there is so much to do in and around the blue door!
Hiking
River Tubing
River Tubing
The Great Smoky Mountains boasts 900 miles of trails.
(Pictured here is Spruce Flat Falls -
approx 20 minutes
from The Blue Door Cabin)
We invite all visitors to review our BLOG for hikes near The Blue Door - including personal reviews.
All guests receive a welcome pack with helpful information,
including recommended hikes,
for your stay too.
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River Tubing
River Tubing
River Tubing
From May to Labor Day, tubing down The Little River is a must-do!
There were other companies over the years but as of 2023, there is only one - RIVER RATS!
Cades Cove
River Tubing
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is an 11-mile loop that is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies.
Because of it's seclusion (it's a verdant valley), it offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park.
Cades Cove has unique details (like NO CARS on Wednesdays) so we recommend visiting the GMSNP website for details as
Cades Cove is an 11-mile loop that is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies.
Because of it's seclusion (it's a verdant valley), it offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park.
Cades Cove has unique details (like NO CARS on Wednesdays) so we recommend visiting the GMSNP website for details as close to your trip as possible to make sure you have important and up-to-date information.
If the idea of hiking Cades Cove by yourself seems intimidating, please check out the GUIDED TOURS offered by The Heritage Center (both public and private options).
Stay Home and Play
Stay Home and Play
Stay Home and Play
If you really feel like just staying put, The Blue Door Cabin offers a variety of rotating puzzles and games including: CLUE, cards, dominoes, and Simon!
Horseback Riding
Stay Home and Play
Stay Home and Play
From March 6 - November 30,
you can ride horses through Cades Cove (ages 6+)
Want horses but no riding?
We suggest a guided horse-drawn carriage ride! (No age limit)
The guides are well-versed in the history of the region which will make it insightful and memorable for all!
No reservations - All rides are subject to weather and trail conditions.
Antiquing
Stay Home and Play
Antiquing
There is no shortage of antiques in this wonderful town:
River Mill Antique Mall
Backcountry Antiques
Honey Antiques
Tuckalechee Caverns
Tuckalechee Caverns
Tuckalechee Caverns
10 minutes from The Blue Door
March 1 - November 30
Tuckaleechee Caverns is the highest rating Cave, or Cavern, of the Eastern United States. Carved inside the earth’s oldest mountain chain and estimated to be between twenty to thirty million years old, the Caverns are rich in history and lore in recent years as well.
There is the “Big Room
10 minutes from The Blue Door
March 1 - November 30
Tuckaleechee Caverns is the highest rating Cave, or Cavern, of the Eastern United States. Carved inside the earth’s oldest mountain chain and estimated to be between twenty to thirty million years old, the Caverns are rich in history and lore in recent years as well.
There is the “Big Room” on one end of the tour and “Silver Falls” on the other. Silver Falls falls 210 feet from top to bottom and is the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern US.
Open 7 days a week in season
Biking
Tuckalechee Caverns
Tuckalechee Caverns
Cycling enthusiasts love Townsend and The Blue Door Cabin.
Not only are their miles upon miles of trails to bike, but The Blue Door offers enough porch space that you can store your personal bike, covered and secured, when not in use.
Biking through Cades Cove is popular ... if you want to bike direct from The Blue Door Cabin too, we recomm
Cycling enthusiasts love Townsend and The Blue Door Cabin.
Not only are their miles upon miles of trails to bike, but The Blue Door offers enough porch space that you can store your personal bike, covered and secured, when not in use.
Biking through Cades Cove is popular ... if you want to bike direct from The Blue Door Cabin too, we recommend Vee Hollow - a 14-mile mountain bike trail network.
(It's free and open year-round but the trails are weather dependent, so check the website before departure)
Don't have a bike but want to cycle?
Vee Hollow offers rentals!
Fishing
Tuckalechee Caverns
Fishing
Fishing is a relaxing activity that you can do all year round in Townsend.
In the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can fish 365 days per year too - with plenty of great spots to catch: ttrout (rainbow, brown, and brook) as well as bass and other fish.
In order to fish in GSMNP, you will need a permit, so be sure to secure o
Fishing is a relaxing activity that you can do all year round in Townsend.
In the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can fish 365 days per year too - with plenty of great spots to catch: ttrout (rainbow, brown, and brook) as well as bass and other fish.
In order to fish in GSMNP, you will need a permit, so be sure to secure one before your trip. There are also limits on how many fish you can catch – five trout and 20 rock bass each day.
Need gear or help?
Little River Outfitters is the go-to.
Dive Into History
Learn about the Little River Lumber Company
Dive Into History
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is a museum that offers something for everyone - from hands-on activities to tours of original 19th-century buildings and a Cherokee Native American Collection.
When planning your stay, you will definitely want to check out their calendar and see if there is a Summer Concert, Festival or Special
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is a museum that offers something for everyone - from hands-on activities to tours of original 19th-century buildings and a Cherokee Native American Collection.
When planning your stay, you will definitely want to check out their calendar and see if there is a Summer Concert, Festival or Special Event that you won't want to miss! (There events are really good)
[A highlight of the Heritage Center for our children was - their cat! Seriously. He's the sweetest little black and white kitty.
See if you spot him!
His name is CAT. He has a last name too - you will just have to ask the wonderful staff.
Golf
Learn about the Little River Lumber Company
Dive Into History
If you like being on the green, you won't want to miss Tee time!
Learn about the Little River Lumber Company
Learn about the Little River Lumber Company
Learn about the Little River Lumber Company
This attraction is FREE
Open daily May - October
Open weekends only April & Nov.
The grounds and outdoor exhibits are always available
Honeysuckle Meadows Pool and Deli
There is nothing better than splashing around in sparkling pool set to the backdrop of The Great Smoky Mountains. So grab your swimsuits and enjoy a dip with friends and family!