Townsend, Tennessee | Preserving Heritage, Embracing Hospitality

7th Annual Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival

Join us this August for a summertime spectacle, when professional balloonist light up the evening sky with a beautiful balloon glow and spectacular tethered rides. The sky will be filled with a spectrum of color like never before, against a backdrop of a breathtaking Tennessee Smoky Mountain sunset, in beautiful Townsend, Tennessee!

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Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival

Townsend/Cades Cove Gateway Alliance

Townsend is known as the “Gateway to Cades Cove,” one of the most popular and historic natural resources anywhere in the world. This picturesque valley is surrounded by an 11-mile loop and features multiple locations to view wildlife and enjoy the natural scenery. You may encounter white-tailed deer, elk, black bear, groundhog, coyote, wild turkey, skunk, raccoon and other animals on this gorgeous drive!

Cades Cove

Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

According to the National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America. Established in 1934, the park is located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and encompasses over 500 thousand acres. Browse our website to see the hikes, rivers, drives and sights that the Smokies has to offer!

The Smokies

Smoky Mountains

Hiking in the Smokies

Located at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is a hiking destination in the Southeast with trails fit for every kind of adventurer. Whether you’re looking for a one-mile or 70-mile hike, you will surely find a trail perfect for you. Local favorites include Mt. LeConte, Chimney Tops, Charlie’s Bunion, Abrams Falls and dozens more!

Hiking Trails

Hiking in the Smokies

Experiences in Townsend

Whether you’re visiting in the winter, summer, fall or spring, Townsend always offers beautiful views and fun things to do. Summer and spring offer the perfect hiking weather, beautiful wildflowers, and fun festivals. Fall gives a display of beautiful, colorful trees while winter offers holiday magic and the chance to see snow on a mountain top. Any time of the year, it’s a great place to visit.

Fishing

Hiking

Cycling

Golfing

Dining

Camping

The Talk of Townsend

Whether it’s a book recommendation, a round-up of the best hikes in the national park, or the newest mountain bike park opening up, there’s always something to talk about in Townsend! Read the Talk of Townsend to get caught up.

7th Annual Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival

Join us this August for a summertime spectacle, when professional balloonist light up the evening sky with a beautiful balloon glow and spectacular tethered rides. The sky will be filled with a spectrum of color like never before, against a backdrop of a breathtaking Tennessee Smoky Mountain sunset, in beautiful Townsend, Tennessee!