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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.82mi , Attraction : Town and Information
Map Pin
8411 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Townsend and GSM Heritage Center
Here we are in Townsend, Tennessee, often referred to as the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies," a small, charming town nestled at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Unlike its busier counterparts like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Townsend offers a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal gateway for visitors seeking a more serene experience in the Smoky Mountains. The town is surrounded by scenic landscapes, from rolling hills, to forested mountains, and offers access to popular hiking trails, rivers for tubing and fishing, and historical sites. If you are interested in visiting other points of interest that are not on the tour today, you may want to visit the Great Smokies Visitor Center, which is about 1/4 of a mile back in town.

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, our starting point, plays a significant role in preserving the cultural history and traditions of the region. The museum features exhibits that explore the heritage of the Native American Cherokee people and the early European settlers of the Smokies. With both indoor and outdoor displays, visitors can see artifacts such as tools, pottery, clothing, and reconstructed historic buildings like cabins and barns. The center is dedicated to educating visitors about the mountain communities that have shaped the area's history, making it a valuable stop for those looking to deepen their understanding of the Smokies before embarking on an exploration of the national park.

If anyone is hungry, or if you want to gas up and get snacks for the road trip, now is the time. Coming up on the left is the Burger Master, as well as The Riverstone Cafe. If you need to gas up, there is a Marathon gas station coming up on the left as well.

Ok, let’s get going, and explore the Great Smoky Mountains! Follow East Lamar Alexander Parkway, as it becomes Townsend Entrance Road.

Read More

  https://exploretownsend.com/
Place #2
Distance: 1.31mi , Attraction : River
Map Pin
224 Parkline Way, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
Little River
The picturesque stream on our left is the Little River, a mountain stream that begins high in the Great Smoky Mountains and flows through the town of Townsend. The Little River rises in Sevier County on the north slope of Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in Tennessee, at over 6,600 feet in elevation. The river flows a grand total of 59 miles before joining the Tennessee River. But approximately one mile below its source, Little River absorbs several smaller streams at an area known as "Three Forks", where the river gains considerable strength Its journey starts deep in the Smokies, where it is fed by numerous smaller streams and springs, winding through pristine forests, narrow gorges, and scenic valleys. As it flows out of the mountains, Little River becomes a central feature of Townsend, providing a peaceful, meandering waterway that adds to the town's charm.

The river is known for its clear, cool waters, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities such as tubing, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Its stretches within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer some of the most beautiful and accessible riverfront areas, perfect for picnicking or simply relaxing by the water. Anglers are drawn to Little River for its healthy populations of trout, including brook, rainbow, and brown trout, which thrive in the clean, oxygen-rich mountain waters.

Because the Little River originates from the protected area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, its pristine waters are so clean, it is a biodiversity hotspot for fish and other species. Its clean habitat is evident because some of the most sensitive fish species, darter fish, are able to survive there. In fact, recently a new species was discovered, the Percina Apina, which literally means "clean" or "without dirt". The Little River provides drinking water for the over 120,000 residents of Blount County, which is why efforts are made to protect this precious resource.

Little River also passes through some of the park's most beloved areas, including The White Oak Flats Falls, where it enhances the beauty of this historic valley. As the river flows out of the mountains into Townsend, it becomes more gentle, providing an ideal setting for families and visitors to experience the natural beauty of the Smokies in a quieter, less crowded environment.

The first pull off parking area will be approaching on the left. After crossing the bridge, bear to your left and merge onto Little River Gorge Road. There will be another place to park and explore if you wish to venture out.

Read More

  https://www.littleriverwatershed.org/the-river
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Townsend and GSM Heritage Center
Map Pin Place 2 Little River
Map Pin Place 3 Rocky Top
Map Pin Place 4 Cane Creek Twin Falls
Map Pin Place 5 Urban Legends
Map Pin Place 6 Meigs Falls
Map Pin Place 7 The Sinks
Map Pin Place 8 Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion
Map Pin Place 9 Urban Legends
Map Pin Place 10 Mannis Branch Falls
Map Pin Place 11 Elkmont Historic District
Map Pin Place 12 Spence Cabin and Ghost Stories
Map Pin Place 13 Abandonment of Elkmont
Map Pin Place 14 Fighting Creek Gap
Map Pin Place 15 Civil War
Map Pin Place 16 Foliage
Map Pin Place 17 Sugarlands Visitor Center
Map Pin Place 18 The John Ownby Cabin
Map Pin Place 19 Smokies Life and Little Rangers
Map Pin Place 20 Gatlinburg
Map Pin Place 21 Grub
Map Pin Place 22 Bye Bye



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