As the leaves turn, the Peaceful Side celebrates Appalachian heritage and the harvest season. September and October bring festivals to Townsend, along with corn mazes, pumpkin patches and hayrides around Blount County and nearby communities.
Fall Festivals in Townsend
The Townsend Fall Heritage Festival returns Sept. 25-26 at the Greater Smokies Event Grounds, next to the Townsend Visitor Center. Crafts and demonstrations run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and music kicks off at 11 a.m.
The festival features traditional and contemporary bluegrass and mountain music, clogging and square dancing, arts and crafts, Appalachian demonstrations and old-fashioned games. Admission is free. Parking costs $10 per day, and proceeds benefit the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department.
On Sept. 26, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center hosts its Blue Ribbon Country Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair includes livestock, competitions, vendors and demonstrations of open-hearth cooking, spinning, weaving, wood turning and blacksmithing. A $20 parking donation is suggested.
That same weekend, the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum holds its Fall Railroad & Heritage Festival Sept. 26-27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Visitors can see trains and tractors, watch history demonstrations, browse craft vendors and enjoy music and food. The event is free to attend.
A free shuttle service provided by the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center will connect all three festival locations Sept. 25-26. Two buses will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and make additional stops around Townsend.
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
Photo courtesy of Maple Lane Farms.
Maple Lane Farms in Greenback hosts its annual corn maze weekends from Oct. 2-31, marking the attraction’s 28th year. This year’s eight-acre maze celebrates America’s 250th anniversary. The farm also has a pumpkin patch, daytime and nighttime tractor-pulled hayrides, sunflower fields, inflatables, cornhole, campfires, face painting, photo areas, a barn store, music and food vendors.
For a spookier experience, the Haunted Woods and Barn, presented by Tennessee Terror, runs Oct. 2-3, 9-10, 16-18, 23-25, 29, 30 and 31. The Haunted Maze will be open Oct. 16-18, 23-25 and 29-31.
Elsewhere in Greenback, Hyde Farms has a pumpkin patch, corn and hay mazes, hayrides and farm animals. Its 2026 dates have not yet been announced.
In Lenoir City, Deep Well Farm opens its pumpkin patch and corn maze Sept. 19. A wagon ride takes visitors to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Other activities include play areas, farm animals, slides, climbing areas, a corn crib and an obstacle course. Upcoming dates are Sept. 19-20 and Sept. 26-27. October dates are posted on its website.
Also in Lenoir City, Blackburn Farm Pumpkin Patch is open Oct. 1-31. Visitors can pick pumpkins, walk through a corn maze and take a hayride. The farm has additional activities, food and treats and a boutique.
In Corryton, Oakes Farm starts its fall season Sept. 19 with a corn maze, hayrides to the pumpkin patch and more than 25 other farm attractions, including animals, flower fields and food stands. Tickets are on sale now.
Cades Cove Riding Stables, near the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road, continues its operating season through Nov. 30.
Hayrides depart at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. They last approximately 1.5 to three hours, depending on traffic. Horseback rides and horse-drawn carriage rides are also available.
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. She holds a Master of Science in Conservation Education from Mississippi State University.
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.
It’s not too late to make Father’s Day plans on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Whether you’re building a full weekend around Dad or choosing one special outing, here are two itineraries to inspire you.
Townsend Father’s Day Itinerary
A Father’s Day weekend in Townsend can be as simple as a morning hike, lunch in town and a relaxed afternoon activity. You can stay overnight or make it a day trip.
Start the day with a hike. For something short, take the 0.8-mile roundtrip trail to Look Rock Tower off the Foothills Parkway. It leads to panoramic mountain views.
For a longer hike, try Middle Prong Trail. Indian Flats Falls is about 8.3 miles round trip, but the trail works well with a shorter turnaround point. Lynn Camp Prong Cascades is about 0.7 miles from the trailhead, making it an easier option before lunch in Townsend.
There are several restaurants in town to choose from. Peaceful Side Social has outdoor seating and a menu with options for the whole family.
Cades Cove Golf is just down the road. The new miniature golf course brings the feel of a traditional course to a smaller scale, with mountain views and a different challenge at each hole. It opens at noon on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Photo courtesy of Cades Cove Golf.
