We know you have lots of options when it comes to producing travel stories. There’s pressure to please your readers or viewers, produce something new and outdo your last story. Welcome to Blount County, Tennessee.
The Peaceful Side of the Smokies
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To Knoxville
LEGEND
Airport Hotel & Convention Center Brewery Distillery Scenic Area Arts Center
Food Shopping Lodge Lodge & Food Winery Highway Wildlife
McGhee Tyson Airport
Alcoa
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Hilton Knoxville Airport Conference Center
Swa’ra Brewery
The Casual Pint Maryville Blackhorse Pub & Brewery
Peaceful Side Brewery
SkyView at Broadway Social
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Clayton Center for the Arts
Smoky Mountain Brewery
Company Distilling
Blackberry Mountain
Tri-Hop Brewery
RT Lodge
Townsend
Blackberry Farm
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Peaceful Side Social & Brewery
Dancing Bear Lodge
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Blue Goose Vineyards
Cades Cove Winery
Tremont Lodge & Resort
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort
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Townsend Abbey
Cades Cove
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Clingmans Dome
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Accessibility & Transportation
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What to Do: -Outdoor Activities
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-Attractions -Food & Drink Where to Stay
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Events
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Story Ideas Accolades
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Blount County Facts
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THE GREAT OUTDOORS, A WEALTH OF FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES, UNIQUE FESTIVALS, CRAFT BREWERIES AND FOOD TO TEMPT EVEN THE SNOBIEST GOURMAND. Welcome to Blount County, Tennessee. We know you have lots of options when it comes to producing travel stories. There’s pressure to please your readers or viewers, produce something new and outdo your last story. We’re the antithesis of overcrowded beaches and the opposite of harried, overpopulated cities that offer the same old, same old. We’re nestled at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, within a day’s drive of 60% of the U.S. population with an airport right down the road. Why not plan your next story about a place where fresh air, blue skies and nature feed the soul? THE PRESS-WORTHY Side of the Smokies.
Blount Partnership Tourism Development Contact: KIM MITCHELL Director of Tourism (865) 273-1213 kmitchell@blountpartnership.com
Media Contact: ALLISON LESTER Director of Media Relations, Fletcher Marketing Communcations (865) 394-8896 (office) • (865) 963-7148 (cell) alester@fletchercomms.com
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smokymountains.org
Getting to Blount County is incredibly easy and affordable.
Accessibility & Transportation
Non-stop Destinations
McGhee Tyson Airport Serves 9,000+ passengers per day More than 140 daily flights Only 150 feet to the conference center hotel Less than a 30-minute drive from the airport to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Blount County is also easily accessible by vehicle to major highways like I-40 and I-75. In fact, Blount County is less than a 4-hour drive from major cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Birmingham, Nashville, Greenville, Lexington and Louisville.
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What to Do - Outdoor Activities
What to Do Visitors can connect with nature and enjoy some fresh air in the great outdoors. The Smoky Mountains have great opportunities for outdoor adventure with the gorgeous backdrop of the country’s most visited national park. Hiking Horseback Riding
Tubing Fishing Biking Swimming Camping Boating Golf Running Mountain Biking
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What to Do - Attractions
Hundreds of years ago, the Cherokee established a settlement in a scenic, isolated valley that was later settled by early European pioneers in the late 1700s. Today, this valley is known as Cades Cove and is famous for its views and historic landmarks. Steeped in history, the 11-mile loop through Cades Cove offers a look back at what life was like in the 18th and 19th centuries with preserved homesteads and a helpful map and guide. Cades Cove is also known for its abundant wildlife like black bears, deer and over 1,500 species of flowering flora. One of the most popular hiking trails in Cade’s Cove is Abram’s Falls . The 5.5-mile round trip hike is worth it to see the impressive waterfall. Hikers on this trail often report seeing river otters playing in the water beneath the falls. For those looking for the trail less traveled, Spruce Flats Falls located in Tremont, is about an hour hike from the trailhead and the destination is a perfect picnic spot. At Tuckaleechee Caverns , explore the underbelly of North America’s oldest mountain chain. These caverns are between 20 to 30 million years old and contain beautiful cave-onyx formations that can reach 12 feet high and six inches across. Clingman’s Dome Observation Tower provides a view 6,645 feet above the valley of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can stand on one of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi with a 360-degree view of the park. Visit Foothill’s Parkway and take in the spectacular 360-degree, panoramic mountain views. Stop at Look Rock, a natural observation ledge overlooking the park. It’s the highest point along the Parkway and has a picnic area and campground. The Blount County Greenway System connects 17 area parks that are ideal for running, walking and biking. With 18 miles of paved trails, the greenway system is ideal for families and active bike-enthusiasts. Vee Hollow offers 14 miles of diverse mountain bike trails for all skill levels. From beginner-friendly two-way trails to steep, challenging routes for advanced riders, it’s a hidden gem for bikers of all ages.
