Townsend, TN is located 20 miles west of Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg. They promote themselves as the peaceful side of the Smokies. Several local inns, cabin rentals and a couple of larger hotel brands in this small town. Very near to Cades Cove. They also have tubing, bike paths, RV campgrounds, ect. Its a very easy drive to the center of Pigeon Forge and very scenic.