a one room school house (you can still visit the Sam Houston School House today).

In the 1800s Maryville was the center for the abolitionist movement in East Tennessee.  In fact, when the rest of Tennessee voted to secede from the Union, only 24% of the citizen of Maryville voted to do likewise.  Maryville was liberated by the United States army in  1864.  During the liberation of Maryville, an African-American slave named Polly Tool rescued the records that were being burned in one of the buildings in downtown Maryville. She has been honored by a  statue in the Blount County courthouse.  In fact, Maryville also elected the second African-American mayor in the history of the United States of America, WB Scott in 1869.

In more modern times, Maryville has been the home to several industrial employers, including Clayton Homes and Denso.  Between these two companies and the ALCOA plant in Alcoa, TN, Maryville citizens have enjoyed employment, throughout the 20th and 21st century.  Maryville is not necessarily a tourist town but they have lots of history and plenty of points of interest to offer those people that decide to get off the main roads and explore.

Points of Interest:

Foothills Milling Company – Fine dining on the Blount County side of the Smokies.  Great menu that changes with the season and offers eclectic dining in a unique atmosphere.

Little River Trading Company – The best outfitters in the Smokies.  If you are going to go hiking, this is the place to start trip.  Experts in hiking, climbing, camping, mountain biking and kayaking are on hand to answer your questions.

Sam Houston Schoolhouse – This schoolhouse from the early 1800s gives you a glimpse back in history.  This historic attraction includes not only information on the schoolhouse but also facts about the life of an American Hero:  Sam Houston.

The Wildlife of Cades Cove and Townsend, Tn

No matter what part of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park you’re visiting, don’t approach the wildlife! Though they may be cute and make for a great Facebook post the closer you get, extreme caution should always be the play. One reason – you don’t want to alter an animal’s behavior, or they might try to alter yours. Now then, here’s a quick rundown of wildlife you might come across in Townsend, the Smoky Mountains, and especially Cades Cove.

You’re very likely to see a black bear in Cades Cove, maybe even more so than any other place in the park. The bears are most likely to be seen spring through the fall as they become very sleepy in the winter, becoming semi-hibernating. The Smoky Mountain black bear is not as dangerous or as large and aggressive as the Grizzly.

Bobcats are nocturnal and rarely seen in Cades Cove or other parts of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, but they’re there. Bobcats weigh eighteen to twenty pounds and are about three feet in length. They prey on fawns and other small game.

Both red and gray foxes are found in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and both prefer Cades Cove to just about any other place in the park. The reason for this is the availability of both forest and open fields. The trees in the cove also provide foxes with added protection from coyotes and other predators.

Coyotes help control small animal populations of Cades Cove. Coyotes are dog-like in appearance but with noticeably smaller feet, thinner legs and a bushier tail. They are about two feet tall and four feet log including their tail. Their facial features are distinctive, having pointy ears, round inquisitive eyes and an overall appearance that looks a bit like a German Shepherd.

Skunks are common in Cades Cove, both striped and spotted, with their highly recognizable bushy tail. Their ability to potentially spray their foul smell at unwelcome guests keep most people away even at the sight of one. Skunks can spray a distance up to fifteen feet.

Covered with waterproof brown fur, except for their tail which is black and hairless, and weighing up to 60 pounds, the beaver is an interesting species. The beaver’s legs are fairly short with clawed partially webbed feet in the front and fully webbed feet in the rear. They prefer slow wide waters which are near trees.

Raccoon are charming creatures, but nocturnal. These masked animals will eat anything they come across in the park, and anyhting you might leave as well. They’re very intelligent and often found in the dense forests that are near water. Raccoons make their dens in hollow trees, abandoned buildings, or dens abandoned by other types of animals.

Beautiful and shy, it’s rare to see a red wolf in Cades Cove. They are very sly and usually aren’t to be found close to people.

Seen as pests by most farmers, Woodchucks would eat farmers crops in Cades Cove centuries ago and dig holes. This practice could injure the legs of various farm animals if they stepped in a burrow.

