The Townsend Wye

Nicole

2023-09

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

Nathan Muenzner

2023-07

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.

Reginald Jones

2023-10

Tuesday we hiked the Roundtop Trail. Total distance 7.5 miles. We left one vehicle at the Townsend "Y" and our other vechicle at the TH on Wear Cove Road. Pics 2 and 3 were taken at Bunches Bald on the BRP about 12 hours apart. Early morning elk pics were taken at Cherokee in the field next to the Visitors Center. We started at the TH on Wear Cove Road. Elevation gain is slow and steady, path is wide, but in several places covered in acorns 🌰🌰 which makes falling easy. With no rain for over 7 days the only water we had to deal with was at the Townsend "Y" crossing the Little River. Even with no rain there were multiple places where the water was chest+ deep based on the swimmers we saw, so you want to check the river when you leave your vechicle, make sure you can cross. On the way home we saw a big bull elk 🦌who was working hard to keep his heard together and challenging anything that came close. His message was simple: "Leave my girls alone, find your own" Rut Season is in full swing, give then their space. Until next time, Safe Hiking Everyone.

Kathy Dangerfield

2023-08

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!

Tasnim Ara Islam

2023-09

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.

Brandy Purdon

2023-05

Very cool little gem! We stopped to check it out, and wished we had more time to spend the day here. Bring inner tubes, wear bathing suits and swim shoes! The water is cool and refreshing, and there's shallow rapids, followed by a little swimming hole. Bring a small grill and grill out lunch and spend the whole day here! Definitely on our list of things to do when we come back.

Todd T

2024-04

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Dave

2023-05

Nice little place where you can get close to the river or sit out on the grass. Lots of rushing water, but the kids can still play close to the edge. Nice place to take your shoes off and soak your feet for a bit.

Jeremy Walter

2023-10

Great little stop with lots if parking and easy walk down to the river.

Millz T

2023-09

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Heath Panganiban

2022-05

Great and easy spot to bring the family especially if you’re staying at the Cape Coves Campground. Only 18 minutes away and close to Townsend. Careful for snakes! They don’t bother you if you don’t bother them. Quick moving water but also spots where it’s shallow and safe enough for even an infant to play. Tons of rocks for skipping. It’s clean - Help keep it clean.

Maranda B

2023-07

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Jessica Walter

2023-10

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willie johnson

2023-11

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Pennelope Blakely

2022-05

SO much fun. Freezing cold water with a rocky (but smooth rocks) river bottom - water shoes are nice but certainly not necessary.Deep swimming hole to the right of parking (you can jump off some of the rocks if you make sure the water is deep enough and clear of rocks first.)Shallow pool with little current to the left of the parking lot great for toddlers.Strong current to float down on tubes/on your own out in the middle of the river (definitely be cautious with weak swimmers.)

Nicole Duquette

2023-05

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Marybeth Arenas

2023-05

We settled on this spot for a quick dip in the river. The water was beautiful and clear, but it was freezing cold in the middle of the hot summer. The kids didn't last long due to the water temperature, but it served its purpose and everyone had a great time. Parking is limited so you'll want to get there early to ensure you get your space.

Bear

2023-05

What a way to start our Smoky Mountain adventure this morning! We pulled over at the Townsend Wye to observe this beautiful sight of the rushing waters and we saw a buck making his way into the water. We were in awe as he glanced our way and continued as if we weren't there. Just an awesome sight!

Allen Monsarrat

2023-10

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Brian “Pappibri”

2024-02

Beautifully serene place to enjoy nature.

Alfonso Jerezano

2021-05

Nice spot for swimming and river tubing. The water is really cold but it feels good during the hot days of summer.

Danny Rader

2021-05

What a blast, can get quite busy and challenging to find a solid place to park near some of the trails. Coming back in the spring/autumn for sure.

Kay Hammer

2023-05

Great place to go swimming in that cool mountain water. Just remember to bring something to sit on and there are no restrooms so let the great outdoors be yours.

Elizabeth Hernandez

2023-05

If you love nature, this is the place for you. Also there was some artist 🎨 doing what they love to do, it really makes me happy to see people enjoying nature.

jennifer novello

2023-10

Fun with kids if you get there early!

Saba Debesai

2023-05

Breath taking is all I can say. You must stop here either on your up to Cade's Cove or down to Pigeon Forge. What a hidden little gem this is.

BA Bernier

2023-05

This is in the Smoky Mountain Range. Absolutely beautiful a must see place if you’re near the area.

Shake And Bake

2023-05

Lots of shade and cool water great place to go swim and the environment is beautiful!

Linh Nguyen

2023-09

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Nathan Hall

2023-08

Not a big main parking lot, but there are a lot of parking spots and river accesses worth exploring on either side of the main parking. We visited twice on different days for a couple hours each. One of my favorite things to do around the Smokies (playing in mountain streams), and this area has some great spots whether the water is high or low.