Finding hikes that can give you a great close-up look at Smoky Mountain fall colors and are also accessible to your youngest and oldest family members isn’t always easy, but there are actually quite a few. Here are some of our favorites! The Laurel Falls Trail Looking for a great all-around hike that offers the kind of sightseeing you’ll find only out in nature, a dirt trail under your feet, and a cool destination? The Laurel Falls hike is a 2.3 mile round-trip hike that begins at a parking lot near the top of Fighting Creek Gap. It is accessible to families with children, though everyone should stay close to the trail as it approaches the Falls (there are some steep drop-offs off-trail). The Falls themselves provide plenty of great photo opportunities, so bring your camera! Clingmans Dome Do your kids love when something is “the most?” Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies, and it’s accessible via a ½-mile-long paved trail. The trail can be managed with strollers, though all should be prepared that it can be quite steep and is generally too steep for wheelchairs. Hikers can look forward to an unbelievable panoramic view at the top; on a clear day, people can see nearly 100 miles in any direction. Pack a jacket – it can be up to 20 degrees cooler at the summit. The Look Rock Tower Trail Clingmans Dome is a lot of great things, but it isn’t dog-friendly. Luckily, dogs and their human companions don’t have to miss out on a great Smokies view, thanks to the Look Rock Tower Trail. The trail includes a view of Maryville and Alcoa, as well as the western side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dogs must be leashed, but the trail is paved and it’s just under a mile. A perfect first hike! The Gatlinburg Trail The Gatlinburg Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a dog-friendly 1.9 mile trail through a forest near the Little Prong River, and features the remnants of former Tennessee frontier homes (notably their foundations and chimneys). The trail begins at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and is only one of two dog-friendly trails in the national park. Make sure to observe the rules requiring leash use in the park while on the trail. The Abrams Falls Trailhead If the youngest members of your family are in middle school or older, you may want to try a 5-mile hike (round trip) with a few rocks on the path, and the Abrams Falls Trailhead is a great place to start increasing your hiking challenges. There are even more challenging hikes at Abrams Falls, but the 5-mile hike begins at the trailhead exit at Cades Cove Loop Road. Everyone should pack some extra socks if they’re in sneakers (or wear hiking boots), bring a rain jacket or poncho, and watch out for slippery rocks by the falls.
If you are craving a little time to commune with nature, there is no better place to scratch the itch than the Smoky Mountains. East Tennessee is a popular mountain destination because of the sheer beauty of the area. You can stay in a rustic cabin staring out across the peaks. It is the perfect way to leave the stress of the urban world behind. While there is plenty of mountain vistas to enjoy, don’t think your trip to the Smokies will be boring! There is so much to do in the various towns dotting the area, you will never have a moment to be bored. You will find world-class dining options, adventure activities, museums, and even roller coasters. To help you create the perfect vacation, we have put together these five tips.
1. Rent a Cabin
While there are plenty of different types of accommodations available in the Smoky Mountains, one of the best ways to get the full experience is by renting a cabin. It will make you feel more at home in the mountains. Plus, it will come with an absolutely incredible view. You can find cabins to suit all sizes of groups from one to thirty, and you can get all the amenities that you desire. There are pet-friendly options for those with four-legged family members.
2. Don’t Think Gatlinburg is All There Is
Some people make the mistake of thinking the only destination in the Smokies is Gatlinburg. While the town is lovely and full of things to do, there is more to the Smoky Mountains than G-Town. Make sure you check out some of the other amazing spots in the area including Maryville, Townsend, Rockford, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cades Cove. You will find that each spot has its own unique flavor to add to your trip.
3. Make Time for Dollywood
You don’t want to miss a chance to visit this world-class theme park. There are plenty of rides for the thrill seekers including roller coasters and water slides. Plus, there are amazing live performances featuring Appalachian style music, among others. The artisans will demonstrate things like glass-blowing and blacksmithing. Plus, you can catch one of the fantastic dinner shows. Make sure you take a ride on the Lightning Rod. It is the world’s fastest wooden roller coaster.
4. Go to the Park
No matter where you are staying in East Tennessee, you need to plan to spend some time in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There is no admission fee to get into the park, and there are plenty of things to do. You can hike, bicycle, check out waterfalls, camp, and look for wildlife. Keep your eyes open, and you may see a black bear or two, but no matter what, you are guaranteed to see the beauty of nature. Wildflowers bloom the majority of the year, and the gorgeous mountain scenery is worthy of a million Instagram pictures.
