Where Great Smoky - Vacation East Tennessee

For complete visitor
information on Tennessee
call 1-800-GO2-TENN or
log on to tnvacation.com
april
Music of the Mountains
Contact: Tourism Office, 423-625-9675
may
Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River Season Begins
Annual Cosby Ramp Festival
Contact: Kathy Cody, 423-623-1009
Cosby in the Park at Cosby Campground
Demonstrations, traditional music, nature walks
Contact: Tourism Office, 423-625-9675
MoonPie in the Smokies
Contact: Tourism Office, 423-625-9675
JUNE
Springtime “On Cosby” Festival
Contact: F.C.E. Club: Bettye Carver, 423-487-5505
Annual Moonshine Rod Run at the Newport City Park
Contact: Tod Atkins, 423-623-0425
www.hardtimestreetrodclub.com
july
Del Rio Preservation Society 4th of July Celebration
Contact: Betty Walker 423-623-1062
august
Christy Homecoming
Contact: Cocke County Tourism Dept. 423-625-9675
Annual Native American Style PowWow
Smoky Mountain Visitors Center On Cosby
Contact: Marsha Johnson 865-774-5626
october
Navy SEAL Extreme Off-Road Challenge
Contact: Dan Schreder 423-200-9935
Annual Harvest Street Festival
Contact: Newport/Cocke Co. Chamber of Commerce 423-623-7201
Parrottsville Heritage Day Contact: City Hall, 423-623-9380
“On Cosby” Festival – Cosby
Contact: Bettye Carver 423-487-5505
Del Rio Days at Jones Nature Center
Contact: Michael Sledjeski 423-487-3161
Haunted Halloween Trail & Hayride
at the Smoky Mountain Visitors Center “On Cosby”
Contact: Bettye Carver 423-487-5505
Halloween Trick or Treat at the Track – Newport City Park
Contact: Newport Parks & Recreation 423-623-7304
december
Del Rio “Big” Christmas Bazaar 423-487-3161
Parrotsville Christmas Parade 423-623-9380
Newport Christmas Parade 423-623-7201
Cocke County, Tennessee
Bybee, Cosby,
Del Rio, Hartford,
Newport, Parrottsville
Annual Events
Where to stay the night
Romance and Adventure
Christopher Place –
An intimate resort,
Christopher Place is a AAA
Four Diamond Award winner.
Enjoy swimming, tennis,
hiking or a glass of wine in
the library overlooking the
serene mountain scenery. Indulge in a delicious four-course dinner prepared
by Chef Karen Valentine. Her meals are memorable culinary creations
that will leave your tastebuds wanting more, but your appetite completely
satisfied. Call 24 hours in advance for reservations. 1500 Pinnacles Way,
Newport, www.christopherplace.com, 800-595-9441
Creekwalk Inn – Whisperwood
Farm Creekside Bed and Breakfast
offers seven rooms and Cocke
County’s only Wedding Chapel. Made
of hand-hewn logs and furnished
with rustic,
handmade
furniture and
amenities, it
is casual, rustic and exquisite in food as well as
architecture–enhanced by the lovely brook just a
few feet away from your doorway. 166 Middle Creek
Road, Cosby, www.whisperwoodretreat.com,
800-962-2246
French Broad Outpost
Ranch – The only dude ranch
in Tennessee – for people
who like going back in time
and being cowboys (and
cowgirls). At the ranch,
there are many activities for
the entire family centered around
horseback riding, including cattle
drive events. 461 Old River Road,
Del Rio, www.frenchbroadriver.com,
800-995-POST or 423-487-3147
The best way to experience the Smokies
is to be as close to them as you can get.
433B Prospect Ave., Newport, TN 37821 • www.YallVisitTheSmokies.com
Cocke County Partnership’s Tourism Office - 423-625-9675
Whether you want to experience the hometown
character and charm of our locally-owned motels, or
the recognition and reputation of our six national chains,
with over 600 rooms per night at 12 motels and inns,
you can be assured you will have a great night’s sleep
(located off I-40 at exit 432 & 435).
