9 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in Tennessee

The Mid-Southern state of Tennessee is a favorite place to visit for both American and international travelers. With Nashville serving as a major country music hub, people regularly come here to attend concerts. However, there is more to this state than just the capital. Tennessee also has many laid-back small towns with intriguing attractions to visit, ranging from the site of major US trials, 19th-century whisky distilleries, Appalachian Mountain views, Meriwether Lewis' old home, and more. Uncover nine of the most laid-back towns in Tennessee that make for a great weekend getaway.

Erwin

Located in Eastern Tennessee in Unicoi County, Erwin is a fantastic example of all the Appalachian Mountains have to offer. It is close to the Cherokee National Forest. Within this forest, you will find more than 700 miles of trails, seven whitewater rivers, and 30 campgrounds. One such trail is the massive Appalachian Trail which runs throughout all of the Appalachian Mountain States. Erwin is located by the Nolichucky River, which great opportunities for fishing.

There are many other places to explore in Erwin, including the Unicoi County Heritage Players and the Clinchfield Railroad Museum.

Hohenwald

Located in central Tennessee, not far from Nashville, Hohenwald is a convenient place for travelers to visit. The name means "High Forest" in German, which fits due to its connection to the forest. The town has many unique attractions related to the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition in the early 1800s. In particular, it was this town where Meriwether Lewis died for unknown reasons.

At the Lewis County Museum of Natural History, you can visit the cabin where he lived and see a huge collection of animal mounts, along with other historical artifacts from the area. Hohenwald sits on the Natchez Trace Parkway, an old Native American trail-turned park. On this trail, you can find the grave of Meriwether Lewis. Hohenwald is also home to the Elephant Sanctuary, a 2,700-acre area where elephants wander free. You can learn more about this fascinating habitat at the Discovery Center.

Lynchburg

Lynchburg was first founded in the early 1800s by Thomas Lynch and became a major center for corn and barley farming. These ingredients would prove crucial for the development of whisky distilleries in the area. Today, the town's biggest tourist attraction is the Jack Daniels Distillery, founded in the 1860s by Jasper Newton Daniel. You can get a walking tour of this historic spot and try out some spirits.

The Lynchburg Town Square has several buildings from the late 1800s you can explore, including the Moore County Jail and Moore County Courthouse. If you would rather get out into nature, try out Tims Ford State Park, which contains Tims Ford Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the state. Lastly, pick yourself up a souvenir at Jack Daniel's Lynchburg Hardware and General Store.

Dayton

Located in Rhea County, Dayton played a significant role in the American Civil War. For one, it largely supported the Confederacy and raised a women's cavalry company called the Rhea County Spartans. The most famous historical event to take place in Dayton was the Scopes Trial, more commonly known as the Monkey Trials. During this trial in 1925, a teacher named John Thomas Scopes was accused of teaching evolution in class.

You can learn more about this trial at the Scopes Trial Museum housed within the historic Rhea County Courthouse. Dayton is a relaxing town located by Lake Chickamauga, where you can spend a day fishing for bass. For other activities, you can go for a hike at the Swinging Bridge Park or pick flowers from the Lorenzen Flower Farm.

Leiper's Fork

The village of Leiper's Fork has a distinctly vintage feel that makes for a great weekend getaway. The area was first settled by Americans by Colonel Jesse Steed in the 1790s and was first called Benton Town. When you enter the town today, you will see antique Welcome Cars that you can snap a selfie at. Within the town proper, you can visit a gas station that has been transformed into an art gallery called Leiper's Creek Gallery. This welcoming gallery has a fire pit that has s'mores for guests to eat.

You will also find Leiper's Fork Distillery, a 200-year old business that you can tour and taste local drinks. The town is built right on the Natchez Trace Parkway, with the Garrison Creek Loop Trail offering a great opportunity to get out in nature. You can also see the double arch Natchez Trace Bridge nearby. Lastly, visit the Tennessee Turquoise Company to get your hands on a turquoise squash blossom necklace, along with other unique gifts.

Cookeville

This town is a treasure trove for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Cookeville was slowly settled during the 1700s and 1800s, before being incorporated in 1856. Cookeville was a major railway hub, which you can learn about at the Cookeville Depot Museum or the Cookeville History Museum. You can also explore the historic courthouse square, post office, and residential districts. When it comes to outdoor attractions, Cookeville is most known for its waterfalls.

There are more than 150 waterfalls in the wider area, which are easily accessible at several state parks, including Burgess Falls State Park, Cummins Falls State Park, Rock Island State Park, and others.

Jonesborough

Jonesborough is the oldest settlement in the state of Tennessee. William and Lydia Bean first set up a cabin in the area in 1769, and the town itself was established in 1779, 17 years before Tennessee became a state. As the oldest town, Jonesborough keeps the traditions of Tennessee alive through storytelling. You can hear many of these stories firsthand at the International Storytelling Center, which features revolving lineups of the best storytellers.

The town hosts the National Storytelling Festival in October, which makes it an ideal time to visit. History buffs will love exploring this town's hidden gems, such as Chester Inn, which was visited by famous Americans such as President Andrew Jackson. The town is close to the David Crockett Birthplace State Park and Cherokee National Forest for those who want to explore further.

Rogersville

Rogersville is the second oldest town in the state. It was first settled in 1775 by Joseph Rogers, Davis, and Elizabeth Crockett, the grandparents of the famous Davy Crockett. The town was officially chartered in 1789 and became the home of the first newspaper in Tennessee: The Knoxville Gazette. Today, you can see many historic sites in Rogersville, such as Crockett Springs Park, where the Crockett grandparents built their log cabin.

On Main Street, you can see buildings going back to the 1700s, such as Rogers Tavern, built in 1786. You can also enjoy a meal at the Amis Mill Eatery, which is part of the Thomas Amis house built in 1781. Lastly, check out the Local Artists Gallery in the downtown area to see works inspired by the Appalachian Mountains.

Townsend

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the biggest attractions in the wider Appalachian area and, as a result, tends to draw a lot of guests in the towns nearby. As a result, these towns can get fairly busy and crowded. Townsend, meanwhile, prides itself on being a more "peaceful" entrance to the Smoky Mountains. It is closest to Cade's Cave, a valley within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that has picturesque trails, historic cabins, and local wildlife such as black bears, elk, and more.

Beyond the mountains, you can also go underground and explore the Tuckaleechee Caverns or go tubing with Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing. Townsend has many great indoor attractions for when your feet get tired, such as the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, the Little River Railroad and Lumber Museum, and the Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe, which sells locally-made products.

Sometimes, the best treasures aren't found in big, flashy cities but instead in smaller communities that keep old traditions alive. This is certainly the case in these laid-back Tennessee towns. By going on a road trip through Tennessee, you can enjoy a story in Jonesborough, see black bears in Townsend, follow the footsteps of Davy Crockett's lineage in Townsend, or learn about the infamous Monkey Trials in Dayton. And with the town's laid-back atmosphere, you won't feel rushed or exhausted after a day of exploring.