5. Check Out a Festival
When picking your vacation dates, make sure to check for festivals! There are plenty of weekends per year where you will find a fun festival to attend. You never know what you might get to experience. Hot air balloons, bluegrass, craft beer, and Scottish games are just a few of the festivals that happen in the Great Smoky Mountains. As you can see, there is plenty to see and do. What are you waiting for? Get to planning!
On the Peaceful Side, there’s still plenty to do after sunset. These nine outings range from synchronous fireflies in Elkmont to live music in Townsend, sunset hayrides in Cades Cove and movies at the drive-in in Maryville.
See Synchronous Fireflies
Photo: Niemand für Polyphemus
Synchronous fireflies are one of the Smokies’ most unusual natural events. For a brief window each year, thousands flash in near-unison. Scientists believe the coordinated pattern is tied to mating behavior.
The official viewing takes place in Elkmont, where access is managed through a lottery that usually opens in late April. During the eight-night viewing period, nighttime access is limited to reservation holders and registered campers.
If you miss the lottery, guided outings offer another way to see them. Smoky Mountain Guides and Just Get Outdoors both run seasonal after-dark trips focused on synchronous fireflies and other nocturnal wildlife.
Join an Adaptive Night Hike
Photo: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s adaptive night hike takes place June 5, 2026, on Little River Trail. The route is an easy half-mile roundtrip.
Adaptive equipment is welcome, and a limited number of GRIT Freedom Chairs are available to borrow. Volunteers will help with navigation.
The night hike is part of the park’s 2026 adaptive program series with Catalyst Sports. Registration is required.
Go to an Astronomy Night
Astronomy Nights offer an all-ages introduction to telescopes and stargazing in Maryville. The Blount County Public Library hosts the program with the Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society year-round.
Upcoming dates are April 23, May 26, June 22, July 22 and Aug. 20. Each session starts in the Sharon Lawson Room at 6 p.m. and continues outside until 8 p.m.
See the Hot Air Balloon Festival Glow
The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Townsend on Aug. 15, 2026, from 3 to 9 p.m. A highlight of the event is the evening balloon glow, when the balloons inflate and light up against the Smokies.
Weather permitting, tethered balloon ride ticket holders can meet the balloon captain, learn how the balloon works and rise above the festival grounds. The festival also includes family activities, crafters, food trucks and a beer tent.
Tickets are on sale now at www.eventeny.com. Some proceeds benefit the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department and Townsend Elementary School.
Take a Sunset Hayride in Cades Cove
Photo: Cades Cove Riding Stables
Cades Cove Riding Stables gives hayrides along the Cades Cove Loop Road, with a 6 p.m. departure from June 1 through Aug. 15. The ride lasts about 1.5 to three hours, depending on traffic, and gives passengers an open-air view of the cove in the evening.
As the light fades, wildlife activity picks up in Cades Cove. White-tailed deer and turkey sightings are common, while coyotes, woodchucks and black bears are also possible.
Country Manor Acres in Townsend offers a cozy evening on the farm for individuals, couples and groups. The experience begins with s’mores by the fire pit, followed by a horse-drawn wagon tour of the farm, wedding venue and stables.
After the wagon ride, guests watch the horses’ nightly stampede back to the barn for dinner. There is also a chance to feed the horses and learn more about their care.
The Levitt AMP Maryville Music Series brings free outdoor concerts to downtown Maryville this summer. The series takes place every Thursday from June 4 through July 30 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Maryville Greenbelt Amphitheater in Jack Greene Park.
Concerts are free and open to the public. Preview upcoming performances at www.maryvillemusic.com.
Listen to Live Music Around Townsend
Photo: Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro
On weekends, live music is easy to find in Townsend. Peaceful Side Social hosts sets on Thursdays and Fridays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., while The Abbey regularly schedules live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
For a bigger night out, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center has evening concerts on the calendar, including Chicken Wire Empire on May 15, Sugaree String Society on May 22 and The Barefoot Movement on June 5. Dancing Bear Lodge also has a Live on the Lawn concert with Sam Bush scheduled for April 23.
For another short evening stop, Look Rock Tower on Foothills Parkway West has a paved 0.8-mile roundtrip trail and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Blount County.
