Shutdown Travel Guide to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies 

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

While some national park services are limited during the federal shutdown, Townsend and Blount County remain open and welcoming. Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself is still accessible, but with fewer staffed facilities, some visitors may want additional options to round out their trip. 

Tourism is essential here. In 2024, visitors contributed more than $610 million to the local economy. With so much to see and do beyond the park’s boundaries, this is the perfect time to discover more of the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Here are our top picks. 

Camping and Glamping 

Townsend offers a range of camping options, from riverside retreats to luxury glamping. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort combines comfort with adventure, offering everything from tiny homes and Airstreams to community events, a pool, hiking trails and even onsite massage. Big Meadow Family Campground, a long-time favorite, provides spacious RV sites, family amenities and 24-hour security. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, Vee Hollow Campground pairs full hook-up sites with direct access to a 14-mile mountain bike trail system, while the new Smoky Waters Campground offers a more traditional, affordable camping experience just minutes from Cades Cove. In Walland, Whispering River Resort features riverside cabins, primitive campsites and over 1,000 feet of access to the Little River. 

Dining 

Townsend and Blount County offer a wide range of restaurants, from casual spots to special-occasion dining. Visitors looking for budget-friendly options can explore our guide to restaurants $16 and under, while those interested in elevated meals can find recommendations in our fine dining guide. 

Trails and Walks 

The Townsend River Walk & Arboretum offers a peaceful riverside stroll, complete with whimsical fairy villages in the Children’s Discovery Garden. The Maryville-Alcoa Greenbelt Trail spans 18 miles, connecting parks, a library and Maryville College. For a deeper sense of place, the Shadows of the Past Trail in Townsend leads walkers through 13 historic sites across 10 miles. 

Heritage and Attractions 

History runs deep in Blount County. The Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center spans 7,000 years of culture, from Native American life to pioneer days. The Sam Houston Schoolhouse, the oldest school in Tennessee, preserves artifacts that reveal the area’s educational history. The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum highlights the industry that shaped Townsend, while Tuckaleechee Caverns offers an underground escape of towering formations and clear streams. 

Local Artisans 

Shopping local directly supports the people who call the Peaceful Side home. The Townsend Artisan Guild and Gracehill Fine Art & Basketry highlight local creativity, while Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop showcases hand-crafted Appalachian instruments. Each purchase helps sustain a maker’s way of life—just in time for the holiday season. 

Still planning a trip to the GSMNP? Check the park’s official “Plan Your Visit Alerts” page before arriving. 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.