Inside Townsend

What do I need to Bring When I Go Tubing?

When you drive into the National Park from Townsend during the warm weather months, you are going to see people trudging along the side of the road carrying tubes. People of every shape form and fashion will line the roads from the main traffic light in Townsend to the Wye just inside the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If this is your first time going to tubing, here are a few things you are going to want to remember and some things that you might want to bring with you.

Find a Good Tubing Company – Tubing can be a very inexpensive day out in the open while you are visiting the Smokies. There are several tubing companies in the town of Townsend alone. The larger ones like the River Rat will offer all day tubing and shuttle service for one low price. If you are not familiar with the concept of the shuttle service, they take you, your tube and the rest of your traveling companions to the river and drop you off upstream, near the Wye. You then float downstream, get out of the river at one of their designated take-outs and they pick you up to take you back upstream for another run down the river. They will do this as many times as you would like throughout the day until you have had your fill of tubing on the Little River.

Water Shoes – You can of course tube down the river barefoot but it will be a lot easier on your feet if you grab a pair of water shoes before you get in the river. As you float you are going to hit spots that are shallow, you are going to find yourself climbing around on rocks and over tree branches. This is a natural environment and every single trip down the river is going to be different. Add to that the fact that you will have to climb out of the river and walk along the bank and then to the shuttle to get ready for your next trip down and you will find that water shoes are your best friend. Plus, the extra purchase that water shoes give you on the slippery stones in the river is a huge benefit if you are trying to choral your children as they frolic in the water as well.

Sunscreen – Always remember the sunscreen. Even though you will be in the river all day and there is plenty of tree cover along the river, it is very easy to get burned when you are outside in the majesty of the Smoky Mountains all day playing in the river and having a good time. Apply the sunscreen and realize that as you get into and out of the water and into and out of your tube that you are going to rub your suncreen off. REAPPLY, frequently!

Water Proof Bag – You can pick these up at big box stores, campground stores or try a good outfitters so that you have a better selection. These bags are designed to hold whatever valuables you need while you are on the river. Most of these bags seal with a set of rubber gaskets that fold against each other and they are completely waterproof. This lets you take your phone, car keys and other items that you don’t want ot get wet with you without having to worry about leaving them in the car all day.

Try tubing. You will be surprised at how relaxing and wonderful the experience can be when you are prepared, use a good tubing company and bring everything that you need when you start your day of tubing.

Brown Trout Fishing on the Little River

Best Sport fish in the Smokies

If you are looking for a different fishing adventure in the Smokies, look no further then the Little River in Townsend, TN. The Little River is full of large, brown trout and they are ready to be caught!

The brown trout is not a native fish to the Smoky Mountains. They were introduced into the area during the 1930s as a game fish to increase fishermen traveling to the area to fly fish. And though the brown trout has not been good for the brook trout that were native to the area they are still a lot of fun to catch. Brown in color, aggressive and fun to catch, the brown trout has thrived in the lower elevation waters of the Smoky Mountains. They tend to grow a little bigger then the rainbow trout and they are just as much fun to catch. The Little River is a perfect habitat – mildly rocky, quick water, a few rapids and the food is plentiful.

Where to Fish
If you are in Townsend wanting to fish the Little River during the summer, you have to watch for tubers. Yes, there will be people wading, swimming and tubing in the Little River after the water gets warm. But – the fish are dodging the tubers as well. They are looking for more quiet places to spend their time, you need to do the same. Look for those places that are between the more used waters. In the case of the Little River , this means going to the spots after the tube take-outs and before the local swimming holes. You have a good stretch of river that is not as used and ready for you to pull out as many trouts as the fishing regulations allow. Of course the fact that the fish eat the food that the tubers drop in the water means that getting the brown trout to bite is easy.

If you are fishing the Little River during the spring, fall or winter, you are going to have an easier time finding a spot to fish. Without the tubing going on, the fish expand their range to cover the whole length and width of the Little River. Look for those areas directly downstream from the rapids – this is where the brown trout hangout. If you work your way up stream, taking your time, you are bound to find some good fishing and a lot of fun.