Catch a Movie at the Drive-In
Photo: Parkway Drive-In
Parkway Drive-In in Maryville shows movies on Friday and Saturday nights during the season. Gates open at 7 p.m., and films start at dusk, or about 40 minutes after sunset. Concessions include the classics, ranging from burgers, grilled cheese and hot dogs to candy, ice cream and popcorn.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Three routes on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are now part of BikeTN, a statewide program from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development that highlights road and gravel rides across Tennessee. The local additions include a shorter paved ride in Townsend, a gravel climb into Cades Cove and a longer Foothills Parkway challenge.
At 19 comfortable miles, the Townsend Out-and-Back is the easiest of the three. While riders can start in several places, the route guide points to Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe in Townsend, with easy access to parking, restrooms and food.
From there, the route heads west on the bike path, drops through the tunnel beneath Highway 321 and continues toward the Townsend Sunshine Covered Bridge. After crossing the bridge, riders turn onto Old Walland Highway, a former main road that now carries mostly local traffic.
The first several miles follow the Little River. The road rolls but trends downhill early. Around mile five, the route passes under Foothills Parkway, then pitches up into a short climb before dropping into Walland. After another stretch along the river, the road opens into farmland and ends at Ellejoy Road, where most riders turn around.
The Townsend/Cades Cove Gravel Loop is the most distinctive of the three, totaling 31 miles. Like the Out-and-Back, it starts at Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe.
From Townsend, the route climbs Rich Mountain on gravel. Grades stay steady, generally between 4 and 6 percent, and the surface stays smooth and compact. Much of the climb stays shaded beneath dense forest, with occasional overlooks through the trees.
A series of switchbacks drops the route into Cades Cove, calling for a controlled pace. In the cove, the route opens into meadows, historic cabins and one of the best-known landscapes in the national park. Wildlife sightings are common.
The Foothills Parkway Challenge is the hardest of the three. It’s 63 miles long with about 8,100 feet of elevation gain.
The route starts in Walland at the pull-off where the two completed sections of Foothills Parkway come together. The route returns there halfway through, so riders can restock or stop early.
The ride breaks into two out-and-backs. Riders head west first on the older section of the parkway. That side opens with a steady climb, then another, with overlooks and views of the Smokies and surrounding valleys along the way.
Near the top, riders can detour to Look Rock for the overlook and observation tower. After that comes a long descent toward Highway 129, then the full climb back up.
The second half follows the newer section. The grades bite sooner, and the views open wider as the road climbs. Riders can stop at a higher overlook for a shorter ride or keep going to Wears Valley before turning back.
Bike Safety in Tennessee
In Tennessee, bicycles count as vehicles. Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic, obey traffic signs and signals, and use hand signals when turning or stopping.
Cyclists under 16 must wear a helmet. Anyone riding at night must use a white front light and a red rear reflector or red rear light visible from 500 feet. Tennessee law also requires drivers to leave at least three feet when passing a bicycle.
Riders should stay far right on descents and blind curves, especially on roads with frequent switchbacks. They should also carry enough water and nutrition, especially on longer routes with limited services.
Two cycling events are on the calendar this year. Tour de Blount returns to Maryville on May 23 with 25-, 50- and 75-mile options. Tour de Rocky Top follows in Townsend on July 11, with options ranging from shorter local rides to longer mountain routes.
Cycology Bicycles in Maryville also hosts free, social-paced group rides on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Our nation is in a unique time in history, as we watch the COVID-19 pandemic unfold. With all of the change, Blount County wants to make sure as we learn a new normal, we keep everyone safe and healthy. The Great Smoky Mountains gives our county and travel industry a responsible way to stay active and entertained. Following Governor Bill Lee’s “Tennessee Pledge” for reopening businesses and recreation areas, we want to clarify any confusion about safety and regulations during this phased approach to increase access to our travel industry. Here are some highlights of the COVID-19 pandemic responses we have in place to keep both staff and customers healthy.
CLOSER TO HOME
Travel is a personal choice. However, travel is not advised for those in a high-risk category, those who are sick or traveling with those who are sick, and we discourage groups of 10 or more people traveling together. Beginning May 9, the Great Smoky Mountain Park will be reopening many roads and trails.