Cabins & Lodges
BIG CREEK CABINS RENTALS – Log Cabins on
the creek. Close to white water rafting, fishing.
1935 Old 15th Rd., Hartford, 423-487-3776
www.bigcreekcabinrental.com,
America’s most
visited national
park is world
renowned for
its diversity of
plant and animal
life and the
quality of Southern
Appalachian mountain culture. Rarely
crowded, the Cosby entrance to the Park
showcases beautiful wildflowers, moss covered
stones and babbling
brooks surrounded by
old growth forest. With
peaceful picnic areas
and campgrounds with
great hiking trails, the hike to Mount
Cammerer Fire Tower provides one of the
best views in the Smokies.
National
Park
Great Smoky
Mountains
The
PIONEER COTTAGES – Cosy cabins on 12 acres of mountainside. Petting
farm, pony rides, privacy and hiking trails. 3021 Hwy 321, Cosby,
423-487-2900, www.pioneercabins.com
SERENITY FALLS CABIN RENTALS – Beautiful waterfalls and creekside
cabins with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. 4555 Redwood Way, Cosby,
www.serenityfallscabins.com, 423-487-2990
SMOKY DREAMS – Family owned and operated. Clean, affordable and with
all the comforts of home. 277 Sub Road, Cosby, www.smokydreams.com,
865-322-1625
SOLITARY CONFINEMENT – New cabin, quiet and serene, with beautiful
woodsy view. 4445 Chestnut Mountain Way, Cosby, 239-543-2871
THE TROUT HOUSE – Clean and icy cold Dry Fork Creek offers rainbow trout
to cook over a hickory fire. Del Rio, www.tntrout.com, 423-487-2315
CANEY CREEK HIDEAWAY – Recently newly
furnished for a wonderful stay, you can enjoy
lake fishing just outside the front door. 282
Incline Way, Cosby, www.caneycreek.artshost.com,
229-758-5549
U SO LUCKY CABINS – Family owned and operated. A couple’s getaway in a
wooded setting. 237 Kenny Way, Del Rio, 423-487-3267
CARSON SPRINGS BAPTIST CONFERENCE CENTER – Church retreat facility.
1120 Carson Springs Rd., Newport, 423-623-2764
COSBY CREEK CABINS – Luxury log cabins near Gatlinburg with
fireplaces and whirlpools. Pets Allowed. 4352 Highway 321, Cosby,
www.cosbycreekcabins.com, 423-487-3333, 800-508-8844
WILDWOOD ACRES – Nestled in a secluded woodland setting surrounded by
peace and quiet. Pets Allowed. 4410 Wildwood Drive, Cosby, 423-487-5670,
800-423-2030, www.wildwoodmountain.com
Campgrounds
COSBY CAMPGROUND – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, South of
Hwy 321 in Cosby, 471 Cosby Highway, Cosby, 423-487-2683
COSBY RANCH – 311 South Hwy 321, Cosby, 423-487-3178,
www.cosbyranch.com
GARDEN OF EDEN CABINS – Pet friendly cabins bordering GSMNP with
glorious rushing creek. 467 Laurel Springs Rd., Cosby, 800-684-0939,
www.gardenofedencabins.com
FOX FIRE CAMP & CANOE – 3541 Hartford Rd., Hartford, 502-641-5369
French Broad OUTPOST RANCH – 461 Old River Road, Del Rio,
423-487-3147, 1-800-995-POST, www.frenchbroadriver.com
INDIAN SPRINGS MOUNTAIN FARM – 1460 Flat Branch Road, Del Rio,
423-487-3079, 877-797-3079
KOA OF NEWPORT – Swim in KOA’s sparkling pool, shoot hoops or shoot
a game of pool in the game room. Laze around in the heated and airconditioned one and two-room Kamping Kabins. 240 KOA Lane, Newport,
www.koa.com, 423-623-9004, 800-562-9016
MEADOW CREEK MOUNTAIN RESORT – Riding stable, the wonderful Barn
Yard Cafe and a variety of activities such as bird watching, hiking trails
and horseback trails. 961 Browns Chapel Road, Parrottsville,
www.meadowcreekmountain.com, 423-623-7543
MOORE’S CABINS – Creekside cabins with mountain views.