If you’re staying at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, the annual Father’s Day weekend cornhole tournament runs Saturday, June 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. You can book it as an add-on when you reserve your stay.
Later in the day, stop by Company Distilling. For Father’s Day weekend, the Townsend location is offering etched bottles of Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Maple Wood, plus a buy-one, get-one-half-off special on that product, excluding cask strength.
You can also reserve the Fill Your Own Bottle experience. Guests take part in a premium guided tasting, then fill, cork, seal and sign their own 750ml bottle from the barrel. The current release is an 8-Year Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon. The experience costs $139.99 per person and lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. It’s open to guests 21 and older with valid ID.
Stick around for live music. The Grassroots Gringos are performing on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. If you’re visiting with kids or anyone under 21, Townsend Abbey is another option for dinner and live music. Perry Bonck performs Saturday from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
If you’re staying overnight, let Sunday move slower. Grab brunch or an early lunch at Townsend Abbey, which is open for Father’s Day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. If the Fill Your Own Bottle experience at Company Distilling or a round at Cades Cove Golf didn’t fit into the day before, both can work as Sunday options before heading home. You could also take a walk along the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum by the Little River.
Maryville Father’s Day Itinerary
Photo courtesy of Creative Spark Studio.
In Maryville, Father’s Day weekend can include a hands-on activity, live music, brunch and a new indoor golf experience at Greenway Village.
Creative Spark Studio offers Blacksmithing Basics with Bryan on Saturday, June 20. Classes run from 1 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Book in advance to make a marshmallow roaster with Dad. The class is recommended for ages 18 and older, or 16 and older with a guardian.
After class, stay out for dinner or live music. Cats Away performs at Peaceful Side Brewery on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. For a later night, Two Doors Down has a Throwback party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On Sunday, Maryville has several Father’s Day brunch options. Daisy’s Non-alcoholic Bar and Bottle Shop is hosting theirs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The all-ages event includes games and a pool table. Dads get their first drink free.
Raven Steakhouse is also hosting Father’s Day brunch. The special menu includes shrimp and grits, biscuits and sausage gravy, smoked salmon, beef tenderloin, pancakes, pastries and more. Brunch is $55 and requires advance reservation.
Photo courtesy of The FoxHole Golf Club.
End the weekend at The FoxHole Golf Club in Greenway Village. The new indoor golf club uses Trackman-powered simulators, giving players a high-tech place to practice, play world-class courses and track their stats. Book tee times through the website. Children must be 13 and older.
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. She holds a Master of Science in Conservation Education from Mississippi State University.
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.
With cooler temperatures and the emergence of vibrant red and orange hues, fall is upon us, which means camping season is here. Bundle up! These are the top places to camp in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
It’s no surprise the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds named this RV park its National Small Park of the Year in 2013 and 2019. They offer easy in, easy out pull-through campsites on concrete pads and patios, protected by 24/7 security. Their full hook up sites include water, sewer, major cable, Wi-Fi and 30/50 AMPs. And with a dog park, workout room, splash pad, basketball court and corn hole, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
With recreational activities abounding, including an outdoor cinema, a playground, a basketball court, wagon rides, a pool, bike and tube rentals, tie-dyed t-shirts and more, Townsend Great Smokies KOA is a great family vacation destination. Rough it in a tent, park an RV and plug into 50 AMPs, or book a cabin. Deluxe cabins feature private bedroom(s), bathroom, patio with a grill, and full linens. You can even stay right on the Little River.
Little River Campground is a great place to make memories with your family. Go tubing in the Little River, swim in the pool, or play in the game room. There are arts/crafts to do on Fridays, including souvenir t-shirt decorating, and there are hayrides on Saturdays. The campsite has 30/50 AMPs, Wi-Fi and Direct TV.
If you’re down for an adventure, consider camping at Twin Valley B&B Horse Ranch. They offer horseback trail riding and miniature horse hiking, and you can swim and fish in a spring fed pond on your own time. Lodge in a fully furnished cabin, or backwoods “rough it” in a one-room, four-sided primitive shelter. To make things easy, they can even pick you up and drop you off at the airport.