All of the Great Smoky Mountain National park is a haven for white tailed deer, but there is no better place to view deer than Cades Cove. Smokies visitors commonly see 200 deer if visiting the cove at sunrise. Though timid, the deer have learned to tolerate motorists stopping along the Cades Cove loop to watch them browse.

Wild Boars are present in Cades Cove but are not native.

There are many types of snakes in Cades Cove but only two, the Copperhead and the Timber rattlesnake are poisonous. Bites are rare but it is a good idea to be wary of night hiking when the snakes are most active or of climbing around piles of rock, tall grass, abandoned buildings, etc.

There are over 200 species of birds in Townsend and Cades Cove. Summer birds include yellow warblers, indigo buntings, eastern kingbords and barn swallows. Golden eagles visit Cades Cove in the autumn. In addition there are night flying barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, red-winged blackbirds, meadowlarks, sparrows, bluebirds, red-tailed hawks, wild turkeys, crows, and mourning doves.

Hiking Townsend – What to pack for a short jaunt in the Smokies.

Many people come to Townsend, TN and the Smoky Mountains to get into the Smokies’ more natural environment – to hike to some secluded destination or explore some far off mountain top. It’s trip that many of us have thought about, planned, or even just hopped in the car and begun. Whether you’re backpacking, or hiking, there are a number of things to take into consideration before starting out. One, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is made up of trails ranging from beginner to advanced. Like the Boy Scout motto says, “Be prepared” once you set out and choose wisely based on experience.

You’re sure to lace up your best hiking boots or trail shoes soon thereafter. But that’s it? Nope, there are number of other items to consider. Either way, whether you’re camping for a few nights or just hiking for a day, a backpack is a good thing to bring along. This will evenly distribute weight during the hike and maximize your comfort for the whole of the trip.

For short day hikes, these items are handy to pack for the trip:

  • Clothing. In the higher elevations, an extra layer can be a life saver, literally. A lightweight jacket with a hood will help combat the cool, windy air. Pack a hat and gloves if you think there’s a possibility you’ll really need them.
  • Weather protection. These days, sun protection is essential whether you’re at the beach or in the mountains. Pack some sunscreen as well as some Chapstick.
  • Hiking Safety. Pack a first aid kit. Just a small, portable first aid kit comprised of essential items is fine. Some of the items to include – band aids, blister pads, anti itch cream, tweezers, and antibacterial cream. Some bug repellant might come in handy too. This will ward off those irritating mosquitoes that come alive during the summer months. Pack a pocket knife as well. A compass and a trail map might help you as well. During the hike, it is vital that you stay on the marked trails, but if you should happen to get lost, a compass will help you find your bearings and get you back to the trail. As for hiking trail maps for Gatlinburg, TN you can pick some up at the Sugarlands Visitors Center just inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance.
  • Snacks. Be sure to bring some snacks and water for you and whoever else will be going on the hike. Keep yourself and remind others to hydrate whenever you get a chance. You might not feel like you are losing fluid, but you are, especially if you are hiking in the mountains! Bring a refillable water bottle that you can store in a side pocket of your backpack (one filled bottle per person). And pack lightweight snacks like granola bars or snack bags of GORP (raisins and peanuts), which will help you and your group refuel after a mile or two.
  • Fun stuff. The Smoky Mountains offer breathtaking vistas, so don’t forget your camera! You will want to photograph the views, flowers, wildlife, and document the fun times you are having on the trail! Another fun thing to take along is a small notebook and pen. Journaling can be a great way to remember your hike, the things you see, and even the conversations you have with your hiking party.

A day hike in the mountains and forests around Gatlinburg, TN is a fun and invigorating way to explore the area! You will see many beautiful and amazing sights! And if you plan ahead by packing your backpack with a few lightweight essentials, you can relax and enjoy your hike, no matter where the trail leads you!

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.

Walland

Inside Miller’s Cove

Before the arrival of permanent European settlers to the area, Walland was part of a vast Cherokee hunting ground.  Walland is situated in what became known as Miller’s Cove.  This small valley is created by a ridge of Chilhowee Mountain and part of the Little Pigeon River watershed area.  The fertile ground was home to elk and deer and bear and though those animals, with the exception of the elk, are still in these areas at the time the numbers made the area a food source for the indigenous people of the mountains.

