These Towns in Tennessee Come Alive in Spring

Spring is one of the best seasons to explore the great outdoors in Tennessee. During the season, nature comes alive across its small towns as the scenery returns to its natural state. As a result, residents come out of hiding to experience sunshine, and visitors troop in to explore small-town attractions, enjoy their laid-back and quaint vibes, and feel at home away from home. Some beautiful towns like Tellico Plains flaunt their unfrozen waterfalls, while the many parks of Townsend reopen for fun, and it just gets better by the day. Dive into the "The Volunteer State" by exploring these ten towns in Tennessee that come alive in spring.

Elizabethton

In Elizabethton, the county seat of Carter County, spring is not just a call to venture outdoors but a breath of fresh air. With the stunning scenery and super comfortable weather, visitors will enjoy exploring the town’s top attractions, such as Cat Island Park and David McQueen Riverside Park, which both feature gorgeous greenery, playground equipment, and pavilions. David McQueen Riverside Park even features picnic tables for relaxation and grills for cooking.

Be sure to visit and take memorable pictures at the 1882 Elizabethton Covered Bridge with the Doe River flowing beneath while enjoying picnics around the park. For more great experiences, visit the Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area to learn about the area's history, relax at picnic pavilions with grills, and see the reconstructed Fort Watauga, among other attractions.

Lynchburg

Lynchburg is a small town famous for hosting the globally acclaimed and marketed Jack Daniels whiskey. Every year, starting in spring, visitors come from all over the country in droves to visit the Jack Daniels Distillery - the oldest registered distillery in the US. Be among these visitors to see the making of this Tennessee whiskey, and then head to Lynchburg Whiskey Cake and Candy Company to enjoy some delicious sweets. Next, head to the Lynchburg Winery to taste some delightful southern wine and then stop at the MoonPie General Store to shop for some souvenirs.

Roan Mountain

Roan Mountain is a scenic town under the shadows of the same mountain, and nature's beauty is at its best here. Visit in spring when everything comes alive and head to the Roan Mountain State Park to enjoy hiking, biking, camping, and fishing at the Doe River. Additionally, a heated pool in the park opens in spring for swimming, and at 2,972 feet, it is one of the highest pools in Tennessee. Do not miss a visit to the world's largest natural Rhododendron garden, where thousands of Rhododendrons bloom in picturesque majesty every spring. In addition, the park celebrates the Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival in June each year, featuring food, music, and exciting performances.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a tourist town at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains surrounded by natural beauty. In spring, the weather is calm, clear, and perfect for visiting the town’s top attractions, like the historic Pigeon Forge Mill, which is now more of a restaurant and gift shop. The old mill is along the charming Pigeon River, and its beauty is amplified by the alluring colors brought by spring. Next, visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just a 20-minute drive from Pigeon Forge, to explore nearby trails such as the Gatlinburg Trail, or stand atop Clingsman Dome for scenic mountain views. For visitors who love themed attractions, storm the Dollywood Park, which features more than 50 world-class rides, a water park, a resort and spa, and a stampede theater. Afterward, stop at the Titanic Museum to return to 1912 and see over 400 genuine Titanic artifacts.

Rogersville

Rogersville is a quaint town with a warm atmosphere and friendly locals worth visiting year-round. With the arrival of spring, everything in this beautiful town bounces back to life - the people, the scenery, the parks, and the sun. While here, Rogersville City Park is a great place to lose track of time by walking or running on a trail, swimming in a public swimming pool, and enjoying picnics with family and friends. Crockett Spring Park is an alternate option but more historical as it houses the Rogers cemetery, where the town's first settlers, Joseph and Mary Rogers, are buried. Explore the great outdoors at Laurel Run Park in nearby Churchill, featuring the gorgeous Laurel Falls and more than 30 miles of hiking trails.