Learn more about the history of the area at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. The museum tells the story of the rich history of Native Americans and settlers through artifacts and exhibits. Take a step back in time and tour the 13 historic buildings of the Historical Village at the center.
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What to Do - Food & Drink
Breweries: Tri Hop, Blackhorse Pub & Brewery, Peaceful Side Social & Brewery, Swa’ra Brewing, Smoky Mountain Brewing, The Casual Pint With dining options galore, visitors can experience the flavor of the Appalachian Mountains by award-winning chefs at Blount County’s 100+ restaurants ranging from gourmet dining to informal, down- home BBQ.
Distilleries: Company Distilling
Wineries: Cades Cove Cellars, Blue Goose Vineyards
Restaurants: Walnut Kitchen, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, RT Lodge, Amici Pizza, Foothills Milling, The Shed Smokehouse and Juke Joint, Bella, Peaceful Side Social + Craft Kitchen, Townsend Abbey Sweet Treats: Capitol Theatre Ice Cream Parlor, Peaceful Side Creamery, Apple Valley Café milkshakes and fried apple pies, Lambert’s Southern Pie Shop, homemade fudge at the Apple Valley Mountain Village and Art of Cakes
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Where to Stay
There are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy, but when some down time is needed, it’s important to have a comfortable place to relax. Whether a luxurious hotel room, camping in the great outdoors, glamping, or a cozy cabin is preferred, there is something to please everyone.
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort – A tourist favorite, Little Arrow offers RV and tent camping, tiny homes, cabins and glamping options.
DANCING BEAR LODGE
Dancing Bear Lodge – Dancing Bear offers cabin rentals and resort rooms of various styles and sizes for all budgets.
RT Lodge – Enjoy the unique charm of RT Lodge, while staying close to the city of Maryville and a short distance from the Great Smoky Mountains. Blackberry Farm – This legendary resort is the epitome of luxury. Choose from rooms, spacious suites, cottages and houses while surrounded by the natural beauty of Blount County. Big Meadow Family Campground – This award-winning campground is ideally situated between The Little River and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dogwood Cabins – Choose from a wide selection of cabins in secluded, wooded settings near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tremont Lodge and Resort – Recently renovated resort located on 10 serene acres just outside the national park Looking for a hotel? Area hotels include: Hampton Inn, Tru by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express, Courtyard Marriott, La Quinta Inn, Hilton Knoxville Airport, Best Western, Quality Inn, Mainstay Suites, Candlewood Suites, Luxury Inn & Suites, Comfort Suites.
