Existing as a conscious consumer in 2025 can feel a bit contradicting. It’s no secret that climate change is a mounting threat to the planet, and our collective consumption is escalating — from single-use plastics to general waste, energy, fossil fuels, and beyond. It’s also important to recognize how shifting the way we consume and live our daily lives can work to create long-term change. Ultimately, we start shaping future narratives when more of us choose to make more sustainable choices.
From transportation to the individual activities we embrace during our vacations, travel is no exception. Shifting away from the more commercialized options, eco-conscious travelers are shifting toward alternatives focused on sustainability.
With eco-tourism projected to expand from $31.86 billion in 2024 to $83.82 billion in 2030, Tennessee’s Townsend — also known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” — recently launched new initiatives like Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Wednesdays and BearWise. Following 12.2 million visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024, Townsend isn’t just leaning into a trend; the community’s sustainable approach is part of its history.
More than ever, these evolving practices ensure guests can travel to Townsend to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while protecting and preserving it.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park / Photo by David Hertle on Unsplash
Eco-Conscious Travel, Sustainability, and Eco-Tourism
As this new angle on travel continues to grow, it’s common to see a number of terms describing it.
Terms like eco-conscious travel, eco-friendly travel, sustainable travel/travel sustainability and the like are essentially the same. They all describe travel designed to minimize negative environmental impacts and minimize positive ones, along with fueling local culture and the economy. This often comes with more conscious choices, lodging with an eco-friendly approach, minimizing waste, and supporting local businesses.
Eco-tourism is a part of eco-conscious or sustainable travel, more specifically focused on the intent of regions and their tourism bodies to conserve the surrounding environment, prioritize local economies and residents, minimize negative impacts through eco-conscious practices, and raise awareness among travelers of environmental and cultural issues.
It’s true that today’s environmental issues — and better access to information and education surrounding them — have created a surge of travelers looking toward eco-tourism options. But it’s a new term, not a new idea.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park / Photo by A n v e s h on Unsplash
Eco-Tourism in Townsend
With shifts in the modern world changing the way we travel and embrace tourism, Townsend is one of many communities that maintained a focus on sustainability — protecting those natural wonders that bring travelers to begin with and the local communities that make it possible.
“Long before ‘eco-tourism’ was a buzzword, we were quietly living it,” said Kim Mitchell, Blount County director of tourism. She highlighted conscious choices made in the process: how the city prioritized low-impact development and encouraged family-run lodges and responsible outfitters, alongside a close partnership with Great Smoky Mountains National Park to protect surrounding ecosystems.
If anything, the approach made Townsend an ideal destination as travelers adopted a more intentional mindset. Mitchell said the trend “aligned beautifully with what Townsend already is.”
“We’ve expanded river clean-up programs, supported bike and pedestrian trail initiatives, and promoted experiences that encourage slowing down — like guided hikes, stargazing, sound bathing, and wildlife education, instead of over-commercialized attractions.”
Townsend’s Modern ‘Eco-Tourist’
Although Townsend has remained firm in its mission to center the surrounding communities and environment, Mitchell said there has been a noticeable shift in terms of traveler mindset.
“Visitors today are looking for experiences that feel authentic and connected to nature, not mass-produced,” Mitchell said. “They want to know their stay supports local families and preserves the area for future generations. From cyclists exploring the scenic routes to travelers looking for less noise and light pollution, we’re seeing eco-conscious travel reflected in everyday decisions.”
Mitchell said that many visitors may not even label themselves as “eco-tourists,” but they are still seeking that same sense of balance and need to be part of something more sustainable. But what exactly is an “eco-tourist?” Mitchell said that the common thread is connection.
“People come here to reconnect with nature, with loved ones, and with themselves. They’re drawn to the simple pleasures — floating the Little River, spotting bears in Cades Cove, or hiking to a quiet overlook, and they want to leave the place as beautiful as they found it.”
