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lindy46 · 04-14-2019, 08:02 AM

We live in Townsend, about 20 miles from Gatlinburg and 15 miles from Pigeon Forge - "the Peaceful Side of the Smokies". If you want glitz, glamour, sensory overload and TRAFFIC by all means stay in Pigeon Forge. Campgrounds off Wears Valley Road are a little less hectic, and there are several campgrounds in Wears Valley (9 miles from Pigeon Forge) where it is more laid back. Most of the campgrounds around Gatlinburg are east of town on Hwy321, and it's less congested out there. There is shuttle service into town. Townsend has many nice campgrounds, and there is none of the Glitz of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. It is 9 miles from Cades Cove, the most visited spot in the Smokies. You have the best chance of seeing Bears in Cades Cove. Townsend is more directed toward folks interested in nature and the history of the area. There is Tuckaleechee Caverns, Little River Railroad Museum, horseback riding and the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center which has a museum and historic village outside with 13 historic buildings you can go through.

04-14-2019, 08:02 AM	#21
lindy46 Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Tennessee Posts: 65	We live in Townsend, about 20 miles from Gatlinburg and 15 miles from Pigeon Forge - "the Peaceful Side of the Smokies". If you want glitz, glamour, sensory overload and TRAFFIC by all means stay in Pigeon Forge. Campgrounds off Wears Valley Road are a little less hectic, and there are several campgrounds in Wears Valley (9 miles from Pigeon Forge) where it is more laid back. Most of the campgrounds around Gatlinburg are east of town on Hwy321, and it's less congested out there. There is shuttle service into town. Townsend has many nice campgrounds, and there is none of the Glitz of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. It is 9 miles from Cades Cove, the most visited spot in the Smokies. You have the best chance of seeing Bears in Cades Cove. Townsend is more directed toward folks interested in nature and the history of the area. There is Tuckaleechee Caverns, Little River Railroad Museum, horseback riding and the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center which has a museum and historic village outside with 13 historic buildings you can go through.