Jonesborough

Spring is arguably the best time to visit Jonesborough - the oldest town in Tennessee and the world's storytelling capital. Here, visitors can blend history and relaxation in one spring vacation, and a great starting point for history lovers is the Chester Inn, built in 1797. Next, visitors can head to the Christopher Taylor House, built in 1777, before proceeding to any of the town's recreational parks that reopen in spring to relax, play, enjoy picnics, and walk on trails.

Some top parks here include Persimmon Ridge Park (great for hiking and biking), Wetlands Water Park (great for water activities and relaxation), and Jimmy Neil Smith Park (featuring green spaces and beautiful blooming gardens). Wildlife lovers can visit the privately-owned Brights Zoo to see animals such as pandas, zebras, spider monkeys, addax, and red kangaroos. If there’s still time, visit the International Storytelling Center to learn more about the town's ancient storytelling tradition.

Tellico Plains

Tellico Plains is a small town dipped in natural beauty by the banks of Tellico River in Monroe County. In spring, most of the town’s attractions open, and visitors can start with the Charles Hall Museum, which is a great place to learn about the history of the area. Take the vacation a note higher by taking a ride on the Cherohala Skyway, which stretches for 43 miles and features waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks that present endless views of forested ridges. On the Skyway ride, wander off into the Cherokee National Forest to fish, ride a boat, and wind-surf, and also stop to see the beautiful Bald River Falls. The Tellico River is also in the Cherokee National Forest, and it comes alive in spring, creating room for fishing, kayaking, and boating adventures.

Greeneville

Greeneville is the second oldest town in Tennessee, and spring is one of the best seasons to explore its historic and natural attractions as the area regains its vigor. Start by visiting the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, which was established in honor of the 17th president of the United States. Proceed to blend history and outdoor adventure at the David Crockett Birthplace State Park, where David Crockett, a former politician, soldier, and frontiersman, was born.

Inside the park, visitors can tour a museum, see a replica of David Crockett's birth cabin, camp at its numerous campsites, swim kayak, or fish at the Nolichucky River that flows through it. Outdoor buffs can explore an off-the-beaten trail just north of Greeneville to see the nearby 60-foot Margarette Falls in its untamed glory.

Townsend

Townsend may serve as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but it also features a ton of attractions that make it vibrant in spring. During this season, visitors to this town will be met with crowdless attractions like Cades Cove, a broad, verdant valley sandwiched in the Great Smoky Mountains with many historic buildings, wildlife, campsites, a beautiful waterfall, and several exciting trails.

Townsend is also home to the massive Tuckaleechee Caverns, which open in early spring and invite visitors to explore its underground waterfall and stalagmites. For more fun, one can head to the Smoky Mountains River Rat to spend the day rafting, river tubing, and swimming. Before leaving, stop at the Apply Valley General Store for food items and souvenirs.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is one of Tennessee's most beautiful small towns, and it comes alive in spring. For one, the mountain scenery is clearer with the first rays of sunshine. Hence, taking the Gatlinburg Skylift at the SkyPark, which ascends to 1,800 feet, becomes more sensational, with clear views of mountain peaks down to the longest sky bridge in the US, linking two mountains. Visitors are also welcome to walk on the SkyBridge to witness the blooming greenery and take memorable pictures.

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is another attraction that benefits from the weather clarity of spring as it offers panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains from a 407-foot overlook. For even more excitement, visit the nearby, two-tiered Anakeesta Themed Park to enjoy chairlift rides, walk on the TreeTop Skywalk, experience quaint shopping and dining, and catch spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains on AnaVista Tower. Do not forget that the world-famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a few miles away from this town and features endless adventures.

Embrace Spring in Tennessee's Enchanting Towns

Springtime lights up the scenic small towns of Tennessee and heralds the outdoor season. These towns come alive with the opening of closed recreational centers, parks, museums, and other outdoor hot spots. In addition, nature's beauty bounces back with the disappearance of frost and snow, making these towns alluring once again. While summer steams up to attract the highest number of visitors, spring is an ideal time to visit when the crowd is less. And, of course, there is this rare beauty that shines in every location when the crowd is small and recreational activities are best enjoyed at off-peak rates.