When you look at the numbers for tourism in Blount County, TN, they have hit record highs recently, with yearly revenues of $378 million. What is it that brings so many tourists to Tennessee and Blount County in particular? Blount County has so much to offer that you truly have to come see for yourself, but here are some of the highlights and the biggest reasons why so many come here for their vacations year after year.

Blount County is the Gateway to the Smokies                  

Here in Blount County and, in particular the Townsend area, you will find the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are plenty of trails to hike, or you can have a zipline adventure or take a driving tour of places like Cades Cove. The park offers several breathtaking waterfalls you can hike to, and exceptional locations to have picnics or even host a wedding.
There are several places here where you can rent horses to go horseback riding in the park and outside of it. This is a fantastic family adventure and is safe for kids of all ages. You can go for a half day ride, a whole day, or some providers offer picnic rides. Be sure you book your rides far in advance as the stables all tend to book up early.

Amazing Places to Stay in Blount County

Many tourist towns offer nothing more than standard hotels and motels to stay in on your vacation. While there is nothing wrong with them and you are sure to find plenty here in Blount County staffed by some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, we have plenty of lodges and private cabins hidden away in the woods and up in the mountains that offer an incredibly peaceful place to get away from it all.
Many of the lodges offer venues for weddings and make the perfect place for a honeymoon. They offer a wooded, romantic place with breakfast served in the morning and a very limited number of guests at any one time to help ensure you can enjoy a little privacy. Be sure to book early; it’s the only way you are likely to get the dates you want.

So Much to Do Outdoors

Horseback riding is only one of the many things to do in the great outdoors in Blount County. There are miles of trails running high up into the mountains and deep into the woods for you and your family to hike. The trails range from easy/beginner level all the way to extremely challenging for experienced hikers only.
The rivers here are teeming with fish; catch your dinner and cook it over an open campfire. Some of the rivers here offer whitewater rafting and tubing depending on the time of year and the amount of water flowing. It flows much faster during the spring when the snow on the mountains is melting off.
These are only some of the reasons why tourism continues to grow here in Blount County and why you should visit our beautiful part of Tennessee. We invite you to enjoy the spectacular scenery, enjoy all we have to offer, and see what Southern hospitality is all about.