Jun 12, 2026
Do You Need a Car to Visit Townsend and the Peaceful Side?
Written by: Emily Huffstetler
For most trips to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, a car is the easiest way to get between Townsend, Maryville, Walland and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
You can visit without renting a car in some cases. Downtown Maryville has walkable areas, and parts of Townsend are easy to explore on foot or by bike once you are there. Still, this is not a big-city destination with frequent public transit or guaranteed rideshare availability.
Here’s what to know about getting around.
Flying into McGhee Tyson Airport
The closest airport to the Peaceful Side is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), located in Alcoa.
Ground transportation options at TYS include rental cars, rideshare, taxis, charter services and some hotel shuttles. The airport recommends making transportation reservations in advance.
TYS does not offer an off-property shuttle service. If you’re staying outside the airport area, especially in Townsend or Walland, arrange transportation before arrival.
Rental car counters are located on the lower level of the airport terminal near baggage claim. TYS lists Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Dollar and Payless as rental car options.
For most visitors, this is the most practical choice. A rental car gives you flexibility for everyday stops like getting to your lodging, picking up groceries, going out to eat and driving into the national park.
Rental car rates vary by date, vehicle type and availability. Reserve early for holidays, festivals, summer travel and peak fall color season.
Uber and Lyft operate at TYS. The rideshare pickup area is outside on the lower level of the terminal.
Rideshare can work well for airport transfers, especially to Maryville or Alcoa. For longer routes to Townsend or Walland, check availability in the app before relying on it. TYS notes that Uber and Lyft may not be available during off-peak hours, so it’s best to have a backup plan.
TYS lists taxi companies licensed to do business at the airport. The taxi pickup area is outside on the north side of the terminal and accessible from baggage claim.
A taxi can make sense for a short transfer, especially between the airport and Maryville. For longer routes to Townsend or Walland, call ahead to confirm availability, pricing, luggage space and return-trip options.
Private Car Services and Charters
Private transportation may be a good option for weddings, retreats, group trips or resort stays. TYS maintains a current list of taxi and charter companies licensed to serve the airport, so check their transportation page before booking.
If you’re staying at Blackberry Farm or Blackberry Mountain in Walland, start with the property’s concierge team. They can help you understand your transfer options. If you plan to explore beyond the property, a rental car will give you the most flexibility.
Some nearby airport hotels offer shuttle service to and from TYS. Coordinate with your hotel in advance, especially if you’re arriving early in the morning or late at night.
Don’t assume a shuttle will take you to Townsend, Walland or Great Smoky Mountains National Park unless your hotel specifically confirms that service.
Getting Around Maryville
Maryville is the easiest Peaceful Side town to enjoy without a car, especially if you stay downtown or in Maryville’s new Greenway Village. From there, restaurants, shops and parks are all within walking distance.
That said, a car is still helpful for most trips, especially if you plan to visit nearby towns.
Getting Around Townsend
Townsend is more spread out, so most visitors will want a car. This is especially true if you plan to drive to Cades Cove, enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park or stay somewhere outside the main corridor.
Walking or biking can work well in the right location. The Townsend Historical Trail runs along both sides of US 321/Lamar Alexander Parkway for 4.5 miles each way, totaling 9 miles. If you stay near the trail, you may be able to reach nearby restaurants, shops and river outfitters without driving.
Getting Around Walland
Walland is more rural, so plan transportation before you arrive.
For resort stays, start with the property’s concierge team. For cabins, vacation rentals or plans that include restaurants, park visits or day trips, a rental car is usually the best option.
Getting Around Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, but it does require a parking tag for vehicles parked longer than 15 minutes. Daily, weekly and annual tags are available, and each tag is valid for a single vehicle.
If you’re renting a car, you may need to wait until you have the vehicle’s license plate number before buying your parking tag. Parking tags must be physically displayed in the vehicle, and purchasing one does not guarantee a parking spot.
Transportation matters most if you plan to visit Cades Cove. For most visitors, driving is the simplest option. If you do not want to drive the loop yourself, Cades Cove Heritage Tours through the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend offers guided public and private bus tours.
Cades Cove also has seasonal vehicle-free days when the loop is closed to motor vehicles and open to cyclists and pedestrians. Check the current National Park Service schedule before planning your ride. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted, and all bikes must follow the posted speed limit.
Before driving into the park, check current road, trail and facility conditions. Weather, maintenance and temporary closures can affect your route.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots in Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a Maryville College graduate and writer for the Greater Smokies region. She holds a Master of Science in Conservation Education from Mississippi State University.