This Serene Tennessee Town Is A Perfect Gateway To The 'Peaceful Side Of The Smokies'

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, shared by North Carolina and Tennessee, is among the most popular national parks in the United States and is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the park's peaceful waterfalls, hike up one of the highest peaks in the eastern U.S., check out historic log cabins, and go camping. Gatlinburg is likely the most well-known city for park visitors use as a home base and is also one of the most budget-friendly destinations in America. However, its popularity might be a drawback for travelers who want a trip with fewer crowds.

If you are looking for the aptly nicknamed "peaceful side of the Smokies," follow Highway 321 west from Gatlinburg to Townsend. Aside from access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this little Tennessee town of fewer than 1,000 permanent residents has plenty to do on its own. There are a variety of lodging options, caves and nature to explore, and a museum showcasing the history of the Appalachian and Smoky Mountain region.

At the edge of Townsend, you'll find the Little Arrow Outdoor Resort. While there are tent and RV sites available here, this is an ideal lodging option for those who prefer glamping over camping. Little Arrow has fully furnished cabins and tiny homes, but also unique canvas glamping tents with multiple rooms plus heating and air conditioning. For an even more unique stay, book the vintage Airstream camper. 

You can also consider the Dogwood Cabins if you'd like to be more centrally located in Townsend, close to restaurants and cafes. Grab a coffee at The Artistic Bean or a meal at Peaceful Side Social. Check out local wildlife conservation by stopping by the Appalachian Bear Rescue right next to the Dogwood Cabins. You can learn about the bears that this organization has helped and get merchandise to show your support.

Before venturing out into the national park, stop at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Here, you'll find artifacts and restored buildings that show what life was like for people in this Appalachian region throughout its long history. The heritage center showcases the area's indigenous history through the Cherokee Native American Collection as well.

Townsend is close to the Tuckaleechee Caverns, an incredible cave exploration opportunity for the whole family to enjoy. These huge caves formed over millions of years and a visit through them brings you to underground waterfalls, classic cave formations like stalagmites and stalactites, and what is called "Big Room" with a 150 foot ceiling. Despite being the longest cave system in the world, even Mammoth Cave National Park does not have a cave formation with ceilings as high as that of "Big Room" in Tuckaleechee Caverns.

The Townsend River Walk and Arboretum is like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a nutshell. It has similar landscapes, the same plant life, and more at your fingertips. As you walk through these nature trails, you can scan QR codes on the trees to learn more about each species. Go online to see when notable plants and flowers will be blooming during your visit.