6 Best Towns in Tennessee to Visit in 2024
The landlocked southeastern US state of Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State and is the hometown for the delicious treats known as Moon Pies. It’s a state with a bustling country music scene, endless attractions for outdoor sports enthusiasts, and rich historical lore that has been passed down for generations. Yet, some of the best towns for travelers visiting Tennessee are the small ones hidden in areas like the Blue Ridge Mountains or situated in the flat Cumberland Plateau. Often overlooked, these 6 Tennessee towns each have their own charm and are ones you should make plans to visit during 2024!
Townsend
While there are countless idyllic towns in Tennessee, Townsend stands out as the perfect gateway to some of the state’s most beautiful mountains. In fact, Townsend is unofficially referred to as ‘the peaceful side of the Smokies,’ thanks to its location right near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the entire country! Townsend is also nicknamed the ‘gateway to Cades Cove,’ a very unique location that is one of the United States’ historic natural resources. Today, Townsend is a tiny town nestled into the stunning mountain landscape and has just over 500 residents who call the area home year-round.
There’s no doubt that the vast number of outdoor activities and scenic views in Townsend set it apart from other towns in Tennessee. While visiting, travelers have a huge selection of hiking trails to explore, ranging from beginner trails to more strenuous treks at areas like Brushy Mountain and Rainbow Falls. If you happen to visit during the late spring, taking one of the popular wildflower walks is a must! The Schoolhouse Gap Trail is an easy 2.2-mile loop at Cades Cove with amazing wildflowers that bloom from March to July. Interested in learning more about the area’s history? The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is a museum with informative exhibits and a historic village.
Tullahoma
Situated in both Coffee and Franklin counties, Tullahoma is a Tennessee town with a population of roughly 20,000 people. Don’t let the population fool you, however, as Tullahoma is a small town in the south-central portion of the state that strives to keep its rural feel. Tullahoma also has a rich history tied to the Civil War and World War II, even becoming the headquarters for General Braxton Bragg of the Army of Tennessee. Modern Tullahoma remains a quaint town with several thriving industries, including aeronautics and aviation. The Beechcraft Heritage Museum is the best place to learn about the town's aviation history and experience the interactive exhibits.
Visiting Tullahoma during the warmer months? The weekly Farmers Market of Tullahoma is a great opportunity to meet some of the friendly locals and purchase locally-grown produce and handmade goods. The market is open on Mondays from April to September. The Mitchell Museum is another great location in Tullahoma that provides an opportunity to learn more about the town’s history. Another Tullahoma attraction that sets it apart from other towns is the Short Springs State Natural Area, home hiking trails that lead to an incredible waterfall. The park is well-maintained and has a parking lot. It also offers an opportunity to see the wildflower blooms during late spring.
Lynchburg
Lynchburg is another Tennessee town that takes pride in keeping a family-friendly, small-town feel. Yet, even with its small population and focus on classic values, this town landed on the map thanks to being the home of the Jack Daniels Distillery. This specific distillery is the oldest registered distillery in the US, with over 250,000 visitors annually! The Jack Daniels Distillery offers tours of the plant and tasting opportunities through various ticket options. After taking a tour of the distillery, another must-see location is the Lynchburg City Cemetery. This peaceful historic cemetery is one of the town's historic locations and the home of Jack Daniels’s grave.
Those who want to learn more about the town’s military history can head over to the Moore County Veterans War Memorial, located across from the Moore County Courthouse. This memorial pays respects to the war veterans of Moore County and is located in a quaint area of the town’s center square. Another family-friendly activity where you can learn about the town’s past is at the Moore County Old Jail Museum, an attraction listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building operated as an actual jail until the early 1990s when it transitioned to a museum with exhibits of artifacts from decades throughout time.
Gatlinburg
Nature lovers can’t miss a chance to visit one of Tennessee’s true hidden gems, Gatlinburg. This mountain town has a population of just under 4,000 people and sits in the eastern portion of the state. Like other Tennessee towns, Gatlinburg has historical roots tied to the Confederacy during the Civil War until late 1863. Today, Gatlinburg is a unique hub of outdoor activities and historic charm. The town’s downtown section is filled with restaurants, shops, art, and entertainment, while the outskirts provide a door to the Smoky Mountains and miles of hiking trails. Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is easy from Gatlinburg and provides 520,000 acres of breathtaking views.
If you’re a thrill seeker and prefer a birds-eye view of the Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is an ideal attraction. This observation deck is 407 feet high and provides visitors with an incredible 360 view of the Smoky Mountains and the entire town itself. The Gatlinburg Space Needle has elevators that take you to the top or two open-air staircases leading up the 98 flights. Another outside-the-box spot that’s great for the whole family is the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. This museum has over 20,000 salt and pepper shakers with different themes, and the admission price goes towards a personal purchase in the gift shop.
Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains is the perfect tiny town for a peaceful getaway in East Tennessee. Located in Monroe County and maintaining a population of under 1,000 residents, Tellico Plains is a mountain town that also features farmlands and beautiful countryside. The combination of modern shops in the historic downtown section and the countless outdoor activities make Tellico Plains a great travel destination for all ages and interest levels. In fact, the town’s unofficial nickname is the “little town with the big backyard,” a phrase that perfectly describes the area. One of the most popular local attractions is the Cherokee National Forest, a 650,000-acre with hiking trails, campgrounds, and whitewater rivers.
Another popular spot in Tellico Plains you can’t find anywhere else in the state is the Bald River Falls in the Cherokee National Forest. This stunning waterfall is 90 feet tall and a prime location for photography, hiking, and just sitting back to take in the scenery. The Conasauga Falls Trail is another waterfall in Tellico Plains, situated on a beginner-friendly, 1.3-mile trail. Lastly, history buffs should plan to spend some time at the Charles Hall Museum, a museum focused on preserving Appalachian history. The exhibits at the museum are informative, and it is an NPS-certified site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
Rogersville
Rogersville is a town in Hawkins County that is known for being the second-oldest in the state. The town’s rich history is tied to being home to the state’s first newspaper, The Knoxville Gazette, and also the site of the country’s second-oldest courthouse. Rogersville was once located on a main stage road between Washington DC and Atlanta, filling the downtown section with taverns and inns for lodging. Today, Rogersville has maintained beautiful architecture for visitors and residents to enjoy, and the brick downtown sidewalks remain one of the most popular attractions. While you’re visiting the town, pay a visit to the Tennessee Newspaper and Printing Museum to see exhibits with one-of-a-kind historical artifacts.
A great way to see the town’s beauty while taking in the fresh air is by stopping at Crockett Spring Park. This 281-acre property is a well-known spot for photographers and weddings due to the beautiful landscape and iconic gazebo. The Hale Springs Inn is another attraction you can’t see anywhere else in the state, as it is the site where three former presidents, Jackson, Johnson, and Polk, once lodged. The building first opened in 1824 and went on to function as a tavern, waystation, and point of interest in the town for many years.
Tennessee is a hub of incredible landscapes, ranging from the numerous mountain ranges to the flatlands near The Mississippi River. The state has its well-known cities like Memphis and Nashville, but the true hidden gem destinations lie in Tennessee’s small towns. If you’re ready to see some of the most incredible sights in the Volunteer State, be sure to add these 6 towns to your travel bucket list.