LITTLE ARROW OUTDOOR RESORT
RT LODGE
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Events
• Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival – April • Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games – May • Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival – May • Summer on Broadway – June • Hops in the Hills – June
• Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival – August • Townsend Fall Festival & Blue Ribbon Country Fair – September • Taste of Blount – September • Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon – September • Dancing Bear Bike Bash – September • Grains and Grits – November • Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center Candlelight Christmas Tours – November/December
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Story Ideas
Give Back in the Smokies: Purposeful Journeys on the Peaceful Side Blount County offers opportunities for travelers to make an impact while enjoying the Smokies’ beauty. From trail restoration projects in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to wildlife conservation efforts and local community initiatives, visitors can leave a positive mark while creating meaningful connections with the destination. Witness Nature’s Magic: The Synchronous Fireflies and Beyond in Blount County Blount County is home to an extraordinary phenomenon: the mesmerizing synchronous firefly display, a rare phenomenon that draws travelers seeking bucket-list experiences rooted in nature’s wonder. Pair this with mist-covered sunrises, waterfalls, and seasonal wildlife migrations for unforgettable moments tied to the Smokies’ natural splendor. The Smokies Off the Beaten Path: A Photographer’s Dream Destination With 2025 travelers craving unique and Instagram-worthy experiences, Blount County’s waterfalls, wildlife, and hidden vistas offer a visually stunning alternative to over-captured tourist spots. The Ultimate Family Escape: How Blount County Brings Generations Together Multigenerational travel is trending, and Blount County’s mix of nature, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly accommodations creates a perfect setting for meaningful, shared experiences.
Story Ideas
Leave No Trace, Take Only Memories: Blount County’s Eco-Tourism Boom As sustainability becomes a cornerstone of travel decisions, Blount County’s eco-friendly lodgings, green initiatives, and outdoor ethics programs position it as a model for responsible tourism. Where Heritage Meets Adventure: Rediscovering the Smokies Through Blount County’s History Travelers are seeking cultural depth, and Blount County delivers historic sites, storytelling tours, and Appalachian heritage experiences that blend history with adventure.
Charming by Design: Small-Town Experiences Redefining Rural Travel in 2025 With travelers seeking genuine small-town connections, Townsend’s local shops, family-run inns, and seasonal festivals offer a rare blend of community and culture that’s hard to find in oversaturated tourist hubs. Wellness Meets Wilderness: How Blount County is Leading the Mountain Mindfulness Movement 2025 travelers are prioritizing mental health and wellness. Blount County combines pristine nature with meditative hikes, yoga retreats, and tranquil accommodations, making it a perfect escape to recharge and restore.
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Find Yourself on the Peaceful Side: A Solo Traveler’s Guide to the Smokies Blount County’s tranquil hiking trails, cozy inns, and charming towns make it an ideal destination for solo travelers. Whether it’s reflecting on a mountain peak, joining a local craft class, or savoring a meal at a friendly café, the Peaceful Side offers solitude and self-discovery without the crowds. Escape the Chaos: How Blount County Delivers the Joy of Missing Out As travelers seek to disconnect and embrace simplicity, Blount County offers the perfect antidote to crowded tourist hubs. Secluded cabins nestled in the Smokies, peaceful glamping experiences, and charming boutique accommodations invite visitors to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. With tranquil trails, quiet fishing spots, and moments of mountain solitude, Blount County provides a stress-free retreat for those looking to recharge their mental and emotional well-being. Soft Travel, Smoky Style: Wellness and Simplicity on the Peaceful Side Blount County combines the natural beauty of the Smokies with the rising trend of wellness-focused, soft travel. Visitors can immerse themselves in rejuvenating activities like sunrise yoga on a mountain ridge, forest bathing along lush trails, and cozy evenings by a fire in a private cabin. These simple yet profound experiences encourage relaxation and self-discovery, offering an accessible, nature-first alternative to high-tech wellness getaways.
Accolades
As Seen In
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12.9 MILLION Number of Visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Blount County Facts
Population 141,456
Hotel Rooms 2,000+
Campgrounds 9
Number of Parks 18
Number of Lakes 4
Number of Waterfalls 23
Miles of Greenway 14
Tallest Peak THUNDERHEAD MOUNTAIN 5,600 ft
Time Zone Eastern
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smokymountains.org
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