Adventure Log
Travel Guides
Five Miles From Famous: The Great Smoky Mountains
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains and the peaceful, small-town charm of Townsend, TN.
Overview
There are very few places in the world that offer something special in every season. One of those places is the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, and with 12 million visitors each year, it is renowned as an amazing destination. No matter when you visit, great memories can be made year-round.
Visit in winter to see fresh snow on the mountain tops; spring brings bears waking from their hibernation; in summer, you can have fun tubing down the Little Pigeon River and watching fireflies light up the valleys; and fall brings cooler weather and colorful leaves. This beautiful national park will win your heart and make you want to return. In fact, 62% of visitors have been there before.
However, there is something special about bringing your RV to the Great Smoky Mountains that lets you connect with the wild nature just beyond your RV door.
Now, most people think of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg when considering a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains; however, just five miles from this famous park is a world you may not realize exists. A small town feel, if you will, that manages to still roll up the sidewalks after 8 PM. This article will explore the quiet side of the Smoky Mountains, known as Townsend, TN, in just three days.
WHERE TO STAY
One of the most relaxing places to RV in Townsend, TN, is at Little Arrow RV Resort. Wake up to the mountains right outside your RV!
Right next to the Little Pigeon River, Little Arrow is a peaceful spot on the quiet side of the Smokies. They offer many types of camping spots, including full-hookup, river, back-in, and pull-through sites, so you can find the right one for you.
Visitors can swim in the pool, relax in the hot tub, do laundry, or grab a coffee from their coffee bar and enjoy the river views, all from the comfort of the resort. They fill up quickly, so book ahead to get the best spot while enjoying the calm side of the Smokies.
Besides Little Arrow, there are several other places to camp with your RV in Townsend, TN. A new and popular spot is Smoky Waters Campground. This small, family-run campground is right on the back side of the Little Pigeon River.
There are 50 full-hookup spots, including creek, pull-through, back-in, and river spots. This campground is not wheelchair accessible and does not have extra services, but it is a great place to camp near the shops of Townsend while still enjoying the peace of nature. I suggest choosing a river spot at any campground along the Little Pigeon River for the best experience.
Where to Stay:
Little Arrow RV Resort
Address: 118 Stables Drive, Townsend, TN. 37882
Phone Number: (865) 448-6363Smoky Waters Campground
Address: 346 Wears Valley Rd, Townsend, TN 37882
Phone: (865) 324-9483
Day 1
Exploring Local Destinations
Little Arrow RV Resort.
Little Pigeon River
Arrive at your campsite and get settled. Take a quick walk around the campground, grab a cup of coffee, and take a stroll by the Little Pigeon River.
Townsend Historical Trail
If you brought a bike in your RV, ride into town along the Townsend Historical Trail. This nine-mile paved hike and bike trail runs along US-321 right into downtown.
Visit Local Eateries
Take a drive over to Wears Valley Social Food Truck park and grab a quick bite for supper. This food truck park is open Thursday through Sunday and serves burgers, Mexican, and chicken, with outdoor seating and a welcoming atmosphere. Keep in mind this is a seasonal park open from mid-March to mid-November.
In the off-season, you can always grab a bite at the Peaceful Side Social + Craft Kitchen. Their laid-back atmosphere has a big green space for the kids and is even dog-friendly. It’s a fast-casual restaurant with sourdough pizzas, a taco bar, and an on-site brewery.
Day 2
Traversing Cades Cove
Breakfast at the Artistic Bean
Wake up, grab coffee, and have breakfast at the Artistic Bean. This coffee shop roasts its own beans in small amounts. This organic coffee shop has many coffee choices and is a local favorite.
Cades Cove
Now it’s time to take a drive through Cades Cove. This 11-mile loop is a one-way road through the Cades Cove valley in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Plan for at least two hours or more, since this is a very popular drive. The best times are weekdays, early mornings, and before sunset. This valley is a great place to see animals like deer, turkeys, and bears. There are old buildings you can visit and a nice picnic area. With several tables and grills, bring some hamburgers or hot dogs to cook while enjoying the creek. This area is also pet-friendly as long as pets stay on a leash.
Cades Cove Riding Stables
Before heading back down the mountain, try horseback riding at the Cades Cove Riding Stables. The horseback riding season is from mid-March to late November. On the guided trails, ride on horseback through the woods and fields (led by a guide).
The guided rides are for all skill levels and usually last one hour. Another option is to take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage for about 30-45 minutes or a hay ride around the loop road for 1.5 to 2 hours. Head back to the campground and enjoy a swim or a soak in the hot tub after a long day.
Day 3
Visiting A Hidden Valley
Schoolhouse in Cataloochee.
Barn in Cataloochee.
Apple Valley Café
Head over to Apple Valley Café and grab a classic breakfast before getting started on a big adventure today. Visit Apple Valley Mountain to purchase some famous fudge and bring home a souvenir. Historically, Appalachian families made sweets using simple ingredients, and once tourism boomed in the 1930s, visitors wanted a local treat, so fudge became the easiest to package and carry.
Cataloochee Valley
Now it’s time to drive to a hidden valley inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park called Cataloochee Valley, about 93 miles from Townsend. Cataloochee was once a busy mountain community, but by the 1950s, it was mostly empty. The entrance is a narrow, curvy road with some gravel and a steep drop, so proceed carefully. This area is home to old cabins, churches, schools, and barns, along with lots of elk. It’s a great place to take photos and listen to elk calls, and it is less crowded than popular spots like Cades Cove. There are bathrooms for day visitors, but it is not wheelchair accessible.
Tips to Remember
While the Great Smoky Mountains are a great place to visit all year, the main season is from mid-March to mid-November, so be aware that many stores, restaurants, and activities are closed during the off-season.
However, there is never a bad time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. Even in the off-season, you can enjoy their annual Christmas parade in December, fireside stories and strings at the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, and the Tennessee Winter Beer Fest in February. Always check for special events in the area before you visit to plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Even if you’ve been to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is worth a second visit, as it spans two states and over five counties. While most people generally visit Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, there is so much more to do outside these two cities. Remember, wherever there is a famous destination, within five miles you'll find some of the best food, adventures, and experiences.
