Enjoy These Spring Break Ideas in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Springtime on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies means a riot of color and crisp mountain air as the over 1,500 varieties of local flowering fauna burst into bloom. Many believe spring to be the best time of year to visit Smoky Mountain National Park and the surrounding areas. It’s also the perfect place for those looking to enjoy a quieter spring break far from the partying crowds, noise, and the aftermath. If you are looking for a place to bring the whole family, the Smoky Mountains in the Townsend and Maryville, TN area offers plenty of fun affordable things to do in a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, for everyone in the family.

Hike It or Bike It

There are plenty of trails running deep into the Smokies for you to hike or ride your bicycle on. For example, there is a two-mile hike that takes you to Abrams Falls, where you can cross the footbridge and enjoy the beautiful beach sitting at the base of the falls. For the more adventurous, there is the 11-mile trail running around the peaceful valley that incorporates Cades Cove. This trail takes you between two 5, 000-foot mountain peaks and is excellent for experienced hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.

Go Deep into the Caverns

Often referred to as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” the incredible Tuckaleechee Caverns are only twenty minutes by car from Cades Cove. The one thing that makes these caverns so amazing is the huge rooms with vaulted ceilings. The “Big” room is longer than a football field (that’s over 100 yards). The formations are spectacular including the famous “Silver Falls.” The caverns open on Mar 15, just in time for spring break and are free to kids under four years of age.

Grab a Bite to Eat

Whether you just need a snack or it’s time to feed your family a complete meal, there are plenty of places to eat in Townsend, Maryville, and the surrounding areas. You can find everything from “good ole down-home” Tennessee cooking to fine dining in the area. Of course, you can always pack a picnic and hike back to Abrams Falls and eat your meal sitting on the beach.

Do a Little Shopping

One of the best things about spending your spring break on the peaceful side of the Smokies is being able to enjoy the great outdoors. But this doesn’t mean you can’t get in a little shopping in the many antique stores in Townsend including the Antique Outlet Mall. There are treasures to be found in many of the various country stores in town.