The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the Little River Railroad and the Little River Lumber Company—two operations that played a major role in the development of Townsend and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Founded in 1982, the organization works to protect and share the stories, artifacts, and people connected to the region’s railroad and logging heritage.

Through its museum and preservation efforts, Little River Railroad provides visitors and residents with a deeper understanding of East Tennessee’s industrial past and the lasting impact these industries had on the community and landscape.