Tag: Townsend

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Jun 18, 2026 / 06:25 PM EDT Updated: Jun 18, 2026 / 07:06 PM EDT TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WATE) — As millions of people make their way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, many enter through Townsend, or the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” Serving as a gateway into the mountains, the area offers a number of […]

The Great Smoky Mountains Association has opened a new visitor center called the Great Smokies Welcome Center. Located in Townsend, at 7929 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, this new center is a starting point for visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The center provides information about the park and sells souvenirs, parking tags, and other park-related items.