What to Bring
You can either fish for brown trout with a fly rod or a spinning reel, the fish don’t care and they will bite as long as you have the right bait. Now, if you are a bit of a traditionalist, then you can always find what flies the fish are biting on at a local outfitters but if you want something guaranteed to get a bite, I have another suggestion – corn & bread. Yes, you read that right – corn & bread. Get a can of corn and a loaf of bread. The nibblets of corn fit easily on the hook and once you roll the bread into little balls they will stay on the hook. Brown trout eat corn and bread balls like they were going out of style. Hook into a brown trout, reel him in and add to your Smoky Mountain story with a great catch and potentially a great meal.

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.

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.

images — 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.

Fall Colors in Townsend

The mornings are getting a bit cooler, football is beginning to creep back into everyone’s daily lives, and school’s starting back. If these all signal the onset of Fall to you, well you’re like many others in East Tennessee. And with autumn comes Fall colors. If you’re in the Great Smoky Mountains, you’re probably beginning to wonder about the fall colors and when the leaves will start changing in Townsend, as well as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and the surrounding areas.

The mornings are getting a bit cooler, football is beginning to creep back into everyone’s daily lives, and school’s starting back. If these all signal the onset of Fall to you, well you’re like many others in East Tennessee. And with autumn comes Fall colors. If you’re in the Great Smoky Mountains, you’re probably beginning to wonder about the fall colors and when the leaves will start changing in Townsend, as well as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and the surrounding areas.

Thankfully, this summer has not been extremely dry, and though there have been some hot days, it seems like prevalent conditions could produce a vibrant autumn season. In all, the Great Smokey Mountains National Park consists of 100’s of species of deciduous trees in a variety of elevations. What this means is that, no matter the summer conditions, there will still be an abundant amount of color to see since weather varies throughout… there is no such thing as a “bad” fall in the Smoky Mountains!

Once cooler weather starts to prevail, then leaves will start changing color at a more rapid rate. It starts off in the higher elevations with a number of tree species. Once you get to around mid- October, you’ll see mostly golden yellow colors mixed with some orange, and a hint of red. These colors will descend down the mountains into the valley as the vibrant reds slowly catch up and start to mix with the oranges, browns, and yellows. If cold weather sets in during these months, the colors will peak in the mountains and valley around the last week of October and into early November.

I’d highly suggest keeping track of the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website to follow the fall foliage changing color. They even have a page dedicated to fall foliage at: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm.

Also, take a look at their webcams:

http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/WebCams/parks/grsmcam/grsmcam.cfm

http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/WebCams/parks/grsmpkcam/grsmpkcam.cfm

Finally, be sure to check out the Park’s tips for fall hiking and scenic drives: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fall-suggestions.htm

Once again, the best time to see the fall colors in Townsend, Sevierville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will be the last week of October and into early November. This is my favorite time of the year in the Great Smoky Mountains…I hope you enjoy it as much as the locals do!

Townsend Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers Day (Sept. 27 and 28)

The Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timer’s Day is part of “Townsend Days”, with the Blue Ribbon Country Fair at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Sept. 24, Railroad Days at the Little River Railroad Museum, Sept. 24, and the Nawger Nob Arts and Crafts Show, Sept. 24-25.

The Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timer’s Day is part of “Townsend Days”, with the Blue Ribbon Country Fair at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Sept. 26, Railroad Days at the Little River Railroad Museum, Sept. 26, and the Nawger Nob Arts and Crafts Show, Sept. 28-29.

Schedule of Events

Friday, September 27
(Please call 865-448-6134 for updates and refer to posted maps. *All times and performances are subject to change.)

All day: Bluegrass music and clogging at the stage and jam sessions on the porch and under the trees.

