The Townsend Wye, or the “Y”, is located on the quieter side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but it has quickly become one of the most popular areas, especially during the summer! If you’re wondering what you can do there or want to know more before you visit, take a look at some of these frequently asked questions about Townsend Wye:
1. Where is Townsend Wye?
The Townsend Wye is the area where Lamar Alexander Parkway intersects with Little River Road and creates a ‘Y' shape, and it is located less than a mile past the Townsend entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This entrance is located about 25 miles west of the traditional Sugarlands entrance in Gatlinburg, and many families prefer using the Townsend entrance due to less traffic and a convenient route to Cades Cove from Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
2. What Smoky Mountain hiking trails are nearby?
There are several beautiful hiking trails accessible from the Townsend Wye, including the Roundtop Trail, one of the least-traveled hikes in the national park. The Chestnut Top Trail is another hike with a trailhead at the Y, a more strenuous hike that’s 8.6 miles roundtrip with 1,486 feet of elevation gain. The best time to hike here is April and May during peak spring wildflower season. Some flowers you’ll see include yellow and white trillium, as well as violets, but just remember that picking them is prohibited. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for wildlife as you walk along the trail!
3. What is there to do at the Townsend Wye?
Besides hiking, swimming and fishing are other popular activities at Townsend Wye. The area has many access points to the Little River. The water has deep and shallow points, so it is ideal for everyone. You can also go tubing and float along the water. This activity is an excellent way to cool off and relax all at once. Visitors can stay on land and fish as well. The Little River has an abundant fish population. Fishing in the Smokies is permitted every day from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Keep in mind that you must have a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license.
4. Are there restrooms at the Townsend Wye?
There are no restrooms available at Townsend Wye. The closest one would be at the gas stations or at the Visitors Center in town, which is less than 3 miles away. It is also important that you bring fresh drinking water, as there are no water fountains available. You’ll also want to pack a picnic or snacks, as there are lots of great places to sit down and have a picnic after all the fun. Make sure you pick up after yourself and keep food contained so it doesn’t attract wildlife.
5. Does the Townsend Wye have a parking tag kiosk?
You will need a parking tag on your vehicle if you plan to stay in Townsend Wye for longer than 15 minutes. If you forget to purchase one online before heading out, you can easily use the parking tag kiosk. You can also buy a pass at any of the area visitor centers. There are very affordable daily, weekly, and annual options, and these fees go back into maintaining the park.
Now you know all about Townsend Wye! Want to find out about other areas of the park that are great for swimming, fishing, and hiking? Read all about Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountains.
