Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont - Townsend, Tennessee

Ruth Y.

First of all this is 1 of my favorite places in the Smokys. The Visitor center here is small compared to others but I did find a couple of unique items. This is the institute that offers so many great educational experiences. Be sure to check on line to see what is being offered. Some classes very family oriented some not so much. Some of them even include overnite accommodations. I have taken a Monarch Tagging event & bird banding event and would give them both 5 stars. Both events children were allowed & you could tell how much the children enjoyed the experience. I hope to go again this year. There is a trail out the area that is supposed to be not difficult. Information available at the office. Also if you take a left out of center you will go on an absolutely great adventure. I sometimes take a picnic lunch & sit by the river. Just stunning beauty and it changes with the season. The road is gravel but well maintained. At the end of the road u can park and walk across s bridge. You see a nice smaller waterfall & will have the choice of many trails. This area is just spectacular.

Leyla C.

There are some lovely trails - Spruce Flats Falls and Middle Prong Trail. The second runs parallel to magnificent waterfalls and is an easy stroll considering it's in the mountains. The picture I'm uploading is Spruce Flats Falls. If you go into the GSMI ranger station, you'll get detailed, helpful information about which trails to hike, what courses they offer (emergency responder course? Naturalist course? Yes please!) and backpacking trips they do every year. When I went, there were some kids on a field trip- a common sight. Beautiful and well worth the trip. It's a gorgeous drive through Tremont, as well.

Gusgraphy

Beautiful place for kids, nice gift shop, friendly and nice staff, gorgeous place to see. Kids learning about local species of animals and swim daily. One bad thing - mosquitoes, my daughter had bites all over her legs and arms. She had protective clothes and anti mosquitoes spray, however they got her good. I wish staff would supervise kids so they could put necessary protection for kids and dress properly.

Shannon R.

Gorgeous campus out in nature. I’ve been alone and with a school group and I’ve never been unhappy with anything there. The staff is amazing and so helpful. The dorms are clean and comfortable. If you are looking for a great place for an overnight field trip for school groups then I’d definitely look into Tremont. We saw an otter too.

Carson E.

I learned so much and felt like I really experienced GSM while at Tremont. Their leaders are well-versed in a variety of topics from biodiversity to management policy, and they know the trails like the back of their hands. You'll go off the beaten path with Tremont, and learn more about these mountains and yourself than you ever thought possible. A truly incredible place.

Tina C.

The trail to the falls was somewhat challenging with climbing uphill over rocks and tree roots and back down again, but it was doable with a sturdy rubber-soled shoe or boot. It took us an hour or so to the falls without stopping for a break. The falls are absolutely beautiful 😍
Next time we will wear something we can swim in! The hike takes a little stamina, but it is definitely worth it! Thank you to everyone who maintains these trails!! We appreciate all the hard work!

Stacie B.

Big shout out to Lyndsey, Laura, Grayson, Jolie, Kathleen, and (best of all) Wren. They were all so amazing to our students. I truly appreciate their enthusiasm, care, and love of what they do. I’m sure our students asked more questions then they ever wanted to answer but they answer each one with encouragement and used them to continue their teaching. I highly recommend the program for schools and summer camps programs. Well organized and cost was a good value.

Thank you again!

Zbigniew G.

Come here to have easier access to wading in the river, restrooms with a gift shop, and the entry to spruce falls trail, a moderate to slightly difficult trail in some parts for lack of maintenance of this trail