She also said that eco-conscious visitors have a growing appreciation for education as part of their experience, learning from local naturalists, park rangers, The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, and guides who relay the land’s stories. She said, “It turns a scenic visit into something meaningful.”
Cades Cove Scenic Loop / Photo by Jody Confer on Unsplash
Townsend’s Evolving Eco-Tourism Approach
As Mitchell emphasized, Townsend has always been a place to unplug and support the area’s natural wonders.
Leave No Trace is a community-wide commitment, with locals and visitors volunteering with Trails Forever or joining the Townsend Community Cleanups. Popular activities like birding and wildflower hikes already fit into the ethos, but travelers can also embrace workshops at Chestnut Top Trail and Tremont Institute or stay sustainably at spots like Little Arrow Outdoor Resort or Dancing Bear Lodge.
Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Days began earlier this year, ensuring the Cades Cove loop road is motor vehicle-free all day on Wednesdays from June 18 to September 24. This gives pedestrians free rein to experience Cades Cove fully and acts as an invitation for would-be drivers to do the same.
There’s also the BearWise program, designed to help local communities and travelers to coexist with bears. BearWise promotes education and best practices for the home and outdoors, so locals and visitors alike know how to stay safe while protecting their ferocious and furry neighbors.
According to Mitchell, travelers have met prevailing and new efforts alike with gratitude, embracing the slower pace, lack of over-commercialized businesses, and the opportunity to truly be present and breathe.
“Visitors tell us Townsend feels like a place that values preservation over profit, and that’s exactly what we want,” Mitchell said. “They notice the small things: clean river access points, family-owned lodging with a light environmental footprint and businesses that partner on community initiatives. Many have said that Townsend reminds them of how the Smokies used to feel decades ago, and they appreciate being part of keeping that spirit alive.”
Eco-Tourism Beyond Townsend
What makes Townsend unique when it comes to sustainable travel and eco-tourism as a whole?
According to Mitchell, they share the same goals as any other destinations with an eco-conscious focus: supporting local economies and reducing impact. Their scale and pace is what sets Townsend apart. They aren’t trying to be the “next big tourism hub.” Rather, the focus is remaining a place of peace.
“While others are adding new attractions, Townsend is doubling down on what already makes it special — the river, the trails, the people and the quiet. That restraint is part of our sustainability model. Yes, we are always making improvements to infrastructure and excited to see new businesses open — but maintaining the natural and peaceful feel is always the foundation of all we do.”
Mill Stream in Cades Cove / Photo by Ryan Wallace on Unsplash
So what’s next?
Mitchell affirmed Townsend’s main focus is enhancing access while preserving integrity. The city is working with local partners to improve trail connectivity, eventually connecting Townsend to the City of Maryville. Mitchell also cited the Townsend River Walk and Arboretum as an example, “constantly growing and evolving” with activities for visitors of all ages to embrace nature in new and innovative ways.
“We’re also optimistic about plans to expand the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont with plans for a second campus in Townsend. The new campus aims to be a world-class environmental learning center and is precisely the type of facility that belongs in an ecotourism destination, like Townsend.”
Why Eco-tourism?
“Eco-tourism gives travelers the chance to do more than just visit,” Mitchell said. “It lets them participate in the preservation of a place. We all know over-tourism can damage the very destinations people love, which makes sustainable travel both a responsibility and a privilege.”
This was never about embracing an industry trend. For Townsend, Mitchell said these new efforts simply reflect their ongoing historical push for sustainability.
“It’s a continuation of who we’ve always been — a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains that honors nature, invites reflection, and inspires visitors to leave lighter footprints wherever they go.”
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About the Author: Keegan Williams is a freelance editor and writer based in Los Angeles. They have written for publications including HuffPost, LGBTQ Nation, and High Times. Keegan has a passion for fitness. They are also immersed in LA’s underground dance scene and dabble as a DJ with a focus on percussive, high-energy techno and electronic music genres.
You can find them at keeganmwilliams.com or on Instagram @promwitch.
