About Townsend and Cades Cove

    Situated on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend is a peaceful mountain community rich with nature and down-home spirit.  The people are friendly and helpful to our visitors, resulting in families returning time and again.

    There is quite a lot to do in Townsend, whether it be hiking the many park trails, riding the community-long bike trail, horseback riding, tubing the Little River, browsing the dozens of quaint shops, or simply exploring the area.  If you enjoy a faster pace, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are only thirty minutes away.

    Townsend is the closest town to Cades Cove, the historic pioneer settlement of the early inhabitants of the area.  The cove has an eleven mile, one-way paved road that takes visitors back in time to when life was rustic and families depended upon one another to survive. 

    Picturesque views and lush, untouched plant life complement the scenic drive.  Visitors can tour the pioneer structures while enjoying the abundant wildlife in the area.  The Cades Cove loop can be enjoyed by car, bicycle, or even on foot.  Be sure to bring your camera, because black bears and deer are often seen!

Whatever you choose to do, you will look forward to returning to Mountain Dreams to rock away the evening on the porch or maybe soak your weary muscles in the hot tub under the trees and stars.