Campgrounds, picnic pavilions, visitor centers, and may secondary roads will remain closed until later phases. With a variety of roadways open to pedestrians and cyclists, while still being closed to motorists, right now is a smart time to bike and hike. Right now is also an excellent time for family day trips or short weekend adventures, allowing us to fulfill our spirit of travel while keeping us closer to home. We expect people to follow local area health orders, avoid crowds, and practice “Leave No Trace” principals. Be prepared for new safety regulations and protocols to be enforced by park managers and staff. These short excursions are a great way to break up the monotony we’ve all experienced over the last couple of months.
Join us in maintaining your health with plenty of sunshine and exercise in our gorgeous backyard. For facility openings, service hours, and access, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm (link).
LODGING AND NON-CONTACT RECREATION GUIDELINES
We provided enhanced cleaning protocols that follow CDC/OSHA guidelines on all high traffic/high touch areas, guest areas, and guest rooms.
We provided hand sanitizer in high traffic locations.
Check-in and payment processes modified, and designated entrance and exit routes provided to maintain social distancing, if possible.
Plastic shields or barriers established between customers and employees and cleaned every two hours.
Foodservice facilities following the Restaurant Guidelines provided by the Economic Recovery Group.
Gyms must be staffed to be open and will follow Exercise Facility Guidelines provided by the Economic Recovery Group.
Salon and spa services following Close Contact Personal Service Guidelines issued by the Economic Recovery Group.
Customer occupation limits for indoor activities limited to 50% capacity.
Group sizes limited to less than ten people, and the combining of non-associated groups will be avoided.
Equipment layout and access restricted to maintain social distancing guidelines, and shared resources sanitized regularly.
Approved youth participation monitored to ensure children comply with applicable guidelines.
Customers screened for illness upon entry to the facility.
EMPLOYEE PROTECTION DURING COVID-19
COVID-19 screening is in place for each employee reporting to work daily. Businesses regularly supply appropriate training and personal protective equipment, based on the CDC guidelines, including providing cloth face masks. We have supplied staff areas with extensive signage on health policies, along with hand sanitizing stations, and staggered staffing to maintain social distancing. Guidelines require all staff to report any illness to supervisors and provide notification of any COVID-19 positive cases within their households. We will send home any suspected or confirmed cases and instruct to self-quarantine based on CDC recommendations.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP WHILE VISITING
The biggest thing you can do to help keep everyone healthy and safe is to maintain social distancing. Be sure to look for signage and stay in your designated area while waiting and participating. Increase personal hygiene by washing hands regularly and using hand sanitizer, when available. Call ahead for reservations to reduce clusters of waiting groups and wear facemasks when in public. If you feel ill at any time during this COVID-19 pandemic, please STAY HOME.
For ideas on how to enjoy yourself in the Great Smoky Mountains, try these:
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Independence Day this year? Escape the usual hustle and bustle and enjoy a serene July 4th on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Here, you can immerse yourself in family-friendly festivities, breathtaking views and local flavors.
Watch Fireworks
Every year, the City of Townsend puts on a spectacular 4th of July fireworks display. Festivities kick off at 6:30 p.m., and the fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m. Enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers and snow cones for sale as part of the Townsend Fire Department’s annual fundraiser. Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs or a blanket for a comfortable spot to watch the show.
Before the fireworks, you can also check out Concert on the Fourth at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. This exuberant musical celebration features a 35-piece American brass band, special guests and live portrayals of revolutionary-era figures in 1776 costume. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. in the Heritage Center’s large covered amphitheater, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. (overflow seating available on the lawn). The first 300 guests will receive complimentary American flags.
Under the direction of internationally acclaimed conductor Danny Griffin, the performance will feature rousing Sousa marches, Appalachian-themed pieces and a heartfelt salute to active-duty military and veterans. Best of all, the concert will wrap up with plenty of time to make your way to downtown Townsend to enjoy the fireworks.
Admission is a suggested $10 donation to support the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, which preserves historic homes, exhibits and educational programs.
If you prefer to launch your own fireworks at home, please note that cities on the Peaceful Side have updated their rules last year to respect neighbors with PTSD and pets. You can find the new fireworks ordinances for each city here:
For a quieter celebration, enjoy a picnic with a stunning view. A sunset in the Smokies can be just as brilliant and breathtaking as fireworks, without the noise.
The Foothills Parkway offers 22.5 miles of mountain views, with plenty of roadside pull-offs for picnicking. If you’re up for a one-mile round-trip hike, Look Rock Tower is the ultimate spot for panoramic mountain scenery. At 2,652 feet, this observation tower offers views of the Chilhowee Mountain ridge and the Tennessee Valley lowlands.