10am-6pm: Appalachian skills around the grounds:

– Blacksmithing, David and Melanie Thompson
– Sorghum Molasses Making, Mark and Sherry Guenther
– Apple Butter Making, Marie DeVault and friends
– Apple Cider Making, Liles Acres Organic Farm and Friends
– Apple Head Dolls, Sallie Swor
– Cornmeal Making, Ronald and Angel Fowler
– White Oak Shingle-making, Sam White
– Beekeeping and Observation Hive, Tony Holt
– Cherokee Finger Weaving, Charaity Hubbard
– Cast Iron Cooking, Blount Co. Fire Protection District
– Cades Cove Preservation Association Exhibits
– Black Bear Booth, Appalachian Bear Rescue

10am-6pm: Arts and crafts in the Exhibit Room

– Rug Hooking, Carol McBride
– Charcoal Pencil Artwork, Andy England
– Quilting, Ila Mae Morton and Maetta Conrad
– Basketry, Karen Kenst and Bonny Kate Sugg
– Woodcarving, Lendel Abbott
– Weaving and Weaving, Sue Mason

10am-6pm: Arts and Crafts Booths in the back field
10:am-8pm: Food Booths open in the back field

10am-5pm: “Harvest Market” demonstrations and sales: Gardening, plants and autumn decorations-Trillium Cove Home and Garden, and other items from area growers. In front of the Visitors Center

10am-3pm: Meet the Llamas from Liles Acres Organic Farm, and see their wool spun into yarn. On the grounds.

10am-5pm: Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club, antique car show along the bicycle path.

2pm-5pm: Book-signing with featured author Barbara Swell, author of Log Cabin Cooking, Take Two and Butter ‘Em While They’re Hot!, Secrets of the Great Old-Timey Cooks, and more! In the Visitors Center.

1pm, 3pm, 5pm: Cake Raffles with proceeds to the Hearts and Hands Scholarship Fund, at the stage. Bake sale all day.

Saturday, September 28

(Please call 865-448-6134 for updates and refer to posted maps.)

All day: Bluegrass music and clogging at the stage and jam sessions on the porch and under the trees.

8pm or so: Square Dance with caller Don Tipton and the Carolina Bluegrass Boys. Sponsored by Pioneer Cabins and Guest Farm.

10am-5pm: Antique Tractor Show: Tractors and engines from the Foothills Tractor Club. In the field

10am-5pm: Appalachian skills around the grounds:

10am-5pm: Arts and crafts in the Exhibit Room

10am-6pm: Arts and Crafts booths in the back field
10am-8pm: Food Booths open in the back field

10am-12noon: “Dulcimer Celebration” in the Storytelling Tent
Workshop and Concert. Bring your mountain dulcimer and learn tips from Deby Libby and Linda Smith of “TNT Dulcimer Band” on tuning, playing, and maintaining your dulcimer. Then enjoy a lively concert from these talented musicians. (Some loan instruments will be available.)

10am-5pm: Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club, antique car show along the bicycle path.

10am-3pm: Meet the Llamas from Liles Acres Organic Farm, and see their wool spun into yarn. On the grounds

1:00pm-3:30pm: Smoky Mountain Tales, sponsored by Top of Townsend Cabins:

A program of mountain stories for all ages in the Storytelling Tent:
featured guest Kathryn Atkins-Roberson of Knoxville, member of the National Storytelling Network, the Tennessee Storytelling Association, and the Smoky Mountain Storytellers Association. Plus, woodcarver Lendel Abbott, and Mistress of Ceremony Robin Goddard. See posted schedule.

1pm, 3pm, 5pm: Cake Raffles with proceeds to the Hearts and Hands Scholarship Fund, at the stage. Bake sale all day beside the Stage.

1pm-5pm: Book-signing with featured author and photographer, Bill Lea. In the Visitors Center.

***Please! Do not bring your pet to the Festival!***

Biking Townsend – Cades Cove and Beyond

Outdoor adventures and Townsend usually means floating down a river, hiking the Smokies, but just as many visitors trip to Cades Cove for the park’s biking opportunities along the Cades Cove Loops Road.