Perhaps, you aren’t about the razzle dazzle of most campgrounds. Riverstone Campground offers a more rustic experience. It has shaded and riverfront campsites, which come with a fire pit a picnic table and a nearby bathhouse, It also has places to park your RV. Tent sites start as low as $25 a night, with discounts available for extended stay.
If you like glamping, you’ll like Little Arrow. You can bring your tent or RV, or you can stay in a heated platform tent, Airstream trailer, cabin or tiny home. The resort has a full calendar of activities for everyone in the family to enjoy, as well as a Spa, community garden, pool/hot tub, cabana, dog park, food truck area and gift shop.
If glamping is still too rustic for you, Dancing Bear Lodge provides the “in nature” experience, without the hassle. Dancing Bear is a full-service Lodge with hotel-like amenities, like daily housekeeping and complimentary snacks. Their cabins and cottages have access to two miles of hiking trails, so you’ll never be too far away from outdoor exploration.
If you’re looking for the full Smokies experience, Mountaineer Campground is just a half mile from the entrance to the national park. There are a variety of sites to choose from, including ones right on the trout stocked river, with 30/50 amp service. If glamping’s more your speed, there are also cabins with kitchen and bath. In your downtime, enjoy the wildlife photo gallery, playground, pool, pavilion, cable TV and Wi-Fi.
Whispering River Resort has more direct river access than any other resort or campground in the area—and it’s yours to enjoy. Go kayaking, enjoy the swimming beach or simply walk the trails. Then, kick back at the bonfire area or pool. Tent and 30/50 AMP RV sites, as well as cabins, are available. There’s even a meeting room and an event center.
This family-owned and operated campground has a mix of cabins and campsites—including ones right on the river. Take a splash in the pool, or let your kids get their wiggles out on the playground. Wind down with complementary cable and Wi-Fi. With 24/7 laundry, bathhouses and 30/50 AMPs, this Lazy Daze has all the essentials.
For some fun camping ideas, check out the blog posts below:
Summer fun on the Peaceful Side doesn’t require a big vacation budget.
Across Maryville, Alcoa and Townsend, visitors can cool off at local pools, explore museums, catch free concerts, watch drive-in movies, play indoor games, float the Little River and attend seasonal events for $25 or less.
This guide is organized by base adult price, using the lowest realistic entry point for each activity. Taxes, fees, rentals, parking, add-ons and advance-booking requirements may vary, so confirm current details before you go.
Downtown Maryville has a full summer soundtrack with the Levitt AMP Maryville Music Series. Held at the Maryville Greenbelt Amphitheater in Jack Greene Park, the series brings free concerts to the heart of Maryville every Thursday from July 2 through July 30, 7 to 9 p.m.
Upcoming performers include Darrell Scott on July 2, Chatham County Line on July 9, Cedric Burnside on July 16 and J & The Causeways on July 23. The series closes July 30 with Wyatt Ellis, an East Tennessee mandolinist, singer and songwriter whose bluegrass sound has earned national attention.
Admission is free, with donations appreciated. The museum is open daily from May through October, with Monday through Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday hours from 1 to 5 p.m.
The Cades Cove Museum at the historic Thompson-Brown House in Maryville preserves stories, photographs and artifacts from families who lived in Cades Cove before the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Admission is free, though donations are welcomed. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Blount County Historical Museum adds another free local history stop in Maryville. Exhibits highlight the people, places and stories that shaped Blount County.
The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free, and donations are welcomed.
The Blount County Public Library turns summer reading into a full-season program, with reading challenges for all ages and programs tied to dinosaurs, archaeology and history. The 2026 Summer Reading program runs June 8 through July 25.
The library calendar also includes summer movies, teen activities, chess, storytimes and other free programs.
The Sam Houston Historic Schoolhouse offers one of Maryville’s most affordable history experiences. Adult admission is $5, with lower rates for children ages 6 to 12 and free admission for ages 5 and under.
John Sevier Pool in Maryville and Springbrook Pool in Alcoa both keep summer swimming affordable. Adult daily admission is $5, and admission drops by $1 after 5 p.m.