Have a Get-together at a Local Park
Did you know that you can reserve pavilions in our city and county parks for gatherings? Host a picnic by the Alcoa Duck Pond, the lake at Louisville Point Park, or the playgrounds at Sandy Springs Park. With over a dozen pavilions to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect space (and plenty of parking) to entertain friends and family.
Many of the pavilions have grills nearby, excellent for a barbeque. But you can also keep it simple and order award-winning BBQ from Small Town BBQ in Friendsville.
Enjoy a Frozen Treat
No summer celebration is complete without a frozen treat. These are our favorite places to get ice cream on the Peaceful Side.
Peaceful Side Social Creamery opened in Townsend last spring. Their ice cream is made with locally sourced ingredients and served in house-made waffle cones. With a daily changing menu advertised on their social media, there’s always something new to try. Don’t miss the kids’ play area and cornhole in the outdoor seating area.
Located in a historic building in downtown Maryville, the Capitol Theatre ice cream parlor is a local favorite. It boasts a Hollywood-themed menu with treats like the Pirate’s Treasure salted caramel sundae, the I’m Melting! Melting! lava fudge cake sundae, and sweet, foamy Butter beer.
Each booth is based on a different movie, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Back to the Future. Alternatively, outdoor seating lets you immerse yourself in the vibrant downtown scene.
Recently opened in Maryville, Andy’s Frozen Custard is serving up the All-American Cherry Pie Concrete, available until July 8, with real cherries and creamy vanilla custard. Make a quick pit stop at the drive-through, or linger a while at the picnic benches.
Will you be joining us this 4th of July on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies? We’d love to hear about it. Be sure to tag us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).
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.
Ask travel experts and they’ll tell you that “spring break” is a season that can start as early as late in February and run into the middle of April. Typically, March is the peak of the season, and while it is often seen as a time of crazy parties for college kids, a lot of families book getaways while kids enjoy a short holiday from the regular school schedule. Lasting around a week, it is the perfect amount of time to visit a place of natural beauty. If you are considering a spring break vacation this year, you would be hard pressed to find something as ideal as the “Peaceful Side” of the Smokies. Why a Visit to the Smokies is Ideal in Spring If you are not sure just where in the Smokies, we suggest you opt for the “Peaceful Side” in the area around Blount County. Why? Well, here are 5 very good reasons to do so:
Fewer People – If you have never visited the Smokies, you may not know that it is an area that sees millions of visitors, and the peak of travel is in the summer season. This means that roads, restaurants, shops and even accommodations can be quite full, and if you are eager to really savor your time in places like the National Park, you’ll see a lot of fellow travelers. The spring is also popular, but there are markedly fewer visitors, and this can allow you to experience a sense of having many places all to yourself! Plus, as its name indicates, the Peaceful Side is less crowded and more peaceful than other areas in the Smokies like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Nature – There is little that can compare to the beauty of the Smoky Mountain area during the spring months. All of the different colors of green that spring to life from the trees and plants combine with the first blossoms and blooms, the return of migratory birds and the gentle babble of the streams (and even the waterfalls) to make an unforgettable experience.
Outdoor experiences and attractions – The return of the warmer weather (daytime highs never reach 80 and night time lows average around 40) means that you can bike, hike, walk, jog, ride your motorcycle, book time at one of the canopy tours, take a brisk ride down the Little River or another body of water, and generally enjoy all of the summer activities with fewer lines and crowds.
Budget friendliness – It makes good sense to travel outside of the peak season anywhere in the world, and this applies to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, too. Traveling in the spring means you don’t pay the higher seasonal rates, saving money and yet giving you access to exactly the same activities.
The Cabins and accommodations – One of the most unique things about a visit to the region is the abundance of mountain cabins available to rent. Many are little destinations all on their own with everything from fireplaces to outdoor hot tubs. A spring break at one of these cabins could become your newest and most favorite way to celebrate the arrival of the season.
Whether traveling on your own, with a sweetheart or the whole family, you’ll want to give serious consideration to a visit to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies and its many appealing activities, beautiful scenery, great restaurants and excellent accommodations.
The Smokies are home to wonders that feel magical—synchronous fireflies, a rainbow waterfall and bioluminescent mushrooms, to name a few. Take a walk on the Peaceful Side and discover fairy villages and a troll bridge nestled in the woods, where fairytales and reality meet.