At the Cades Cove Campground Store, you can rent bicycles and helmets for a trip around the Loop Road. As you might have guess, this store is located at the Cades Cove Campground. Biking equipment is available beginning in April at a rate of $3.25 an hour. Contact the Cades Cove Campground store from 865-448-9034.

If the 11 mile Cades Cove Loop Road is too grueling a trip for you, Sparks and Hyatt Lane cut across the cove to shorten the journey for any first-time Smokies visitors. The shortcuts can also eliminate most of the hills on the loop, however, they also cut out many of the points of interest. Some people bike Cades Cove using one of the short cuts and then visit the cove again by car. You can only use bicycles on the Cades Cove loop road or other paved areas of the tour. You may not take bicycles off road or on trails.

Drinking water and restrooms are always issues to bikers. Both are available near the Cades Cove Campground Store and at the Cable Mill area inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is recommended that bikers bring a water bottle with them along with a bike friendly bottle holder. Though the Cades Cove Campground Store is at the beginning of the loop, the Cable Mill area is six miles away.

Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles for the benefit of foot and bicycle traffic from sunrise until 10:00 a.m. every Saturday and Wednesday morning from May 7-September 24. Summer hours are 9-5 (7-7 on Wednesday and Saturday bicycle days). Last rentals are at 4:30 p.m. Take care to wear helmets and heed warning signs. Bikes are permitted on most park roads but prohibited on most trails.

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

Townsend, TN weather forecast

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

Summer Jam 4 All Volkswagen Car Show in Townsend

Townsend, Tn will get an extra injection of horsepower this summer when the local Volkswagen club rolls with their annual Summer Jam car show. The Knox Volks Motor Club chose the beautiful backdrop of Townsend, Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains for their big VW show.

From July 21-22, the club will hold their Summer Jam 4 All Volkswagen Car Show at the Talley Ho Inn. The reasoning was that The Talley Ho Inn in Townsend offers a huge grassy area that will accommodate show cars, vendors and spectators. And you can take your time browsing through the cars and vendors because the grass is so much cooler than pavement.

Started by four local VW enthusiasts in September 2007, Knox Volks Motor Club has grown to over 80-members and counting today. The club is Knoxville’s premier Volkswagen Club with a membership made up of a wide range of ages and abilities with an emphasis on VW knowledge and education, family and fun.

Event Hours
Saturday, July 21 from 9am – 6pm
Sunday, July 22 from 9am – 3pm

Show Entry Fees

Show Entry Includes 1 Vehicle/Driver (both days)
Pre-Registration Before July 14, 2012 – $15.00

Show Entry Fee at the Gate and Pre-Registration after July 14, 2012
Show Entry Includes 1 Vehicle/Driver Only (both days)
After July 14, 2012 – $20.00

Spectator Entry Fee

Pre-Registered Spectator Before July 14, 2012 (2-days)
$8.00 for both days

Spectator Fee at the Gate and Pre-Registered after July 14, 2012
$5.00/day
Children under 12 – FREE

VDub’s For Sale Area

Want to sell your car? Bring it to Summer Jam and park it in the For Sale area.

$20.00 for both days

Volkswagen Show For Sale fee includes one vehicle and one driver. If you have additional people in your party, they will need to purchase a daily spectator fee. There is a discount for two-day spectator if purchased prior to May 19th, 2012.

Please pre-register by May 19th to ensure your spot. After May 19th and at the gate, For Sale registration is $25.00 for both days.

Sorry, Camping Is NOT Available On Site!

This is the first year that camping will NOT be available at the Summer Jam venue. Our new location does not allow camping on-site. However, there are several great campgrounds located in Townsend.

Pets are Welcome

Pets are welcome at Summer Jam! Please be advised that pet must be on a leash at all times. You must also pick up after your pet while at Summer Jam.

Parking

Free spectator parking will be available at the Talley Ho Inn.

Enjoy summer in Townsend, TN!

townsendwye (41) (1024x681) (1) — 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.