Townsend is a city in Blount County, Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. The city was founded in 1921. Early residents were involved with the Little River Lumber Company and Railroad. As of the 2000 census, Townsend’s population was 244, but that number jumped to 448 in the 2010 census.
Walking on the bridge
The Island Swinging Bridge in Townsend is a landmark that is a great spot for taking photos. The bridge is also a perfect location for solitude. You can watch the water rush by and enjoy the sounds of nature while you walk on the bridge. Whether you’re a family or just want to spend some time alone, you’ll love walking on the bridge.
The Townsend Bridge is nearly 100 years old and 190 feet long, with a 120-foot covered portion. It was once scheduled for demolition, but community members stepped up and saved the bridge. Residents in Townsend and Blount fought to keep the bridge open.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, walking on the bridge in Townsend is an unforgettable experience. The town has a rich history, which is reflected in the bridge’s tin roof and hand-painted murals. The bridge is also a great spot for fishing, picnicking, and taking photos.
Since the bridge is made of wood, it is safe to walk on it. However, you should bring a camera because you’ll have plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos. The views of the river are stunning! If you’re planning on visiting this bridge, make sure you bring your camera!
The Townsend Visitors Center is a great place to visit while you’re visiting the area. You can find information about the city’s history and culture, and get directions to many popular locations.
Hiking
Hiking in Townsend, Tennessee is an excellent way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. The town is located just outside of Cades Cove, one of the most popular attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This small town has plenty of green space and beautiful views of the surrounding woods. If you’re an animal lover, the Townsend area is home to the Smoky Mountain River Rat.
Hiking in Townsend is possible on several trails, some of which are family-friendly. For example, you can hike along the Gray Wolf Trail, a 7.2-mile out-and-back trail that boasts 1,412 feet of elevation gain. The trail winds along the Gray Wolf River, and features a few campsites for backpackers. Depending on the season, you can also watch salmon spawning in this area.
You can begin your hike from either trailhead. The Upper Trailhead is about three miles and 400 feet higher than the Lower Trailhead. If the trailhead at the upper trailhead is closed due to snow, you can always hike down to the lower trailhead. The trail starts out with a crashing stream and soon begins to switchback through dense old-growth and rhododendrons. Eventually, the trail reaches a broad sloped meadow.
While hiking in Townsend, you should also visit the Townsend State Park. This 80-acre park is full of natural woods, wetlands, and trails. The park also features a natural-surfaced hiking trail that is nine-tenths of a mile long. The trail is closed to motorized vehicles, so be aware of that when hiking in this area.
Biking
Biking in Townsend offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation. This small town is the gateway to Cades Cove and offers scenic bike rides along its loop. The town is also home to fishing, swimming, and scenic picnics. During the summer, you can rent bikes and enjoy the views along the way.
Before biking in Townsend, be sure to park at the Townsend Visitor Center. This center has ample parking in front and back. They also have clean restrooms with water fountains and a bottle-filler for bicycles. In addition, you can pick up a free brochure describing the historical trails of the town. The brochure includes information on over twenty different points of interest along the trail.
The Townsend Bicycle Trail runs parallel to U.S. Highway 321 in the town. It includes a portion of the Little River, which provides easy access to shops and restaurants. Bikers will find the trail very safe and enjoyable for families with kids of any age. Bikers will also enjoy the scenic views that come with the Townsend Bike Trail.
A short distance from our shop, the town’s state park offers bike paths. Old Fort Townsend State Park has double-track trails that are perfect for beginners and families alike. The park also includes a number of historic features.
Cades Cove Heritage Tours
The main focus of the non-profit company is the history of the local area. The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the local area and its heritage. The company is committed to preserving the area’s natural beauty. While the tours are informative, they are also fun and enjoyable.
Cades Cove Heritage Tours is a local nonprofit that provides a bus tour of the Cove. Tickets are sold at the visitor center. The tour begins in Townsend, Tennessee. Because there are no public transportation options in the area, the tour is the only way to explore the area. Vehicle navigation systems can be inaccurate in the mountains, so it’s important to use a free park road map to find your way around.
The tour will last approximately three to four hours and costs $13 for adults. Senior citizens and children aged six and older receive a discount. Children under six are free. The tours are conducted on fuel-efficient shuttles. The shuttles operate daily from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In addition to historical sites, the town offers plenty of outdoor recreation. Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Townsend is known for excellent bicycling. The town’s bicycle trail is about three miles long and offers beautiful scenery. The trail also links to nearby restaurants and shops.
Restaurants
If you are looking for an authentic New England experience, you’ll want to visit one of the many restaurants in Townsend. Whether you’re looking for a cozy tavern in the center of town, or a rustic farm-to-table restaurant, you’ll find it in Townsend. Here are a few of our favorites.
For lunch or dinner, there are several restaurants in Townsend that will fit your needs. There are a few national chains here, but you’ll be able to find a great variety of locally owned and operated establishments. You can also enjoy delicious wine from a local winery.
For those in need of an affordable meal, there are many options. One popular option is Uber Eats, which allows you to order food from local restaurants. This app makes it easy to search for restaurants by their address and star ratings. You can even search for your favorite restaurants in Townsend and see where they’re located.
The Townsend Bistro is another great option. The menu is constantly changing and reflects the season and availability of fresh ingredients. You can choose from dishes like trout, oysters, filet mignon with Mossy Creek mushrooms, or even the popular Bistro burger. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a quick bite with friends, you can find a great dining option in Townsend, Tennessee.
Tubing
Tubing in Townsend, WA is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in an exciting and safe way. The town has several tubing locations, including Smoky Mountain River Rat, which is a favorite of locals. The company’s mission is to help people connect with nature, and the Townsend River is a great location for that goal. During the warmer months, this river is a popular destination for tubing enthusiasts.
You can get to Townsend by taking the Foothills parkway, but you must drive through the town’s other entrances to get there. Several hotels can be found in town, but there are also many places to camp near the river. If you’re a backpacker, Big Meadow Family Campground is nearby, and it offers sites right on the river.
If you have never tried river tubing before, you may want to hire a guide. There are many companies that offer guided tours of the area’s best tubing spots. A guide can also provide safety information and help you get started. The trip will last for several hours, so make sure you have time to explore the town and its surroundings.
Stay in a Townsend, WA hotel. There are two other places where you can stay while you’re tubing. Dancing Bear Lodge is a cozy lodge located in a 36-acre property. There are also villa rooms and cabins for rent there. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, try the Best Western. It has an outdoor swimming pool and a moderately nice free breakfast.
