Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday Blog
Enjoy the peaceful side of the Smokies! RV sites start at just $50.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From Maryville, US 321 N toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 1 mile straight through stoplight on Hwy 73.
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When crisp mountain air arrives and the forests begin turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, there’s no better time to visit Townsend, Tennessee. Known as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, Townsend offers a slower-paced way to experience the beauty of fall, with easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and some of the region’s most spectacular autumn scenery.
Fall is already beginning to make its appearance at higher elevations, and as the season progresses, color will gradually work its way down the mountains and into the valleys. From scenic drives and hiking trails to relaxing evenings around the campfire, fall is the perfect time to enjoy a getaway at Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday.
The first signs of fall are already appearing in the higher elevations of the Smokies, with scattered red, orange, and yellow leaves beginning to emerge. Because the Smokies have such dramatic changes in elevation, the fall color arrives gradually rather than all at once.
As autumn progresses, the colorful display moves from the higher mountain peaks toward Townsend and the surrounding valleys. Peak color generally occurs from mid-October into early November, giving visitors several weeks to enjoy the changing landscape.
If you want to experience the Smokies as they transition into fall, now is a great time to start planning your trip. Early-season visitors can enjoy the first hints of color, while those visiting later in the season can experience the mountains at their most vibrant.
Townsend is an ideal home base for exploring the fall beauty of the Smokies. Whether you prefer a scenic drive, a peaceful hike, or simply taking in the views, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season.
Cades Cove
Just a short drive from Townsend, Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The scenic 11-mile loop takes you through an expansive mountain valley surrounded by colorful forests and peaks. Along the way, you’ll find historic cabins, churches, open meadows, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
Foothills Parkway
For incredible panoramic views of the Smokies, take a drive along the Foothills Parkway. The elevated roadway offers sweeping views of the mountains and valleys below, making it an especially beautiful route when the fall colors are on full display. Bring your camera and allow plenty of time to stop at the overlooks.
Little River Road
Connecting Townsend and Gatlinburg, Little River Road follows the Little River through the mountains. The winding road features beautiful forests, mountain streams, waterfalls, and numerous pull-offs where you can stop and enjoy the scenery. In autumn, the colorful trees make this a memorable scenic drive.
Laurel Falls
If you’re looking to stretch your legs and enjoy the fall foliage on foot, consider a hike through the Smokies. Trails throughout the park offer opportunities to walk beneath colorful forests and alongside mountain streams. Laurel Falls is one of the area's best-known hikes and provides a beautiful destination along the way.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Of course, sometimes the best way to see fall color is simply to get out and explore. With hundreds of miles of trails, scenic roads, overlooks, and historic areas, the national park offers endless opportunities to experience autumn in the mountains.
Fall in Townsend is about enjoying the outdoors, embracing the slower pace, and experiencing the natural beauty of the Smokies. Spend your days exploring the national park, then return to town for local food, music, history, and seasonal activities.
During your fall getaway, you can:
Townsend is also a great choice for travelers who want to experience the Smokies without the hustle and bustle of some of the area's busier mountain towns.
Make Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday your home base for a fall camping getaway on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. After a day of exploring the mountains, come back to camp, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasures of an autumn evening outdoors.
Choose a comfortable campsite or cabin and settle in for a peaceful Smoky Mountain escape. With the national park and Townsend's attractions nearby, you’ll have easy access to scenic drives, hiking, wildlife viewing, and fall adventures.
And when the day is done, gather around the fire, enjoy the crisp mountain air, and take in the peaceful surroundings.
From the first leaves changing high in the mountains to the vibrant colors that eventually fill the valleys, fall is a beautiful time to experience Townsend and the Smokies.
Whether you’re planning a weekend of leaf peeping, an outdoor adventure, or simply a relaxing camping getaway, Townsend offers a quieter way to enjoy the magic of autumn.
The leaves are already beginning to turn—so don’t wait to plan your fall escape. Book your stay at Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday and experience fall on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
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