4406 Liberty Rd., Cosby, www.moorecabins.com, 423-487-5615
PETERSON RENTAL CABIN – Breathtaking mountain views at an excellent
price. 519 Mountain Lake Rd., Newport, 423-625-0465
INDIAN CAMP CREEK – 208 Indian Pathway, Cosby, 423-487-2493
JELLYSTONE PARK CAMP – Famous Maddron Bald/Albright Grove Trailhead
is just feet from the campground. 4946 Hooper Hwy, Cosby, 423-487-5534
KOA OF NEWPORT – 240 KOA Lane, Newport, 423-623-9004,
800-562-9016
ROUND MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND – Cherokee National Forest, 12 miles SE
of Del Rio, Off Hwy. 107 South, 423-638-4109, Greeneville Ranger Station
TENT CAMPING U.S.A. – French Broad River Hwy. 25/70, Del Rio,
800-457-2794, 423-613-9726
TMC CAMPGROUND – 112 Carson Springs Road, Newport, 423-625-0433,
www.tmccampground.com
TRIPLE CREEK CAMPGROUND – 141 Lower Bogard Road, Newport,
423-623-2020
MountainHikes
ALBRIGHT GROVE – Located adjacent to Jellystone Park Campground
about 15 miles outside of Gatlinburg, this moderate trail leads 3.5 miles
to a magnificent virgin cove hardwood forest. One stand of ancient yellow
poplars is thought to be among the oldest living things in the Eastern
United States.*
COSBY CAMPGROUND – Only a half-hour drive from Gatlinburg, Cosby
offers quiet camping and peaceful picnicking, set deep in the forest along
rushing Cosby Creek. Bikes and horses are allowed and rangers give special
campfire programs at the amphitheater.*
HEN WALLOW FALLS – This falls is said to get its name from the ruffled
grouse’s unusual practice of wallowing in the dust. Although it does not
carry a high volume of water, Hen Wallow is a beautiful cascade that fans
out as it slides down sheer rock for almost 100 feet. The moderate 4.2 mile
trail near the entrance to Cosby Campground leads through hemlock, poplar
and rhododendron forest.*
MT. CAMMERER – The restored fire tower atop Mount Cammerer
provides panoramic 360 degree views of the entire Park. One of the
first Friends of the Smokies restoration projects, this historic fire tower
was once used regularly by rangers. The 12-mile hike leading up the
mountain is accessible from the Low Gap Trail at Cosby Campground.*
MT. STERLING – Climbing a strenuous trail through the changing
forest of Spruce Fir, Fraser Fir and Red Spruce, this trail emerges atop
a truly magnificent pinnacle where another Park fire tower stands. Two
trailheads lead to the summit, one from Cosby Campground and one
from Big Creek.*
Whitewater Rafting
Coursing through the Cherokee National Forest and engulfed
in the shadows of the wonderfully majestic Great Smoky
Mountains, have the whitewater adventure of your life. Ride
5 miles of whitewater containing 18 Class II, III, and IV rapids
on the Upper Pigeon River in professionally guided, six-person
rafts. Each of the dozen rafting companies located in Hartford,
just off I-40 at exit 447, employ only certified guides and
maintain the highest standards of operation. A more serene
route is available through all rafting companies utilizing the
Lower Pigeon River; this more laid-back and scenic section of
the river is perfect for a family float.
