Mountain Travel Guide
Retreat Center’s Guidebook to the Smokies 945 Cavern Rd Townsend, TN 37882 865.448.6442 800.487.6659 Welcome! Located in Townsend, TN, Tuckaleechee Retreat Center sits at approximately 1400 ft elevation. Situated on the side of Little Mountain in Dry Valley, it provides beautiful views and peaceful surroundings. While the opportunities for fun and adventure in the Smoky Mountains of Eastern Tennessee are ENDLESS, we have gathered our favorites in this book to help you plan your amazing getaway. For additional ideas and attractions, use your web browser to search for “Things to do in Townsend, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Maryville, or Knoxville.” While we update the guidebook regularly, all prices, coupons, and info in this book are subject to change. 1
Table of Con- Art Galleries………………………………………………………………………………………. 30 Bears in the Smokies……………………………………………………………………………. 11 Catering……………………………………………………………………………………….…… 18 Churches…………………………………………………………………………………….…….. 26 Coffee & Sweets ………………………………………………………………………….……… 19 Discounts & Coupons Info.………………………………………………………………. 36 & 37 Fishing…………………………………………………………………...………………….. 12 & 13 Gatlinburg…………………………………………………………………………………… 34 & 35 Golf…………………………………………………………………………………...…….………. 25 Great Smoky Mountains National Park……………………..……………………….……. 8 & 9 Groceries…………………………………………………………………………………..... 20 & 21 Hiking Trails……………………………………………………………………………….... 10 & 11 Horseback Riding…………………………………………………………………………..….… 24 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………...……. 1 Local Culture Experiences……………………………………………………………………….. 7 Maps……………………………………………………………………………….………..…... 4 & 5 Massage and Spa……………………………………………………………………………..….. 31 Movie Theaters...……………………………………………………………………………..…… 30 Museums & More……………………………………………………………………..…...……… 27 Picnic Areas…………………………………………………………………………….…… 16 & 17 Pigeon Forge……………………………………………………………………….……….. 32 & 33 Restaurants…………………………………………………………………………….……. 22 & 23 Scenic Drives………………………………………………………………………….…….. 14 & 15 Seasons & Weather in the Smokies ...……………………………………………..………..….. 6 Shopping……………………………………………………………………………………... 28 & 29 Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………...…………… 2 Watersports………………………………………………………………………………………… 25 2
Tuckaleechee Retreat Center is… Nearest Airports 50 minutes from Knoxville, TN McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville, TN 30 minutes from Maryville, TN 30 minutes from TRC 35 minutes from Pigeon Forge, TN Tri-Cities Airport, Blountville, TN 50 minutes from Gatlinburg, TN 2 hours from TRC 45 minutes from Sevierville, TN Asheville Regional Airport, Asheville, NC 1.5 hours from Cherokee, NC 2.5 hours from TRC 2 hours from Chattanooga, TN Nashville International Airport, Nashville, TN 3 hours from Nashville, TN 3 hours from TRC 3
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SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN WINTER Considered by some to be the most exciting time of the year, springtime offers the opportunity to experience the Townsend region at its finest. Wildflowers such as Mountain Phlox, Dwarf Irises, Trilliums, Daffodils, and Pink Lady Slippers form a blanket of color on the hillsides. Toward the end of the season, the Dogwoods, Redbuds, and Azaleas are in bloom. A walk through the woods reveals young wood ducks, turkeys, ruffed grouse, rabbits, and if you are lucky, a glimpse of bear cubs playing on the hillside. The climate is cool and comfortable with the average daily temperature ranging from 41°F to 69°F. The climate is pleasant with temperatures usually around a low of 62°F & a high of 85°F. July is the warmest month of the year. An abundance of wildlife can be seen in the Townsend region at this time including rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, creek otters, red foxes, and turkeys. The best time to see deer is early in the morning or at dusk. Occasionally, you will see a bear; however, they are generally a nocturnal animal. Over 100 species of birds reside in the Townsend region including red-tailed hawks, yellow finches, red-headed woodpeckers, indigo buntings, and a variety of owls. When Autumn arrives, the Townsend region is transformed into a glorious display of brilliant color. The colorful mountains are truly a spectacle to behold. A walk through the woods is especially enjoyable at this time as the average daily temperature is 44°F to 69°F. In Autumn, the woods abound with wildlife as all the animals are preparing for the winter. Fall flowers are in full bloom and the air is clear and dry. The cool evenings are perfect for gathering around the campfire for s’mores and songs. Winters are mild in Townsend. Very often, snow falls only in the higher elevations. Approximately 12 inches of snow falls annually; however, this usually comes in amounts of less than 4 inches at one time. The coldest weather occurs in the month of January. The average low is 25°F and average high is 46°F. A breathtaking sight is the mountains covered with snow. Visit Dollywood, where 5 million Christmas lights sparkle in the night sky. Whether trail hiking in the crisp air, skiing at Ober Gatlinburg, or curled up next to a warm fire, winter in the Townsend area is truly an enjoyable experience. 6
Rocky Branch Mountain Music One of the best-kept secrets in the Smoky Mountains, you won’t want to miss this lively Friday night bluegrass jam session. Open to the public and by donation only, come experience mountain music by the locals. 6PM EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT! For location address and more info: rockybranchmountainmusic.com/Home Dark Island Swinging Bridge As a rare and historical spot in Townsend, you can enjoy the Little River from the Dark Island Swinging Bridge. This bridge, treasured by local residents, is free and open to the public. For location and more info: smokymountains.org/a-stop-for-the-brave-of-heart-dark-islandswinging-bridge/ Important Info If your cabin does not have a washer/dryer, the Townsend Laundromat is located 10 minutes away at 8025 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, 37882. 865.336.2074 Please note that some restaurants & stores in Townsend are open seasonally. Please call to confirm their hours before making final plans. To give you a true experience of the Smoky Mountain area, the stores and restaurants listed in this travel guide are not franchises. However, should you need access to chain stores or restaurants (including, but not limited to, Target, Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Best Buy, Sonic, McDonalds, etc.), you can find these business in Maryville (30 minutes away) and Knoxville (50 minutes away). 7
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