One of Townsend’s best summer values is the amenities pass at Tremont Lodge & Resort. For $10, or $25 for a family of four, non-overnight guests can stop by the front desk and purchase a wristband for resort amenity access from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Amenities include an indoor pool, outdoor pool, outdoor movie screen, picnic area, firepit area, gazebo, pickleball court, fitness center, lounge and poolside bar.
Little River Campground & RV Resort also opens its pool to non-overnight guests. The campground has a $10 day pass, available for purchase at the camp office. The pool is open May through September from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Parkway Drive-In in Maryville turns a movie night into an outdoor double feature. Adult admission is $10 for two movies, with children ages 5 to 12 at $5 and children 4 and under free.
Movies play rain or shine, and gates typically open at 7 p.m.
Crest Bowling Lanes in Maryville makes rainy-day fun affordable. Games are $4 per person Monday through Thursday and Friday before 6 p.m. Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday games are $5.50 per person. Cosmic Bowl runs from 10 p.m. to midnight at $5 per game. Shoe rental is $3.75.
The Armory brings a new indoor entertainment venue to Maryville this summer. Opening July 20, the 27,000-square-foot space includes duckpin bowling, digital darts, a 9-hole putting course, shuffleboard, yard games and Valo Arena experiences.
Valo Arena is the lowest-cost offering, at $5 per person per game. Several weekday games also stay under $10, including Lucky Putt at $8 per person per game, Supercharged Shuffle at $6 per person per hour and duckpin bowling at $6 per person per game Monday through Thursday. Interactive darts are $10 per person per hour.
River Rage Tubing offers all-day tubing passes for $25 in Townsend. The route averages about an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and 30 minutes, depending on water levels.
The season runs through Labor Day and may be extended if weather allows. The minimum age is 6, and visitors can book online and check availability before going.
Smoky Mountain River Rat gives visitors access to two Townsend tubing routes with one day pass. During peak season, advance adult day passes are listed at $24.99 when booked at least two days ahead. Peak-season tickets purchased within two days cost more.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend shares the history and culture of the Smokies through museum exhibits, historic structures and programs. Adult admission is $15, with reduced admission for seniors, children and veterans.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center continues the experience outdoors with summer concerts in its covered amphitheater. The calendar includes July and August performances, including Sunset Concert Series dates on July 10, July 31 and Aug. 28.
Ticket prices vary by show, with Sunset Series tickets generally in the $5 to $25 range.
The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Townsend on Aug. 15 from 3 to 9 p.m. General admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the gate, with children 10 and under free. Parking costs $20 in advance or $25 at the gate.
For a guided Cades Cove experience, book a hayride with Cades Cove Riding Stables. Hayrides are $25 for ages 16 and up and $15 for ages 2 to 15.
The operating season runs March 3 through Nov. 30, with daily hours from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rides are subject to weather and trail conditions.
Plan Ahead and Spend Less
The best low-cost summer days often come down to timing. Book tubing in advance, check weekday pricing, visit pools after 5 p.m. and look for presale tickets when available. With a little planning, a fun outing can cost less than $25 per person.
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. She holds a Master of Science in Conservation Education from Mississippi State University.