Early 1900s Home of James Martin

By the 1780s the first permanent European settlers were arriving in the area. They followed the Cherokee trails into the mountains and found this small cove that would one day be called Walland.  Seeing as the Great Indian Warpath passes through present day Maryville, the people that settled this area built forts to protect themselves and the communities they were trying to establish.  Miller’s Cove takes its name from the Miller brothers that built cabin homes in this area around 1800.  Though they were not the first settlers, it is their name that got donated to the valley.

In 1893, The Walton and England Leather Company sent one of its employees to the Miller’s Cove area to see if there was a suitable place to put a tannery.  And though they also established a tanneryin the newport area, the Miller’s Cove tannery became a huge source of industry.  A tannery was established in Miller’ Cove and a small company town grew up around the facility.  In fact, the name Walland comes from the fusion of the name of the tannery – Walton and England.  When the tannery burned in 1931, the industry in the area shifted to lumber, via the Little River Lumber Company.  The railroad of the lumber company was attached to the railroad that the tannery had established and thus Knoxville and the outside world were connected to Walland and Elkmont, inside what would become the National Park.

When the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was founded, the area picked up the burgeoning tourism industry and the visitors to the area have been the major part of the economy ever since.  When the Foothills Parkway was approved, one of the first section to be completed was the portion that connected Walland and Chilhowee Lake.  Walland, though it is a narrow spot on the road between Maryville and Townsend, still has lots of historical value and cultural value to the area.


View Larger Map

Next time you are headed to Cades Cove and you will be passing through Townsend, stop in Walland and look around.  This was a site for some of the first major industries in the Smokies.  You might be surprised at what you find in the Walland area.

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center events

Ever wonder what it was like to live in East Tennessee as far back as the 1700s and 1800s? Well, if you’re coming through Townsend, Tn, stop by the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and let them guide you through the paces of life in Smokies during those early pioneer days. From artifacts dating as far back as 5,000 years ago to early family cabins and homesteads, the center has a bit of everything.
When you’re at the center you’ll notice a wide range of exhibits, sign-ups for educational programs, demonstrations and guides that offer a similar theme – no matter the demonstration or subject, it’s a historic journey through time taking in pieces of the numerous diverse cultures of Townsend and Tuckaleechee Cove. Not only that, the center offers a yearly concert series featuring the sounds bluegrass and other regional tunes.

This year’s Fall Concert Series includes:

September 7 – Blue Mother Tupelo

September 14 – Y’uns

September 21 – Four Leaf Peat

Also in September, the center’s Rotary Storytelling Festival commences, beginning September 15. That’s followed by a cub scout family weekend September 21-22. And back by popular demand is the Smoky Mountain Woodcarving Festival (www.woodcarvers.com) October 6-7. So, as you can see, it’s shaping up to be a big year at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and we’re not even halfway through October yet.

 One of the year’s biggest events is the Fall Mountain Home Tour. This is set for Friday, October 19. Tickets are $65 apiece and must be paid for when ordered. Each ticket includes is a three-home tour, transportation to and from The Reserve in Townsend, a $10 voucher for lunch or dinner at one of a dozen Townsend restaurants, and free admission to the Heritage Center. The free admission pass is good for one year following the home tour.

For more information, or to order tickets to the Home Tour, call 865-448-0044, or mail a check (P. O. Box 268, Townsend, Tn, 37882) for $65 per ticket, or visit the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center office between 10 am and 4 pm during the week.

That weekend (October 20) is also marked for the Smoky Mountain Field School Fall Nature Photography Workshop. For anyone interested, they may call the Heritage Center to inquire further about the event and any other requirements.

Events rounding out the rest of year include:

October 26 – Dr. Bass Presentation & Book Signing

October 27 – Smoky Mountain Book Festival

November 10 – Veterans Day Celebration

November – Holiday Homecoming

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is open Monday – Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from Noon – 5 pm. The Heritage Center is located between the Townsend traffic light and the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along Highway 73.