Most outfitters are seasonal (May - October) and many
offer kayak and canoe rentals.
APPALACHIAN OUTDOORS/zipline – 866-723-8277,
423-532-0452, 3670 Hartford Road, www.raftfb.com
BIG CREEK EXPEDITIONS – 877-642-RAFT (7238), 423-487-0178
3541 Hartford Road, www.bigcreekexpeditions.com
FIVE RIVERS ADVENTURES – 888-297-9059, 423-487-3702
NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER – 800-232-7238, 888-905-7238
3485 Hartford Road, www.noc.com
OUTDOOR RAFTING ADVENTURES – 866-333-RAFT, 423-487-2085
3635 Trail Hollow Road, www.raftoutdooradventures.com
RAFTING IN THE SMOKIES /zipline/ropes course – 800-PRO RAFT,
423-487-5252, 3595 Hartford Road, www.raftinginthesmokies.com
RAPID DESCENT RIVER CO. – 800-455-8808, 3165 Big Creek Road,
www.rapiddescent.com
RAPID EXPEDITIONS (year-round) – 888-504-RAFT (7238)
3605 Hartford Road, www.rapidexpeditions.com
RIP ROARING ADVENTURES – 800-449-RAFT (7238), 423-487-0231
3375 Hartford Road, www.raftingtennessee.com
SMOKY MOUNTAIN OUTDOORS – 800-771-7238, 865-430-3838
3299 Hartford Road, www.smokymountainrafting.com
USA RAFT – 800-USA-RAFT, 888-872-RAFT (7238), 423-487-4303
3630 Hartford Road, www.usaraft.com
WILDWATER RAFTING/zipline – 866-319-8870, 423-487-3307
3555 Hartford Road, www.wildwaterrafting.com
Racing
ENGLISH MOUNTAIN DRAGWAY –
Love the thunder of full throttle
dragsters? If so, then this is the
place for you on Friday and Saturday
nights. An IHRA sanctioned
track, it offers a point system to
competitors, cash to Pro Class and
Foot-Brake winners each week, electronic timing, and
first-rate racing accommodations. 1323 Lewis Road, Newport,
423-625-8375, www.englishmountaindragway.jimdo.com
NEWPORT SPEEDWAY – Saturday night is race night at Newport Speedway.
This 4/10 asphalt oval offers five classes of racing: rookies, street stock,
limited late models, late models, and road hogs-enduro/demolition racing.
The track offers plenty of seating with a great view of the track, and full
concessions. The gates open at 6 p.m., racing starts at 7:30 p.m. every
Saturday evening during the season. 769 Industrial Road, Newport,
www.newportmotorspeedway.com, 423-623-2182
ROUND MOUNTAIN RECREATION AND CAMP SITE – Cherokee National
Forest, Contact: Tourism Office, 423-625-9675
Gum Springs Trail – Right by the campground, offers a wonderful vista
of Round Mountain. This trail is a fairly easy 1.33 mile hike.
STANDING BEAR FARM – Just 200 yards off the Appalachian Trail, a turn of
the century multi-generational farmstead has been converted to offer lodging. Rustic bunkhouse or cabin, tent camping, authentic Tee-Pee, hot showers, laundry, free internet, phone, mail-drop, shuttle service, microwave, fire
pits and gas grill. Exit 451, Waterville Road, Hartville, 423-487-0014
*Descriptions: www.AllTheSmokies.com. Trail info: www.hikinginthesmokys.com
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Unique &
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Saddle up and enjoy one of our mountain trails, or stream side rides. Gentle
horses and experienced guides will provide you with an exhilarating ride.
BIG CREEK STABLES – 5014 Rag Mountain Rd, Hartford, 423-487-5742,
423-487-3490, www.bigcreekoutdoors.com
Be sure to bring your camera - Briarwood Auto Safari features animals
from around the world. On your scenic, four-mile safari through beautiful
hills and pasture lands, you will experience animals from six continents.
