Townsend, Tennessee is a small city in Blount County, often described as a peaceful, scenic gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. Here are some details and things people like about it:

Basic Facts

• Townsend was founded in 1901, and incorporated in 1921.

• It’s named for Wilson B. Townsend.

• As of the 2020 census, its population was about 550.

• Area is roughly 5.16 km² (about 2 square miles), all land.

• Elevation is about 1,076 feet.

Location & Setting

• Townsend sits in Tuckaleechee Cove, alongside the Little River.

• It’s one of the “gateways” to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and most notably Cades Cove.

• The main road through Townsend is US 321 / Tennessee 73, which connects to other towns and park entrances.

What to Do & Why People Like It

Townsend is popular with folks who want to enjoy nature and get away from big tourist crowds. Here’s what draws people there:

• Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center— A museum preserving Appalachian culture and history, Native American artifacts, pioneer life, etc.

• Tuckaleechee Caverns — Big caverns with impressive stalagmites, flowstones, etc.

• Outdoor recreation: hiking, biking, fishing, swimming in Little River, tubing, horseback riding, River Walk.

• Scenic drives and viewpoints, especially via Foothills Parkway.

• Local events and artisan / culture stuff: craft shops, local festivals, historical sites, and museums like Little River Railroad Museum.

Character & Vibe

• A lot of people describe Townsend as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” or the “quiet gateway” to the Smokies. Less commercial, more laid‑back than Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.

• It has that small‑town, nature‑oriented feel. Good for people who want to relax, enjoy scenery, or explore without very heavy tourist traffic