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Other Area Attractions:

Cades Cove is located approximately 8 miles from Townsend in the National Park. Cades Cove is an 11 - mile loop road open to auto, bicycle and foot traffic every day of the year from sunup to sundown. This open-air museum depicts the lifestyle of an early mountain community and its people. Many old homesteads and churches are open to the public. The mountains serve as a picturesque backdrop to this Cove, where wildlife is best seen in the early mornings and evenings. There are plenty of pull offs and hiking trails in which to view wildflowers and waterfalls. On Wednesdays and Saturdays during May through September, the loop is reserved for hikers and bicyclist from sunup to 10am only. Auto traffic on those days is permitted in Cades Cove after 10am. Bicycles may be rented at the Bike Shop.

The Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center opened in Townsend in 2006. The museum provides a wonderful way to view the unique history and rich culture of the residents and Native Americans who inhabited the East Tennessee mountain communities that were incorporated into the Great Smoky Mountains Nation Park and its surroundings. Information and a schedule of events can be found on their website.

ChristyFest™ Special! Show badge to get 1/2 price adult admission to GSMHC!

Tremont Institute - A few miles into the National Park through the Townsend entrance is the Tremont Institute. Operated by the Great Smoky Mountains National Institute, it is a great place to visit for information about the park's natural habitat and wildlife. Tremont provides a wonderful diversity of environmental programs for everyone from young children to elder groups. (423) 448-6709.

Little River Railroad and Train Museum - This non-profit corporation was founded in 1982 to preserve the heritage of the Little River Lumber Company and the Little River Railroad. The museum contains many artifacts related to trains and the history of Townsend as a logging community. (423) 448-2211

Directions: Located on Hwy 321 in the middle of Townsend.

Bike Trail - Townsend bicycle trail runs parallel to Lamar Alexander Parkway (Hwy 321) with road signs denoting beginning and end. Approximately 3 miles long, it is a well paved trail with short hills. Has a scenic view of the beautiful Townsend attractions. Also good for walking and jogging.

The Little River - Water recreation is abundant and a great way to cool off in the heat and humidity of the summer months. The Little River runs down from the mountains, straight through the center of Townsend. There are a number of outfitters located along Lamar Alexander Parkway that will equip you with what you need for a day of fly-fishing, tubing, or kayaking. Or you can trek into the National park and cool off in one of the many swimming holes, a local favorite being the "Y".

Foothills Parkway/Look Rock - Foothills Parkway is located off Highway 321, just west of Townsend and provides some spectacular views of the Smokies. The parkway extends 18 miles up Chilhowee Mountain, and includes numerous scenic pull-offs along the way. The highlight of the parkway is Look Rock, where visitors can trek the easy one-half mile trail to the observation tower. The trail provides many views of the mountains and various flora. At the top, one is rewarded with a panoramic 360-degree view of the mountains and valley. On a clear day, you can see up to 22 miles away to Clingman's dome, the highest dome in the park.

Del Rio in Cocke County, TN, is the location where the real life story of Christy took place (El Pano). A few of the buildings depicted in the novel are in Del Rio - such as Mrs. Tatum's boarding house, the General Store, and the train tracks. In Chapel Hollow you will find the actual church, Ebenezer Mission Baptist Church, and the mission site on which the Click [O'Teale cabin] is still standing. You may also meet Larry Myers, the grandson of Flora Corn, who was the inspiration for Fairlight Spencer. Mr. Myers still lives on the old mission property and is always gracious in welcoming visitors.

Please note a visit to Del Rio is often part of ChristyFest™ and we encourage you to come along at that time if you can to ensure you meet Larry and see the property during this special group event.

Museum of Appalachia - Located 16 miles north of Knoxville in Norris, TN. Opened in the late 1960s, this outdoor museum has grown to 65 acres, and includes dozens of authentic log structures, a large Display Building, an extensive Craft and Antique Shop, a Restaurant, the popular Appalachian Hall of Fame Building, the People's Building, and over a quarter million items. It is committed to the preservation of the Appalachian Heritage and Culture. In 1995, it was the filming site of the Christy episode, "Echoes", and still has memorabilia from the series on display. Open daily from 8am to 5pm.

Pigeon Forge - Home of Dollywood, numerous outlet malls, and lots of family amusements and attractions.

Directions: From Townsend Visitors Center, take right onto Lamar Alexander Parkway. Take left at Hwy 321 sign. This road will take you all the way into Pigeon Forge.

Gatlinburg - A popular destination for many travelers. There are numerous attractions, restaurants, and shops to explore. Haunted mansions, museums, and arcades will also keep the younger set busy.

Directions: From Townsend Visitors Center, take right onto Lamar Alexander Parkway. Head out of Townsend into National Park. Follow signs to Gatlinburg. It is only a few miles through the Park.

Sugarlands Visitor Center - in Gatlinburg (approx. 1.5 miles from Townsend). At Sugarlands, you can view a short film on the park. Interesting exhibits of animals, plants, flowers, and trees native to the Smokies. Informative material including books, trails, maps, and auto tour booklets is available.

Directions: Follow directions to Gatlinburg. Visitor Center is in Park before you reach Gatlinburg.