Fairy Villages in The Townsend River Walk & Arboretum
The Townsend River Walk & Arboretum, nestled between the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway and the Little River, has several enchanting points of interest, including two fairy villages. Maintained by visiting children, these villages spark creativity and invite young imaginations to flourish.
The villages are part of the Children’s Discovery Garden, a lively space filled with activities like a mud pie kitchen, a seesaw, a wooden tent and a sandbox.
As you stroll along the trail, you’ll discover whimsical artwork by local artisans, including wood carvings of spirits and animals, as well as stones decorated with bird paintings. If you look closely, you’ll also spot a tree embracing a road sign and a cave tucked away in the woods.
This hidden gem is free to explore and wheelchair accessible at the north end. Visit the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum website for a preview of what’s in bloom throughout the year.
While many of the structures have been torn down, a few remain, including the “Troll Bridge”. Tucked away from regular foot traffic, this moss-covered stone bridge looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
To reach the Elkmont Troll Bridge, set off on the Little River Trail. About 100 feet in, you’ll see a small side trail that leads to the bridge. Just follow the stone walls, and you’ll soon reach your destination.
Have you found something magical on the Peaceful Side? Share your photos with us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).
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.
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.
The bridges on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies bring charm to local trails, parks and scenic spots. From unique pedestrian walkways to historic covered bridges, each crossing offers a glimpse into the area’s past and invites exploration. Here are a few of our favorites.
The Sunshine Bridge, a rustic covered bridge in Townsend, connects both sides of the Little River and serves as a link between the past and present. This nearly 190-foot bridge, with its tin roof and graceful arches, was once a one-lane river crossing for vehicles and is now part of the Townsend Historical Trail.
Originally known as the Kinzel Springs or Wilson Bridge, it gained the nickname “Sunshine” in honor of a historic hotel in Townsend. Today, it’s a community landmark offering views of the river and places to walk, bike or even fish. Completed thanks to local leaders, particularly the late Jim Hind, the Sunshine Bridge celebrates Townsend’s heritage while welcoming new memories.
Nestled alongside The Abbey in Townsend, the Dark Island Swinging Bridge accommodates up to four visitors at a time. Known for its gentle sway, the bridge is a fun stop for stretching your legs on the way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or after a hearty meal at a nearby restaurant.
The Joy M. Bishop Bridge, a scenic spot on the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway, offers a view of a tranquil pond where visitors can often see ducks and even the occasional beaver. This bridge, a favorite among walkers and nature enthusiasts, was recently named in honor of Joy M. Bishop (1934–2023).
Bishop had a distinguished 30-year career with the United States Air Force, where she was the first woman to be appointed to the Senior Executive Service. Her dedication to civic service in Blount County extended through volunteer efforts with a wide variety of local organizations.
This pedestrian bridge links Maryville College to the heart of downtown over East Lamar Alexander Parkway. Plans for a new College Street Corridor will soon add an archway over the bridge, along with refreshed sidewalks, lighting and a distinctive tartan-themed crosswalk honoring the college’s Scots heritage. The bridge’s location and proposed enhancements reflect the importance of Maryville College as a vibrant part of the city’s cultural and social scene.
Stretching 225 feet across Highway 129, this pedestrian bridge in Alcoa was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It connects western Alcoa neighborhoods with the scenic Alcoa Greenway, creating a safe and direct path for pedestrians. The bridge is part of a broader greenway system that encourages outdoor activity and exploration for Alcoa residents and visitors.
This bridge is a key feature of the Alcoa Greenway, linking Alcoa High School, Marconi Boulevard and East Edison Street. It is part of a 2.2-mile greenway stretch completed in 2022. Offering picturesque views of Pistol Creek, the bridge gives both residents and students a scenic route for walking, jogging or biking through the area.
The Elkmont Troll Bridge in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park feels like something out of a storybook. Located just off the Little River Trail near the Elkmont Campground, this moss-covered stone bridge arches gracefully over a small creek, creating a magical backdrop for photos.
Do you have a favorite bridge on the Peaceful Side? We’d love to hear about it. Be sure to tag us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).
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.
