The Townsend Wye Townsend, TN 37882

● Open

4.8 758

Location & Phone number

Photos

About Us

Reviews

About the Business

The Townsend Wye is a popular tourist attraction located in Townsend, Tennessee, United States. While the area is known for its beautiful scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities, water recreation is not recommended in Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to numerous hazards and dangers. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in the park, and innumerable injuries have resulted from people swimming and riding inner tubes in park waters.

Serious water-related injuries occur every year in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but these injuries can easily be avoided with proper precautions. Medical assistance for injured persons may be many hours away, so it is important to closely supervise children at all times. There are no life-guarded swimming areas in the park, and river levels can rise rapidly after a heavy rainfall.

Hikers must use good judgment when deciding to cross streams, as a localized thunderstorm dumping rain far upstream on the park's highest peaks can create sudden and unexpected flood conditions at lower elevations. It is better to turn back or wait for flooding streams to recede than risk your life in cold, swift waters.

Additionally, visitors are encouraged to prevent the spread of "Rock Snot" to park streams, as this invasive algae can harm the ecosystem. By following guidelines and being cautious around water in the park, visitors can enjoy a safe and memorable experience at The Townsend Wye.

Photos

Location & Phone number

Directions

Laurel Creek Rd & Little River Road, Townsend, TN 37882, United States

865-436-1200

nps.gov

Call Website

Reviews

Nicole:

"I was lucky enough to go before a massive storm. Very glad I found it. It wasn't too bad, but keep in mind the area us rather small. Not much parking, so get there early. Even with all the people we were able to have a secluded area to set up chairs and have a picnic lunch. The water is SO REFRESHING. There was an area to just sit and an area to do some rapid tubing. (But I gather that can change with a storm) saw a few people with dog all in all it was a lovely time. I would not recommend going after storm if you or your party are not strom swimmers"

1 year ago

Tasnim Ara Islam:

"On the way to Great Smoky Mountains NP, we stopped here at Townsend Wye. It is popular for its swimming hole. There are multiple parking lots and turnouts where you can leave your car safely and enjoy the amazing view of the Little River with the smokey mountain range as the backdrop. Besides swimming, you can also go tubing, biking, hiking or just relaxing and having a picnic. Highly recommend it."

1 year ago

Kathy Dangerfield:

"This is one of our favorite river areas to get in! The area is beautiful and really easy to access. There are shallow areas right near the shore for the younger kids. There are deeper areas for the people that actually want to swim. I definitely recommend this place!"

1 year ago

Nathan Muenzner:

"I've been coming to this spot for 20 years, pretty much ever since my family moved here as a child. The only real change they've made recently was that you need to get a parking pass for anywhere in the national park which apparently you can purchase at any visitor center... I think it's a little ridiculous that they're charging locals this fee also. Besides it being very crowded during the summer it took us maybe 10 minutes to get a parking spot up front. Great place to swim and relax."

1 year ago