Yearly Admission:
Adults (18-59) – $6
Seniors (60+) – $4
Children (6-17) – $4
Under 6 Free
Admission Free with Membership

(Contact us for membership application)

Foothills Parkway

Oldest Unfinished Highway Project in Tennessee

If you have driven into Townsend from Maryville you have passed signs for the Foothills Parkway.  In case you didn’t know, the Foothills Parkway Project has been ongoing since 1944 when the construction project was approved by congress.  Though this National Park Service roadway has not been completed the parts of it that are completed provide wonderful views of the Smokies and connects Hwy 129 and Hwy 73 and connect I-40 with the Jones Cove Area in Cocke County.

History
With the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which opened in 1934, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which got approved in the 1930s, the Smoky Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley area were joined.  The Blue Ridge Parkway however was going to end in Cherokee , NC and not make the final journey into the Tennessee side of the Smokies.  This meant that people would be able to make the beautiful drive through the Blue Ridge and end up on the North Carolina side of the Smokies but not make the connection to the new recreational areas in Tennessee.

To that end, Frank Maloney begin to press Congress to establish a parkway to connect the various parts of the Smokies in Tennessee.  In 1944, authorized the construction of the 71-mile Foothills Parkway that would run from US-129 in Blount County and connect to I-40 in Cocke County.  In the late 40s and early 50s – the Department of the Interior and the Tennessee Highway Department begin purchasing the rights to build the parkway.  Construction began during the 60s and though progress seemed to be clipping along, construction stalled during the 70s and this project has been underfunded since that point.  Though parts of the project have continued to be completed even during the 21st century, funding has been slow coming to this building project.  Being less then half way completed, some in the area wonder if they will ever get to see the Foothills Parkway completed.

Right now, the most complete section of the Foothills Parkway connects US 129 in Blount county to US 73 in Blount county.  In other words you can now go from Chilhowee Lake to the Walland area in Blount County.  The other end of this Parkway is also compete with a section that ruins from I-40 to the Jones Cove area in Cocke County.  It is the center part of the Parkway that remains incomplete.  In fact the area connecting Blount and Sevier County will require a number of bridges to complete and this has hurt its ability to be funded.  At times the section that is complete in Wears Valley is open to horseback riding and hiking but no car traffic.  With proper funding this road could take some of the stress off major thorough fares around the Smoky Mountains and allow for quicker travel between some of the major cities in the Smokies.  Until this project is completed we are left with two pieces of the whole project that do allow for some great views a two terrific driving experiences but do not connect the Tennessee Smoky Mountains as intended.

Davy Crockett Riding Stables in Townsend, TN

So you want to get out to parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you can’t see leaning out of the window of your car? Well, Townsend, Tn has the answer for you – Davy Crockett Riding Stables. Get off the road into the backcountry and take a relaxing horseback ride in Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Davy Crockett Riding Stables in Townsend has immediate access to backcountry horseback riding trails in the Smokies. What better way to get more in touch with nature and spend some quality family time than to experience it like the mountaineers who first traversed the Smokies did – on horseback. Davy Crockett employs some of the best Smoky Mountain horseback guides in the area, each with a vast understanding of the area and the animal alike. Each equestrian professional is a trained guide with the hours of experience necessary to lead groups on horseback throughout the park.

Once you’ve explored the Smokies on horseback, you’ll want to come back again and again just to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Good luck with that as the national park is as expansive as it is majestic. It’s not just a 30 minute in and out trip either, guests have a choice of five different trips to choose from, each with varying rates:

  • A $22 per hour ride
  • A $15 per half hour ride
  • A $33 per hour and a half ride
  • $44 for two hours
  • And a half day trip for $90

In season, guests can come ride on the spot, but reservations are required during the off season. For Davy Crockett Riding Stables, peak season runs from March 15 to November 15. Davy Crockett is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 865-448-6411.

Davy Crockett Riding Stables
505 Old Cades Cove Road
Townsend, TN
37882

Foothills Milling Company

Fine Dining in Maryville, TN

Are you looking for a fine dining opportunity while you are vacationing in the Smokies?  Or maybe you are a local to the Smoky Mountains and you want to try something new?  Give Foothills Milling Company (FMC) a try.  They provide fine dining in a casual atmosphere.  They also provide fantastic service that is second to none in the Smokies.  This family owned and run restaurant has been providing dining experiences that keep people coming back year after year for special occasions and celebrations.