The Great Smoky Mountains are truly a nature lover’s paradise, and the best way to explore this incredible area in Tennessee is on foot. One of the great things about Blount County is that there are plenty of day hiking trails that are ideal for the whole family, including the little ones. When you decide to take small children out for a hike, be sure you choose trails that are less strenuous, and pack plenty of snacks and water. Here are three of our favorite day hikes in the Smokies that are perfect for your little ones. The Trail to Abrams Falls The Abrams Falls trail starts out in Cades Cove and covers a total of 5.2 miles by the time you make the round trip. The cool thing about this trail is that it is listed as moderate in difficulty, which makes it perfect for most kids. You can even backpack the littlest members of your family if needed. Following the trail takes you across several footbridges until you reach the falls that drop 20 feet down a rocky slope. Be sure you prepare your kids for the few rougher areas of terrain you will encounter, then enjoy the many forms of wildlife you might be lucky enough to see on your hike, especially black bears. The Schoolhouse Gap Trail If you are a lover of wildflowers, you simply must take your family along the Schoolhouse Gap Trail during the spring months. Spring is the time of year when the incredible wildflowers that grow in the Smoky Mountains are at their peak beauty. Your kids will love this 3.8-mile trail with its gentle climb. The trail is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers just getting started on what may become a lifelong hobby. The trail runs along a creek, which, once it warms up, is an excellent place for your kids to cool off and splash around in. As you walk along, you can see glimpses of the mountain peaks through the trees. The Maryville-Alcoa Greenway If you prefer a paved trail, the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway may be just what you are looking for. It runs close to the city and winds its way through schools, shopping centers, parks, and places to stop for a picnic. There are lots of places to take a break from the trail, perfect for when your kids need something new to keep them occupied. The trail passes through vast expanses of greenery and over several tiny hills, which are sure to delight the younger members of your family as you walk along. This is the perfect hike for those who want to enjoy a nice walk without having to be out in the woods. Blount County offers a number of hiking trails that meet the needs of hikers at all skill levels. They make a great way to get your family out in the fresh air and sunshine. Try different trails each time and experience all the Great Smoky Mountains and Blount County have to offer you and your family.
Photo courtesy of University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Special Collections.
Written by: Emily Huffstetler
In 1900, a Pennsylvanian man named J.W. Fisher found himself in a predicament. The tannery he recently started in Blount County had taken off, producing up to 400 hides a day, and his local tanbark providers couldn’t meet the demand.
Meanwhile, in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, a businessman named Colonel W.B. Townsend was experiencing growing pains of his own. Now that almost all the timber in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains had been logged, Townsend was looking to relocate his logging enterprise.
Seeing an opportunity to secure a reliable tanbark provider, Fisher invited Townsend to the Great Smoky Mountains. In 1901, W.B. Townsend—along with Pennsylvanian investors Asbury Lee, William McCormick, William Wrigley and Joe Dickey—purchased nearly 100,000 acres of timberland along the Little River and its tributaries. They chartered the Little River Lumber Company and then the Little River Railroad, to haul the logs.
Fully committed to his business venture, W.B. Townsend moved his family to Blount County. And in 1903, the community of Tuckaleechee—a Cherokee name loosely translating to “peaceful valley”—was named in his honor.
Photo courtesy of University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Special Collections.
Over the course of 38 years, Townsend’s company built 150 miles of railroads and sawed 560 million board feet of timber—enough to reach California and back, if laid end-to-end. Environmentally and economically, the Little River Lumber Company and Little River Railroad reshaped the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
“We’re learning more and more about [W.B. Townsend and the investors],” said Neal Stone, President of The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company nonprofit. They apparently had a 16-story office building in Pittsburgh, suggesting affiliation with a larger company. W.B. Townsend had also been logging in West Virginia and Kentucky, and he owned a railroad, coal mine and clay tile company in Kentucky.
Perhaps, then, it would come as no surprise that Townsend monetized nearly every aspect of his East Tennessee logging community. Workers and their families rented on-site prefab homes from the company, and they were paid in “doogaloo,” redeemable only at the company stores.
“It was a very monopolistic situation,” Stone said.
W.B. Townsend also transformed a hunting camp, Elkmont, into a tourist destination for wealthy East Tennesseans. Since the trains already had flat cars to restrain their loads, the company decided to add side rails and charge people a small fee to ride from Knoxville to Townsend.
When that did well, they built the Elkmont Observation Car, which had 16 benches capable of seating two people each, for a total capacity of 32 people. Regular passenger cars were used as well.
