River towns, old-growth forest & mountain roads
This is leg 1 of 2, the opening leg.
Travel leg · Smokies Weekend
Knoxville to Townsend
Knoxville and Townsend sit about 34 km (21 mi) apart in a straight line, with Townsend to the south-east. It is leg 1 of 2 on our Smokies Weekend itinerary, a 4-day trip. Here is how long it takes by car, what to see on the way and where it fits in a real itinerary.
- Straight-line distance
- 34 km · 21 mi
- Est. road distance
- 41–48 km
- Est. drive time
- 30–55 min
- Direction
- Heading south-east
- Curated routes
- 1 itinerary
Road distance is estimated as 1.2–1.4× the straight line; drive time assumes average speeds of 50–80 km/h with no stops or traffic. These are rough estimates — check a maps app for the actual route.
Ways to get there
We don't have live routing data, so the figures below are labelled estimates built from the straight-line distance. Use them to plan the day, then confirm in a maps app.
By car
Most travelers on our Smokies Weekend itinerary do this leg by car. We estimate 41–48 km (25–30 mi) of road and 30–55 min behind the wheel, so check live traffic before you set off.
A car is the practical way to move between Knoxville, Townsend and Cherokee, and to reach park roads and trailheads. Knoxville's downtown is easy to walk, and the park itself is mostly explored by short drives and short walks.
Worth stopping for
Picks from our curated guides at both ends.
When you arrive in Townsend
Base here 2 nights: dawn in Cades Cove, a cave, and river time on the quiet side of the Smokies.
Cades Cove Loop Road
11-mile valley loop with log churches, cabins and frequent bear and deer sightings.
Abrams Falls Trail
5-mile round trip along Abrams Creek to a wide 20-ft waterfall.
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Museum and historic buildings on Native American and pioneer life.
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro
Lodge restaurant serving upscale Appalachian dishes.
Peaceful Side Social
Brewery and food hall with a big lawn and mountain views.
Little River (Townsend Wye)
Popular swimming hole where two forks of the Little River meet.
Before you leave Knoxville
One evening and a morning: dinner around Market Square, then Ijams before heading into the mountains.
On this curated route
Where Knoxville → Townsend sits in the full itinerary. Highlighted stops are this leg.
Going the other way? Townsend to Knoxville is the same 34 km in a straight line, heading north-west. Reverse directions in Google Maps ↗
Knoxville to Townsend: questions travelers ask
How far is Knoxville from Townsend?
Knoxville is about 34 km (21 mi) from Townsend in a straight line, with Townsend to the south-east. By road, we estimate 41–48 km (25–30 mi), or 1.2–1.4 times the straight line. Check a maps app for the exact route.
How long does it take to drive from Knoxville to Townsend?
An estimated 30–55 min, assuming 41–48 km of road at average speeds of 50–80 km/h with no stops or traffic. It is not a routed time, so check a maps app on the day.
Which itineraries include the trip from Knoxville to Townsend?
Our Smokies Weekend itinerary includes this leg. Smokies Weekend runs about 4 days across 3 stops, best in Apr – Oct.
Onward from Townsend
- Townsend to Cherokee 45 km
Guides for both ends
- Knoxville travel guide
- Knoxville weather best time to visit
- Townsend travel guide
- Townsend weather best time to visit
Townsend by month
Plan Knoxville → Townsend with your crew
Add this leg to a shared itinerary, poll the group on where to stop, split fuel and tickets, and keep everyone's packing list in one place in TripsCircle.