The owners and staff of Foothills Milling Company try to bring something different to the tables of their restaurant while still keeping the southern location of their restaurant in sight.  Their blend of the unusual and down-home cooking makes them one of the places for every foodie that visits the area to eat.

Let’s cut to the chase and look at the menu:
For appetizers:  goat cheese tarts made with Vidalia Onions, fried green tomatoes served with a tomato pepper chutney and pulled pork spring rolls – fried spring rolls filled with pulled pork – eclectic and very southern.

For Entrees:  venison on the menu (try finding that anywhere else on the Tennessee side of the Smokies), Shrimp and Grits, Foothills Choucroute Garni (duck leg, knackwurst, braised pork shoulder) and of course Steak & Potatoes done Foothills Milling Company style.

Foothills Milling Company is located near downtown Maryville.  If you are staying in the Townsend area or spending time in Townsend, on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, you are not very far from Maryville.  Follow Lamar Alexander Parkway out of Townsend and watch the signs for Maryville.  Call ahead for times and reservations.  You can even make reservations online and save yourself some time and a phone call.

FMC has gathered a loyal following.  Their dedicated staff wants to thrill your tastebuds.  They want to satisfy both your appetite and your need for a great night out.  Check their specials when you arrive, the chef chooses the special depending on what is in season and available at the time.  Remember, if you want great food in a great environment there is only one place you need to look:  Foothills Milling Company.

Foothills Milling Company
315 S Washington St
Maryville, TN
865-977-8434
Web
Facebook

Little River Trading Company

Hiking, Climbing, camping, biking, kayaking

Little River Trading Company (LRTC) is one of the best outfitters in the Smokies. And here is just one reason that you need a good outfitter close by:

You have come to the Smokies, ready to spend several days in the mountains, hiking and camping – roughing it.  You stop at a hotel for the evening before you start your adventure in the National Park.  You are repacking your gear for the hundredth time to make sure you have everything you need.  As you are going through the check list you find that you have left one of the sleeping pads at the house… 8 hours away.  What do you do?

You pay a visit to the Little River Trading Company in Maryville, TN – right outside of Townsend and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  They will have what you need so that you can start your adventure on time and with the knowledge of knowing that you have bought a quality product from a company that knows their gear.

Little River Trading Company covers almost every outdoor adventure that you can think of.  From kayaking to camping, mountain biking to hiking and climbing, they have gear and clothing for anything you have planned.  When you walk in the front door of their retail location you will be in one of the best outdoor adventure clothing shops that you will ever find.  At the back of the clothing area is their climbing shop and footwear.  Next to the clothing is a camping and hiking shop carrying all the gear you might need for a day or a week or a month on the trail.  Past that is the Cycology bike shop (opened in 2006), this is the premier mountain bike shop in the Smokies and though you can’t mountain in the Smokies, they good folks at Little River Trading Company can certainly set on the right path to finding trails to bike one.

Here are just some of the Brands that you will find at Little River Trading Company:

  • Asolo
  • Bluewater
  • Birkenstock
  • Camelback
  • Chaco
  • Columbia River Knife and Tool
  • Croakies
  • Five Fingers
  • Kavu
  • Kelty
  • Leki
  • Life is Good
  • Marmot
  • Merrell
  • Mountain Hardwear
  • Mountainsmith
  • National Geographic
  • Ocean Kayak
  • Old Town
  • Patagonia
  • Teva
  • Timbuk2
  • The North Face
  • Vasque
Here is the best reason to go to Little River Trading Company: the staff.  The guys and gals at LRTC use the gear that they sale.  They are outdoor enthusiasts.  They hike, they climb, they mountain bike.  You are not going to big box store to buy something from someone that has never spent even on night outdoors, you are buying from someone that spends their free time enjoying those outdoor activities for which they sale the gear.  They are experts and they can tell you what you actually need when you are backcountry camping or climbing because they have already been there and done that.

Little River Trading Company
2408 E Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN
865-681-4141
Web