Fishing
Excellent opportunities for fly fishing are just a short drive
from. The Little River flows through
Townsend TN offering rainbow and
brown trout fishing. The headwaters in the National Park offer
some of the best trout water you
will find anywhere. Abrams Creek
is only 20 minutes from Townsend in Cades Cove--offering great solitude
even at the height of the tourist
season. Rainbow, brown and brook
trout can be found in these cool
crystal-clear streams..
The following outfitters can assist you with your plans for fishing in
the Smokies. You should know your fish and local regulations before testing your angling skills.
Little River Outfitters
Highway 321
Townsend, TN 37882
865/448-9459
The Backcountry
8453 State Hwy. 73
Townsend, TN 37882
865/448-6628
Little River Trading Company
410 S. Washington Street
Maryville, TN 37804
865/681-4141
Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum 
The Little River Railroad Museum was established to preserve the historical significance of The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company operations for the area. The single remaining Shay Engine #2147 that worked in the Smoky
Mountains National Park is showcased at the museum. The tour is free, but donations are accepted.
River Tubing & Kayaking
A number of outfitters along Hwys 321 and 73 (in Townsend and near the Park entrance) offer kayaks and inner tubes for rent to use in the Little River. There's even a "water hole" where sunbathers and tubers congregate at the "Y" just after entering the Park from Townsend.
Tuckaleechee Caverns
Over 100 years ago, Indians discovered and hid in what is now known
as Tuckaleechee Caverns. As younsters,
Bill Vananda and Harry Myers played
in and around the mountains and
its caves. Eventually they built
concrete walkways and lit the caverns
and opened them to the public.
Experienced guides conduct tours
approximately every half hour.Townsend
TN
Townsend Bike Path
This paved trail runs parallel to Hwy 321 for 3 miles in Townsend
TN. The start and finish are clearly marked by signs. The bike path goes by the Townsend visitor center, restaurants, shops, and lodging. The path is open and scenic.
Bicycling Cades Cove
The sights and sounds of the Cades Cove loop are best seen and enjoyed from the pace of bike riding. The great stillness and (sometimes) solitude are better enjoyed, and wildlife are less prone to being frightened away. Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles for the benefit of foot and bicycle traffic from sunrise until 10:00 a.m. every Saturday and Wednesday morning from mid-May to late September .
The wildlife come out in great numbers to feed on the lush grass and apple trees.
Biking creates no problem, but motorists should restrict their speed to 10 miles per hour to see the does with fawn and the wild turkey that are abundant. During the Fall, care should be taken in the curves on the loop road, as the fallen leaves and heavy Park rainfall create slippery conditions.
Several bicyclists in the park are injured seriously enough each
year to require medical attention.
Take care to wear helmets and heed warning signs. Bikes are permitted
on most park roads but prohibited
on trails.
Bicycles may be rented for $3.25 per hour from the Cades Cove store (located near Cades Cove Campground). Summer hours are 9-5 (7-7 on Wednesday and Saturday bicycle days). Last rentals are at 4:30 p.m.
Mountain Biking Outfitters
Smoky Mountain Biking Tours - P.O. Box 4056 Maryville, TN 37802-4056 (800) 746-7791