Kids seem to grow up faster than ever, don’t they? Which is why spending time with them as they grow is even more important, despite the demands (and rewards!) of dance lessons, baseball practice, homework, music classes, and other activities that require serious time commitments. Sometimes you just want to steal your kids away for an afternoon – but where to? How About a Picnic in the Park? America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is so full of great picnic spots it could be called Great Picnic Mountain National Park. People picnic trailside, at peaks like Andrew’s Bald or the more challenging Gregory Bald, and in open fields throughout the park. Picnicking in the park is a great mini-vacation; you’re in a fun, different environment, breathing in tons of fresh air, eating your favorite foods, and relaxing without distractions. With any luck, you won’t have much cell phone reception! Prefer Tables and Chairs? In or closest to Blount County, there are four designated picnicking sites, including the Look Rock Picnic Area, the Cades Cove Picnic Shelter, Tremont Picnic Shelter, and Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Shelter. Picnicking sites generally come with picnic tables that include attached benches, a raised grill, and oftentimes a wooden overhang to protect from any sudden rainstorms. Cades Cove and Metcalf Bottoms are open year-round, too, so if an unseasonably warm day in late spring, fall (or even winter!) pops up, no need to worry about whether your picnic spot has been closed for the season. Feed Your Wildlife, Not the Park’s One of the great things about being in the wilderness with your kids is the sense of freedom they have to run, jump, and play, but there are still some necessary rules that everyone has to follow. Chief among them for picnickers is the rule that feeding bears and other wildlife is illegal – no matter how cute, charming, or experienced they are at making “hungry eyes”. Animals that learn that humans are a source of food eventually leave their safe havens and find themselves getting hit by cars, injuring visitors, or even “panhandling” by the roadside in search of more of our favorite treats. Cleaning up all your trash, including biodegradable food trash, helps keeps all the park’s visitors and occupants safe. Don’t Forget Your Camera If anyone in your family can’t resist the possibility of getting something done while you’re all relaxing in park, there is something they can accomplish. A picnic in the mountains makes for a very scenic photo opportunity, whether you’re just looking for a shot for your fridge, or for this year’s holiday cards. So grab your picnic baskets, throw your camera strap over your shoulder, and head on out into Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
If you are looking for a budget-friendly vacation with plenty of family fun, set your sights on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this year. It is the most visited national park in the country which means more than nine million people stop by each year. There is plenty to do in the park to keep family members of all ages entertained, and your budget will love that there is no admission price to enter the park. That’s right, you can explore the 800 square miles of the park without paying for admission. There are estimates that the park contains over 100,000 different species, but scientists haven’t even been able to categorize everything yet.
Planning Your Trip to the Smokies
There is so much to see and do in the park, that you will want to make a solid game plan so that you don’t get overwhelmed upon your arrival. Whether you want to use the trip to just relax and enjoy nature, learn new skills, or delve into the history of the area, you can find the ideal activities to suit your agenda.
Relax in Nature in East Tennessee
For those that are simply looking to experience the beauty of nature in the mountains, you can find all of that and more in the park. There are areas for hiking including Alum Cave Bluffs, Rainbow Falls, and Chimney Tops. The Kephart Prong trail is a kid-friendly hike if your family members are on the younger side. It is recommended for kids in elementary school and older. You can also enjoy fishing, exploring the historic graveyards, and searching for wildlife. The park is teeming with animals including deer, elk, raccoons, turkeys, woodchucks, and the famous black bears. The best times to search for animals is in the early morning and at dusk. Just remember not to feed the animals!
Learn New Skills
Who says a vacation can’t be educational? There are plenty of programs that you can enjoy while you are at the park provided by various groups in the area. The Friends of the Smokies offer guided hikes where you can learn more about the area. The Great Smoky Mountain Institute of Tremont has a variety of programs that you and your family may enjoy from summer camps to family workshops. The Smoky Mountain Field School can help you plan a family adventure with one of their many programs including synchronous fireflies, old-growth forests, stream life, and tracking.
Soak Up the History of Blount County
The park is also full of historic areas that you can visit and explore. Consider adding Cades Cove to your itinerary where you can explore historic buildings like churches and cabins. You can bring along your bikes and do a ride around the loop, just make sure you stop to check out all there is to see along the way. The history of the area dates back long before there was a National Park in this spot. You can see Appalachian life dating back to before the European settlers when the Cherokee where inhabiting the area. This is just the tip of the iceberg! There is so much more that you can see and do in the park. You can find a trip planner to help you nail down the exact elements that will make your vacation perfect for your family.
Winter is coming and along with it, plenty of snow and cold weather. What goes great with lots of snow and fresh air better than going snow tubing? Not much, at least not when you visit the Smoky Mountains in the winter. This leads us to the next question, “Where can you go snow tubing in the Smokies?”
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in winter
Most people who come to this area come to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Just because it is winter here in this part of the nation doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. In fact, there are many spots you can go tubing in the park. One of the most popular seems to be Clingmans Dome. The “Dome” attracts snow lovers of all ages who bring their sleds and tubes here every winter. The Dome is very popular with the locals and once the snow sets in there tends to be plenty of tubing around all winter long. One thing to keep in mind is that just because an area looks like it might be perfect for tubing, there are potentially any number of obstacles buried in the snow, just waiting to grab your inner tube and cause a nasty accident that could result in serious injuries. Make sure you walk the area first or use an area that is well-known to be safe.
