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Updated: August 2024

Townsend Historical Trail...

On the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

The Townsend Historical Trail runs along both sides of US 321 (Lamar Alexander Parkway) through Townsend, TN. Called "The Peaceful Side of the Smokies," this is our favorite place to stay in the area - a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove. The 9-mile paved trail is a pleasant way to get around Townsend. Linking to the Visitor Center, hotels, restaurants, shops, art galleries and historical sites, we saw many people biking and walking. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Biking Map...
Townsend Historical Trail

View Larger Map

Location: Townsend, TN (See map)
Distance: 9 miles
Surface: Paved
Nearby Places of Interest: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Cades Cove), Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum, Townsend Riverwalk and Arboretum, Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Tuckaleechee Caverns

Bike Shops/Rentals:
Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center (Townsend; rentals)
Scotty Bike (Townsend; E-bike rentals)
Vee Hollow Bike Rentals (Townsend; rentals)
Cycology Bicycles (Maryville; sales, service)

Biking at the Townsend Historical Trail... Comments and Photos

The Townsend Historical Trail is paved and easy to ride, with some hills, and views of the surrounding mountains. Two underpasses connect the north and south paths, there are no crosswalks between the two sides. Markers along the trail and a "Shadows of the Past" brochure at the Visitor Center describe the history.

• We started on the south path, biking east to west, then crossed under to the north side and returned west to east. For pure biking, we found the south path more pleasant - further from the road and fewer crossroads.

Townsend Historical Trail, south path - 4.5 miles

• The South path - starting from the trailhead at Towns End Drive (parking, porta-pottie) and running west along US 321 to Old Tuckaleechee Rd. (the second intersection) - is mostly away from the road or with a wide buffer. This section has some moderate hills, twists and turns, but we found it an easy ride with some scenic views and shady sections.
• The path passes the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center (museum. historical structures), Townsend Visitor Center (parking, restrooms, information), hotels, restaurants and churches - be careful at driveways and road crossings.
• The first underpass is at about 3 miles; the second is another 1.5 miles just before the eastern end of the south path.
• Cross under US 321 to continue onto the north path.

Townsend Historical Trail, north path - 4.5 miles

• The North path starts at the Townsend Sunshine Covered Bridge (link to Old Walland Hwy.), 1/10 mile from the underpass, and runs eastbound alongside the road, paralleling the Little River. Straight and flat, this is more like a wide sidewalk, with little shade.
• The dedicated trailhead (parking, porta-pottie) is located near the underpass, with additional parking at Special Peoples Park (parking, porta-potties, picnic, fishing pier). The next underpass is 1.5 miles, where the trail meets the Townsend Riverwalk and Arboretum.
• Then the path continues another 3 miles to its eastern end, passing the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum, the Great Smokies Welcome Center, galleries, shops and restaurants along the way. Watch for vehicles at driveways and cross streets.
• The path ends about 2/10 mile from the Towns End Drive Trailhead on the south path but there is no crosswalk. To reach the trailhead, proceed very carefully across US 321, or return to the underpass.

Covered Bridge to Riverwalk and Arboretum

Trail at Sunshine Covered Bridge

Little River

 

Trailhead

 

Typical historic sign

Special Peoples Park

 

 

Approaching the underpass

 

Riverwalk/Arboretum

Riverwalk and Arboretum to Trail End

Path returns to roadside

 

Shops, restaurants

Passing Little River Railroad Museum

 

Welcome Center

Shopping, grocery

 

Trail end

Nearby Places of Interest

Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum

The Little River Railroad & Lumber Company, founded in 1901 and operating for 38 years, became one of the largest commercial logging operations in southern Appalachia. It was key to the formation of Townsend (named after the company's founder) and subsequent growth of tourism and resorts along the Little River.

The Museum is a non-profit organization founded in 1982 to preserve the history of the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company, and of life on the Little River. Free admission. More Information.

Townsend Riverwalk and Arboretum

Townsend Riverwalk is a nature trail extending for 3/10 mile between the Little River and Townsend Historical Trail, along the roadbed of Old Highway 73. Maintained by local garden clubs and volunteers, it's recognized as a Tennessee Certified Arboretum. Additions over the years include azalea and pollinator gardens, river view deck, and a Children's Discovery Garden. Easy walk, shaded with scenic river views. No bikes. More information.

In the Gardens

Townsend Riverwalk and Arboretum

 

Ole 73 Trail Roadside Rest

Pollinator garden

Children's Discovery area

Fairy village

 

 

Along the Riverwalk

Townsend Riverwalk

 

 

 

 

 

Up to trail / US 321

Tuckaleechee Caverns

“The Greatest Site Under the Smokies”

the Tuckaleechee Caverns are the highest rated cave or cavern system east of the Mississippi River. Originally used by the Cherokee, they were rediscovered by sawmill workers and eventually opened for tours in 1953, 1.25 miles round-trip. Maintaining a 58-degree temperature year-round, it's also a great escape on hot days.

• 'The "Big Room" is a cavern large enough to almost house a football field, with stalagmites reaching 24 feet.
• The “Silver Falls” is a 210-foot two-tier waterfall, the tallest underground waterfall in the Eastern U.S.

More information.

Cades Cove

Townsend is a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Cades Cove is a must-visit. This is a popular drive, but the 11-mile loop road is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays - a wonderful bike ride, scenic and historic. Wildlife viewing includes bear and elk - keep your distance! See our report here.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Biking:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Cades Cove
Bike-Tennessee - More information about biking in Tennessee

Related Resources:
Explore Townsend - Cycling in Townsend
Townsend Visitor Center
Smoky Mountains Visitor Center at Townsend

Support and Advocacy:
Townsend/Cades Cove Gateway Alliance