TOWNSEND, Tenn. — Fans of Cades Cove in the Smokies can drive to the popular site in the national park one day earlier than expected. Laurel Creek Road will reopen to traffic by 7 a.m. Saturday ...

TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WVLT) - News this week that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park won’t start Vehicle-Free Wednesdays in May this year isn’t settling well with many in Townsend.

There’s a new way to see Blount County’s natural crown jewel, Cades Cove: shuttles from Townsend.

A paving project in Great Smoky Mountains National Park begins this week on Laurel Creek, Townsend Entrance and Tremont roads.

Restaurant owners in Townsend and Walland usually rely on local business to stay afloat in the winter, but with Cades Cove closed, traffic and sales are way down.