Tubing in the Smokies at Ober Gatlinburg
If you don’t feel comfortable with trying to find a safe place in the park to go tubing, that’s okay. Many of the locals agree that going to Ober Gatlinburg in the winter is the perfect alternative. Tubing here is one of the most popular winter activities with both locals and tourists alike. Each session lasts for 90 minutes, which gives your entire family plenty of time to enjoy tubing down the snow packed hill without ever having to climb back to the top of the mountain. Once you get to the bottom of the slide, you grab your tube and ride the “Magic Carpet,” which is an escalator that will take you all the way back to the top so that you can slide all the way down again. The slides are 400 feet long and to make sure everyone gets their turn, ten lanes are going at all times. Ober Gatlinburg is open from mid-November to the 1st of April each year with sessions typically starting at 9 a.m. and running every two hours until 7 p.m. Do keep in mind that some sessions may be canceled and that certain times of the day may be busier than others. This ride is safe for everyone over the age of three as little ones can ride with an adult. These are just some of the ways to take your family tubing in the Smokies. You can buy your tickets online for Ober Gatlinburg or wait until you arrive. You can also purchase advance tickets in the Tramway Mall or at the office. Be sure to come prepared for fun and bring the whole family with you. Make sure you bring your winter weather gear with you; it can get pretty chilly out there flying across the snow!
If you are looking for a break from the warm summer weather while vacationing in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, let us recommend a trip to Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend, TN. It is true the gorgeous mountain trees will give you ample shade during your hikes, and the refreshing river water will cool your feet while you splash in the water like you did when you were a kid, you will still surely find yourself working up a sweat and looking for a brief escape from the heat. What better place to cool down than the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” where the average temperature is a comfortable 58 degrees year-round?
Tuckaleechee Caverns has a deep history in Tennessee Mountains. The cave system itself dates back twenty – thirty million years, but the first recorded discovery took place approximately 100 years ago by two young boys named Bill Vananda and Harry Myers, as they played at the mouth of the cave as children. But it wasn’t until their time at Maryville College when they started tossing around the idea of re-opening the cave for the public in 1954, that this national landmark became such a significant turning point in their lives. The cave had been opened briefly for the public in 1939, but because of the depression, it closed after only a year. Unable to find financing for their endeavor, Mr. Vananda and Mr. Myers traveled to Alaska on a work expedition to raise money, finally opening for the public in 1953.
Only a year after they opened to the public, the National Speleological Society discovered what is now called the “Big Room,” which is 400 feet long, 300 feet across, and 150 feet deep; that’s big enough to fit a football stadium in the space. The newest discovery was a waterfall which is 210 feet tall from top to bottom, making it the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern United States. Both of these spaces are open to the public and can be seen during your 1.25-mile round trip adventure.
However, Tuckaleechee Caverns offers a lot more to our country than it’s beauty and magnitude alone. It houses the most sensitive seismic station on Earth. The seismic station was originally installed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as they began construction on Norris Dam, to monitor how the water displacement affected tectonic plates. After the US Military realized how accurate and precise the station was able to track the global tectonic movement all around the Earth during the Cuban Missle Crisis, they began upgrading equipment to help detect other nuclear activity across the globe. Currently, the Tuckaleechee Caverns AS107 seismic station is monitored 24/7 and transmits via satellite to the Department of Defense, US Military, Geneva Switzerland, Vienna Austria, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and the Pentagon. It is has been able to detect nuclear testing in North Korea, as well as monitor earthquake activity as far away as the Great Sendai Earthquake, which caused the massive tsunami that hit Fukushima, Japan. Please take a moment during your tour of the cave to check out this insightful data.
Voted the highest-ranking cave or cavern of the Eastern United States, Tuckaleechee Caverns is a great all-weather option for your Smoky Mountain Vacation. The cave is open from March to November and will give your family a great escape from the summer heat or one of those pesky pop-up thunderstorms for which East Tennessee is known. It will not only give you a break from the weather but will also give you a unique glimpse beneath the mountains and into a national treasure!