You may drive your own vehicle, but to avoid hoof-prints, a tractor-pulled
wagon ride is recommended. The petting zoo, playground and picnic
shelters make it easy to spend the day at this unique attraction. 255 Briar
Thicket Road (Hwy. 160), Bybee, 865-919-5072, www.briarwoodsafari.com
Every corner of Holloway’s Country Home Custom Homemade Quilts
is filled with colorful bolts of fabric, sewing notions and original patterns by
nationally-known Maria Holloway. With a large
vintage collection, it is easy to appreciate the
amount of time invested in each handmade
quilt exemplifying centuries of rural tradition.
Be sure to ask about quilter’s retreats when
you stop by. 3892 Cosby Hwy. (Hwy. 321/32),
Cosby, 423-487-3866, www.hollowayquilts.com
If you are a “foodie”, then you’ll want to eat
where the locals eat. THE FARM MARKET (642 W Hwy 25/70, Newport,
423-623-6181) is the epitome of granny’s cooking at its best. Find Mexican
and American food combined with live Bluegrass music at the brightly
painted FRONT PORCH MEXICAN RESTAURANT (2912 Cosby Hwy., Cosby,
423-487-2875). Or, stop for a home-grown snack at CARVER’S APPLE
ORCHARD (3462 Cosby Hwy., Cosby, 423-487-2710). The restaurant offers
country-cookin’, cider, fritters and yummy apple pies. Don’t miss the candy
kitchen and produce market. www.carversappleorchard.com. A variety of
restaurants can be found off I-40 at exits 432 & 435.
FRENCH BROAD OUTPOST RANCH – 461 Old River Road, Del Rio,
800-995-POST, 423-487-3147, www.frenchbroadriver.com
MEADOW CREEK MOUNTAIN RESORT – 961 Browns Chapel Road,
Parrottsville, 423-623-7543, www.meadowcreekmountain.com
Bird Watching
RANKIN BOTTOMS – Located on the upper reaches of Douglas Lake, it is
aptly described as “a southern Appalachian bayou.” The water levels in
certain parts of Rankin are seasonal, so check first before heading out
with your canoe or kayak. Rankin is one of the best birding areas in the
Southeast and has been recognized by the National Audubon Society as an
Important Bird Area. This is the premier site in East Tennessee for warm
season waterbirds including Wood Duck, Double-crested Cormorant,
Great Egret, Osprey, shorebirds, Cliff Swallow, and Prothonotary Warbler.
Contact: Michael Sledjeski, 423-487-3161
Information & brochures on these topics available at Cocke County Chamber of Commerce, 423-623-7201
Hunting & Fishing – With the combination
of the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests,
there are great hunting opportunities. A license
is required during the appropriate seasons for all
hunting and fishing activities within the National
Forests and other public lands. All hunting and
fishing regulations are enforced by the Tennessee
Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Call 1-800332-0900 to learn more about the various TWRA
hunting and fishing regulations.
History & Heritage – Pick up the Heritage
Tour brochure highlighting the 10 properties
in the County that are listed with the National
Register of Historic Properties. Visit the Newport/
Cocke County Museum for insight into the strong,
independent, culturally-rich population dedicated
to preserving their mountain heritage and land
for future generations. Newport/Cocke County
Museum - 433 Prospect Ave., Newport. Open by
appointment only. Call 423-623-7304.
motor trails – Looking for more to do in the
area? East Tennessee Crossing National Scenic
Byway (easttennesseecrossing.com) explores
the original trade route established by pioneers
(US 25E). The Foothills Parkway offers mountain
top vistas and the Still Water to White Water
Motorcycle Trail (easttnvacations.com) follows
the scenic winding roads along the lakes and
rivers. For information on all 16 State Trails and
Byways, log onto tntrailsandbyways.com.
4 State & National Forests + 3 Rivers = Abundance of Natural Adventure