The "Celebrating Cosby" programs offer a fun and meaningful way for families and visitors of all ages to connect with the rich history and culture of the Cosby area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Created through a special partnership between the National Park Service and local residents, these programs highlight the unique traditions, stories, and heritage of Cosby—helping to keep them alive for future generations.
Pigeon River: Whitewater Rafting in the Southeast
The Pigeon River flows about 70 miles from Haywood County, NC, to Newport, TN. It winds through the Pisgah National Forest, the Cherokee National Forest, and drains much of the northeastern section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for its rugged beauty and thrilling whitewater rapids, the Pigeon River Gorge has long been a key natural feature in the region. Originally used for transportation by Native American tribes and later by settlers, the river’s dramatic rapids and stunning landscapes have made it one of the Southeast’s top destinations…
Hogs to H.O.Gs- The French Broad River Road
Long before interstates or railroads connected Asheville and Newport, farmers faced a challenge: getting their goods to market. The fertile valleys of the French Broad River and Cocke County produced an abundance of food that was in demand as far south as Charleston, SC.
Newport: A City History Shaped by Transportation
Nestled on the north side of the Great Smoky Mountains is the quiet city of Newport Tennessee. Bordered by rivers, a train track, and divided by a state and federal highway, the city can be easily overlooked. But a glance into its past reveals a historic era from the late 1700’s forward worth exploring.
Wilma Dykeman- A Legacy of Conservation
Newport’s and Cocke County’s history is woven together with the stories of Appalachian life, mountains, rivers, and the people who lived here.
Day trippin’ in Cocke County TN- Parrotsville
Cocke County is filled with historic sites to see such as the Swaggerty Fort in Parrottsville.
The Legend of the Moon Pie- A Campfire Story
Summer’s sticky sweetness is often celebrated around a blazing campfire with the delicious making of the confection called ‘smores and the storytelling of tall tales and folk legends.
