The 10 Best Tennessee Mountain Towns To Visit This Year

These spots aren't short on history, scenery, and relaxation.

Tennessee is filled with beautiful spots to visit along the 440 miles it stretches east from the Mississippi River to the Appalachian Mountains. Travelers flock to its mountainous peaks and valleys in the eastern half of the state for scenic views, peaceful hiking trails, and quaint mountain towns. With several national and state parks, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, the Volunteer State is a perfect escape for your next mountain getaway. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or ample activities, these 10 Tennessee mountain towns are the best spots to rest your head.

Townsend

Townsend, Tennessee, is lovingly referred to as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” given its more rural vibe compared to its tourism-driven neighbors. If you’re looking for quick access to the 11-mile drive through Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend puts you at its front door. Treat yourself to a night at Dancing Bear Lodge and grab lunch at The Townsend Abbey, housed within the old Heartland Little River Wedding Chapel.

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Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is your Smoky Mountain getaway if you’re looking for a stay packed with fun attractions like alpine coasters, a family-friendly visit to Dollywood, and all the pancakes you could possibly eat. Stay at Camp Margaritaville for easy access to both the national park and all the shopping and amenities the town has to offer. Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge for a ride on its 200-foot-high observation wheel.

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Cumberland Gap

Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, is tucked in the valley below Cumberland Gap National Historical Park at the meeting of the state borders for Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. Stay in the late 1800s tongue-and-groove wood house of the Olde Mill Inn Bed & Breakfast for easy access to the town’s restaurants and shops. Take a drive to Pinnacles Overlook for a gorgeous view of the town tucked below and the Smoky Mountains in the distance on a clear day.

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Rugby

Rugby, Tennessee, is the state’s quirky little mountain town with British Isles charm, founded in 1880 by British author Thomas Hughes. Stop by the Historic Rugby Visitor Centre for a guided tour of the town, including Hughes’s 1884 Kingstone Lisle Victorian home and the 1887 Christ Church Episcopal. Enjoy quick access to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area’s 125,000 acres of Cumberland Plateau wilderness with a 2.1-mile hiking loop to Gentleman’s Swimming Hole.

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Jonesborough

Jonesborough, Tennessee, is the state’s oldest town and offers quick access to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Cherokee National Forest, as well as hiking trails in the local 130-acre Persimmon Ridge Park. Plan for a stay at the Historic Eureka Inn conveniently located on Main Street. You can learn more about the town’s railroad history at the Chuckey Depot Museum or take a walking tour of the town at the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum. The town is best known for its October National Storytelling Festival, which brings mountain tales from near and far to the stage.

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Johnson City

Johnson City, Tennessee, is the big brother of Jonesborough and the best Tennessee getaway for mountain bikers, with miles of trails at Tannery Knobs. Enjoy a more leisurely bike ride on the Tweetsie Trail, a former railroad bed through town, or spend your day hiking at Buffalo Mountain Park. After your fun in the mountains, relax downtown with a beer at Yee-Haw Brewing Company.

Bristol

Bristol, Tennessee, is the perfect mountain town for fly fishers and country music lovers. Stay at the South Holston River Lodge for professionally guided fly fishing excursions included with luxury accommodations and delicious food. While in town, visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and grab a sweet treat at Blackbird Bakery just over the state line in Virginia—a quick stroll across State Street.

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Chattanooga

Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers an excellent balance between outdoor adventure and city amenities. Walk the Walnut Street Bridge over the Tennessee River, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare with beautiful views. Accommodations at The Edwin Hotel will put you within steps of the bridge and offer an artsy boutique stay. Don’t forget to make time for a visit to Lookout Mountain and its magical Ruby Falls—the tallest cave waterfall open to the public in the United States.

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Sewanee

Sewanee, Tennessee, is a nature-lover’s paradise. Visit the Sewanee Memorial Cross towering on a well-manicured hill on the University of the South’s campus or take a 2.2-mile out-and-back hike to see the beauty of Bridal Veil Falls. Cyclists may enjoy a stay at the town’s Sewanee Bicycle House. For a more traditional stay, rest your head at The Sewanee Inn.

Ducktown

Ducktown, Tennessee, is tucked in the southeast corner of the state surrounded by Cherokee National Forest, making it perfect for mountain lovers longing for a rustic weekend away. For some adventure, schedule a whitewater rafting trip with Wildwater Ltd. along the Ocoee River. Rest your head at The Company House Bed & Breakfast Inn or find a nearby campground.

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