Photo courtesy of University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Special Collections.
In 1910, W.B. Townsend decided to subdivide the property. He sold 50 acres to the Appalachian Club, a group of wealthy businessmen from Knoxville. Members paid the Elkmont Construction and Supply Company, also owned by Townsend, to build a clubhouse and cottages.
“They’d live there all summer, and the husbands would come there on the weekends,” Stone said. For those who could afford it, the mountain retreat was an idyllic escape from the heat.
A couple years later, three brothers from Knoxville bought 65 acres and opened the Wonderland Hotel. The brothers ended up selling the hotel to rivals of the Appalachian Club looking to form a club of their own.
Members of the two clubs refused to interact with each other on the train ride to their respective properties. But they did eventually find a common interest: protecting their land.
“The irony is that the lumber company’s clearcutting led to the preservation of the park,” Stone said. At the time, the process for lumbering was clearcutting, an extreme method that stripped the virgin landscape bare. The tourists wanted to put an end to this.
The national park movement was still relatively new. Yellowstone, the first national park, was only established in 1872. Creating a park would prove especially complicated because people had been living on the land for generations.
Nevertheless, the club members and environmentalists persisted. In 1926, Congress approved the authorization of the park, and Tennessee and North Carolina started raising money to purchase nearly half a million acres from private owners.
The outlook was grim for most residents. The Tennessee state government was only willing to pay about half of what their properties were worth. When the owners resisted, the state invoked the right of eminent domain. Over 5,000 people had no choice but to leave their homes. Meanwhile, the influential Wonderland and Appalachian Club negotiated a rental agreement that would extend into the early 90s.
The Little River Lumber Company sold 76,507 acres for the park, on the stipulation that they could keep logging for the next 15 years. In 1939, the last logs came out of the mountains.
“There are three locomotives left in the world that we know worked for the Little River Railroad Company,” Stone said.
“Number 110 lasted the entire lifetime of the railroad…It has been fully restored and runs today in Michigan pulling passengers.” It’s the smallest standard gauge Pacific steam locomotive ever built in the United States.
“Number 126 was another technological advancement. It was what they called a Mallet type, and it had eight driving wheels…It was a rod type engine, but it was hinged in the middle, so it could go around tighter curves,” Stone said.
That locomotive didn’t stay with the Little River Railroad long due to technical issues. It went back to the manufacturer and was sold out West, where it derailed and was abandoned for years. About three years ago, it was returned to full active service pulling excursion trains on the west coast.
The last surviving locomotive, Shay 2147, eventually made its way back home.
Shay 2147 was only used for about three or four years as the Little River Railroad was winding down. It pulled the last train across the Little Tennessee River (now part of Tellico Lake) near Chilhowee while workers disassembled the tracks and bridge.
The locomotive changed hands several times after that, travelling across the country, before it was put up for sale for $8,000 for parts. After local train enthusiasts banded together, the Towsend Chamber of Commerce decided to purchase it as a monument for a future park.
At least, that was the plan.
“Well, when word got out about the Shay, there was this huge groundswell of public support,” Stone said.
“You heard stuff like, ‘My daddy used to do that; my grandaddy used to do that; I drove that; I got to be an engineer for that.’ We still had people around back then that worked for the company, and people were coming up with pictures and artifacts,” Stone said.
In November 1982, several community members came together and formed the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company nonprofit corporation. They converted the former Walland Depot, donated by Joe Henry Everett on behalf of her late husband, into a museum.
Photo courtesy of the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum.
“The Shay arrived on Thanksgiving weekend 1982, and we’ve been growing ever since,” Stone said.
“Earlier, we received grant [funding] to build a gift shop that resembles the Elkmont post office. And our main restoration shop conference room is designed to look like the Elkmont train engine house,” Stone said. In other exciting news, the nonprofit recently received a grant from the Tennessee State Museum to put a new roof on the depot and water tower.
A variety of artifacts have turned up over the years—most recently, a mint condition box of crayons that would’ve been used to mark the wood 80 to 90 years ago. Everything is on rotation at the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum, which is open to the public from April through November. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum annual Railroad Days Heritage Festival is coming up on Sept. 28 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can ride the hand pump car, check out the reproduction Elkmont Observation Car and see special exhibits and artifacts. There will be local food vendors and craftsmen, as well as live music.
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.
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