For other adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains, check out the blog posts below.
If you’ve never been to a national park, you may be surprised to learn that there is far more to do inside than just walk around enjoying the view. Although there are tons of hiking trails that lead to gorgeous waterfalls, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does have plenty to thrill every member of the family. If you want to sneak in one more getaway with the kids before school, here are some attractions to check out. Animal Lovers Should Take a Cruise Through Cades Cove There is one part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is a must-see for any first-time visitor. Cades Cove is a driving loop that allows you to tour the park without leaving your car. Perfect for young children who can’t hike, this loop is separated from other roads, so you can take your time. Along the way, you’re sure to see turkey, deer, and maybe even black bear or elk. There are also historic buildings and stunning views of the mountains along the way, as well as places to stop and stretch your legs. Adventure Seekers Can Fly Through the Trees Does your crew like the adrenaline rush of roller coasters? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers one of the most exciting adventures you can get – zip lining! Check out the many zip line courses across the park, like Climbworks, where you can not only zip line, but also go through an aerial obstacle course with swaying rope bridges and more. Perfect for teens and families that can’t pass up a chance to have a blast, you’ll get a great view of the park up there! Get a Unique View of the Park from Horseback Another unique way to explore the park, especially if you want to see some of the beautiful waterfalls, is to take a guided horseback tour. Your kids will get the thrill of being led around on their very own horse, and the guide can lead you to some of the most beautiful spots in the region. Not interested in riding a horse? There are many other guided tours of the park you can take advantage of on foot, such as bird watching tours. White Water Rafting and More The park is a huge area, and adventure waits around every corner. From exploring caves to going white water rafting, you’ll find tons of activities that you and the kids will adore. Make a weekend out of trying as many as you can, or come back for more during spring break! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to make memories that will last forever.
Springtime in the Smokies offers locals and visitors alike a majestic view not only of the mountains but of the hundreds of different colored wildflowers that bloom starting in spring and staying in bloom into the summer months. This time of year, not only are the millions of flowers a sight to behold, but you have a good chance of seeing new baby bear cubs, newborn fawns, baby birds, and so much more. The snow line is slowly creeping higher up into the mountains the trees begin to burst out in their canopy of color, and with all this comes a serious case of cabin fever. It’s not unusual for anyone who has been cooped up all winter to feel the need to get outside and enjoy a little warm spring sunshine and fresh air. If you are coming to the Peaceful Side of Smokies to visit, make sure you bring your camera. Here are five of our favorite spots to take photographs. Abrams Falls – It’s a five-mile round trip to Abrams Falls from Cades Cove. Your hike will take you through dense forest and rhododendrons that are blooming in a riot of color. The falls are one of the most popular spots to hike to and offer amazing photo opportunities. Little River Trail – The Little River Trail is over in Elkmont and offers a 5-mile trek along the riverside where you will see an incredible selection of wildflowers blooming in a riot of color. Among them are hepaticas, rhododendron, and yellow trillium. Make sure you have plenty of room on your memory card, the photo ops are almost endless. Laurel Falls Trail – The Laurel Falls Trail is considered by most to be the easiest trail in the Smokies to hike. It’s only 2.6 miles to the falls and back, but the walk will take you to the picture-perfect Laurel Falls. The trail leads you between the upper and lower falls and offers several fabulous photo opportunities. Mount LeConte – For those of you who are up for a challenging hike, the Mount LeConte is third tallest peak inside the boundaries of the national park. The hike might be a bit tough, but the view from the summit is breathtaking, and you can capture some amazing photos here, making the trip well worth the effort. Potters Creek Trail – If you want pictures of flowers, historical buildings, and a four-mile hike that is sure to create great memories, then Potters Creek Trail is for. Along the trek, you will go past the site of the John Messer farm along with a spectacular array of wildflowers including yellow trillium, foamflower, baneberry, wild geranium, dwarf ginseng, toothwort, and many, many more. These are just a few of our favorite places to hike for photos. No matter who you talk to here, everyone is going to have their list of places they like to go to take pictures. The most important thing is for you to come to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies and find your own favorite places!
Recent Comments