Trails

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or you’d just like to take an afternoon stroll to enjoy the sunshine, Townsend and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to advanced. Regardless of the trail you choose, you can enjoy the surroundings of greenery, wildlife and the magnificent mountain ranges that make the area so appealing. The 5-mile Walking/Biking Trail that runs parallel to the main highway in Townsend is perfect for those wanting an easy, paved trail for the whole family to enjoy. Trails off the beaten path include Abrams Falls, which starts in Cades Cove just a few miles from Townsend, and Chestnut Top which starts a the Townsend “Y”. Below is a list of trails with round trip mileage listed from Easy to Strenuous which can be found in or near Townsend.

Easy
Abrams Falls – 5 Miles
Cades Cove Loop Road - Features Abrams Creek walkway and Abrams Falls.

Cumberland Gap – 2 ½ Miles
Elkmont Gravel Road & 2.5 miles to Cumberland Gap Trail on Right - Features beautiful river; easy family trail.

Laurel Falls – 2 ½ Miles
Fighting Creek Gap on Little River Road above Elkmont - Features paved trail and Laurel Falls. Virgin forest lies beyond falls.

West Prong Trail – 5 ½ Miles
Smoky Mountain Institute - Features hardwood trees, creeks, and Walker Valley Cemetery.

Moderate
Chestnut Top Trail – 9 Miles
Townsend “Y” - Convenient to Townsend and wildflowers.

Gregory Bald Trail – 9 Miles
Parsons Branch Road - Features old growth forest, Gregory Bald, beautiful scenery and flame azaleas in June.

Middle Prong Trail
Smoky Mountain Institute - Features historical logging area, beautiful stream and cascades waterfall.

Russell Fields Trail – 10 Miles
Cades Cove Picnic Area - Features views of Cades Cove, Russell Field and backcountry shelter.

Strenuous
Spence Field Trail – 11 Miles
Cades Cove Picnic Area - Features Bote Mountain Trail, Spence Field and outstanding views.

Thunderhead – 14 Miles
Cades Cove picnic area - Spence Field Trail - Features Rocky Top and panoramic views.

Wildlife

Just outside of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park lies a quiet town known for the Little River and an abundance of wildlife. No matter where you turn and no matter the season, visitors will be greeted by a variety of animals and breathtaking wildflowers. And just a short drive from Townsend, even more wildlife can be found in Cades Cove. Join the many thousands of visitors that come each year to catch a glimpse of a black bear cub or a white tailed deer.

Spring brings beautiful flowers with varieties ranging from Mountain Phlox, Dwarf Irises to Pink Lady Slippers. Dogwood and Redbud trees bloom, as well as Azaleas. Wildlife includes turkeys, rabbits, wood ducks and maybe even a bear cub. Summer brings out the creek otters, red foxes, raccoons and squirrels. Take an early drive through Cades Cove and you’ll be sure to catch a glimpse of the many deer that inhabit the valley. Birdwatchers will not be disappointed with over 100 species including yellow finches, red-headed woodpeckers and a variety of owls. Once fall arrives, the trees turn vibrant shades of gold, red and yellow, and visitors will enjoy all types of wildlife as they prepare for the winter. No matter the season you choose to visit, wildlife can be found around every corner in the valleys, streams and forests. Bring your camera and take a moment to absorb these creatures in their natural habitat.