One of the best things about Townshend, Vermont is its pure small town feel. The downtown area is quaint and picturesque. If you want to experience New England small town life, you can’t go wrong in this small town. Its many historic buildings and charming restaurants are sure to make your stay in Townshend unforgettable.
Tuckaleechee Caverns
If you’re looking for an adventure near Townshend, Tennessee, Tuckaleechee Cavernes is a must-see attraction. This 30 million-year-old cavern is an underground park that is perfect for the whole family to explore. It is a family-run attraction, which has received five stars from AAA. The attraction is a fun and inexpensive way to spend a day in the mountains.
Tuckaleechee Cavernics is located under the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. It is easy to navigate through the many levels and passageways. Be aware, however, that there are some muddy parts, so it is best to wear comfortable footwear.
Visitors should start their tour at the Big Room, where they’ll see massive stalagmites that are 24 feet tall. This is the most popular stop on the guided tour of Tuckaleechee Cavernes. You can also see another large chamber that features a double waterfall, Silver Falls.
Visitors can take a mile-long tour of the caverns with a knowledgeable guide. The tour is interactive and offers plenty of photo opportunities. The caves are formed by dripping water millions of years ago.
While you’re in Townshend, make sure to check out the town’s visitor center. This place is one of the official visitor centers for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the staff there are friendly and knowledgeable. The gift shop also features many items related to the area.
Scott Bridge
A trip to Townshend will be a wonderful experience if you want to see the historic Scott Covered Bridge, which spans the West River. This three span structure was constructed in 1870 and is a national historic landmark. One span is a town lattice truss, while the other two spans are kingpost trusses reinforced with steel rods. Its main span is 166 feet long, and the two other spans are 111 feet long. This structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is closed to all traffic.
Townshend is one of the many charming villages that line the banks of the West River. It is a traditional Vermont town, complete with a lush town green. The Congregational Meeting House, built in 1790, is one of the state’s oldest houses of worship. Another must-see in Townshend is Scott Bridge, the state’s longest covered bridge. It was recently restored and opened to pedestrian traffic.
Visitors can also view the Rogers Road Bridge on the path upstream from Scott Bridge. It is made of rough-cut granite slabs and spans the river for about 300 yards. It is an interesting historical site and features an arch about ten feet high. Visitors can walk under the bridge and examine its inner arch made of large granite blocks.
You can also find several examples of stone masonry in Townshend. The town’s six stone arch bridges were built by James Otis Follett, a local farmer and stone mason. Follett also worked for the road crews in Townshend and learned his skills while building these bridges.
Located over the West River, the Scott Bridge is known as one of the best spots for swimming in the area. The bridge’s name is a nod to the former homestead of Henry Scott. In 2016, the bridge underwent a major renovation by the firm Renaud Brothers, Inc. from Vernon, Vermont. The renovation removed a section of the “twisted arch” that did not offer any useful functionality. As a result, the bridge is now open to pedestrians and cyclists. The restoration was celebrated on July 23, 2017.
Railroad & Lumber Museum
The Railroad & Lumber Museum is one of Townshend’s top attractions. This quaint local museum preserves logging and railroad heritage. It features a variety of fascinating displays. Visitors will find out how lumber was processed and shipped to various parts of the country.
If you’re interested in railroad history and the history of the Little River Lumber Company, this museum is a must-see. The museum displays old trains and buildings from the logging industry in the Smokies. One of the exhibits is the Shay Engine, which was used in the early logging industry.
The Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum is located at 7747 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy. (US 321). It features exhibits of items used by the Little River Lumber Company, one of the largest commercial logging operations in southern Appalachia. It also features the original setoff house, a wooden water tank, and a Shay vintage caboose. The museum also has a vintage Frick steam engine and two flatcars.
The Railroad & Lumber Museum is located on the historic site of the former Walland Depot. This building was moved to the museum property in 1983. Inside, you’ll find pictures of operations and people. The railroad has many displays that showcase various types of equipment, including a 1909 Shay locomotive and a Barnhart log loader. Other exhibits include set-off houses, which were constructed for company employees and then moved by railroad cars. The company’s main steam engine, AKA Dorothy, is also on display. In addition, you’ll find a 1909 Barnhart log loader and a Frick steam engine.
While you’re in Townshend, be sure to take a tour of the Little River Railroad & Lumber Museum. The museum is a local treasure that features interesting pieces and an excellent gift shop. Another must-see is the caverns, which are known as the “Greatest Sight Under the Smokies.” Tour guides are excellent and will educate you about the cavern’s history. Photography is highly encouraged.
The Little River Railroad & Lumber Museum is one of Townshend’s best attractions. It’s open daily from 11:37 AM to 5:37 PM. The humidity level is 51 percent, with seven percent cloud coverage and 6.8 percent visibility. The UV index is six.
Cades Cove
If you’re visiting Cades Cove, you’ll want to make sure to check out the town’s historical buildings. Among the oldest structures in the town is the John Oliver cabin, which was the first settlement in the area. Today, it is maintained by the National Park Service. It is located a five-minute walk from the parking lot.
You can also take a self-guided tour of the cove. You’ll find a booklet at the entrance of the loop road that will help you learn more about the buildings and the people who lived there. The tour can take from half an hour to a full day, depending on how much you want to hike and observe. Make sure you bring plenty of water and a picnic lunch.
Cades Cove was once home to over a hundred settler families. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, Cades Cove is important in the history of settling the Great Smoky Mountains. You can see some of these homes and log cabins, and read interpretive signs along the loop road to get a better idea of life in the 1820s.
Visitors to Cades Cove can also observe wildlife up close. You can spot bears, deer, elk, turkeys, and coyotes. Bears are particularly active during the early morning hours and in the late afternoon, between three and seven p.m. You can also see raccoons, rabbits, and groundhogs.
Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the Smoky Mountains. Its 11-mile scenic loop is open from sunup to sundown and has many pull-offs and parking lots. However, traffic in the area can be heavy during the summer months. The loop road offers gorgeous views of The Smoky Mountains.
The Cades Cove Loop Road winds through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a scenic eleven-mile drive that provides great views of the mountains and lush greenery. If you’re traveling by car, it will take you about two to four hours to complete. The loop road is lined with historic buildings and log houses, including a church.
