If you’re looking for a relaxing place to unwind in downtown Newport, Tennessee, head to Riverwalk Park — a scenic green space that follows the gentle flow of the Pigeon River. This riverside gem is a favorite local spot for walking, fishing, picnicking, and simply taking in the beauty of the Smokies and East Tennessee.
Primitive Magnolias and the Soul of Appalachia
Long before flowering plants filled the world with color, magnolias were already blooming. With fossil records dating back over 95 million years, magnolias are among the oldest flowering plants on Earth—true survivors of deep time, with thick, leathery petals built for endurance.
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…
Camping: The Adventure Side of the Smokies
What’s your perfect camping style? Do you prefer the simplicity of primitive camping, the convenience of an RV, or the classic tent experience under the stars? Maybe you love waking up by a rushing river, perched on a mountainside, or enjoying the comforts of a resort-style retreat. Whatever your preference, the Adventure Side of the Smokies offers the perfect getaway for those seeking a true outdoor experience.
Escape to Cosby Creek: A Fly Fishing Haven
If you enjoy fishing small streams away from the crowds of bustling towns and tourist spots, consider Cosby Creek in Cosby, Tennessee. Nestled in the north end of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this cold-water stream is a peaceful destination for fly fishing enthusiasts seeking trout and smallmouth bass.
The Secret’s Getting Out — Cocke County’s A Winter Fishing Wonderland
It may be old news to some, but newcomers are learning all the time that Newport and the surrounding countryside is an angler's paradise.
Local Lure Company Angling for Big Bites
Growing up on Douglas Lake, angler and business owner, Hobie Rice knows a thing or two about fishing lures. The sport of angling is about so many variables- skill, equipment, fish, and weather.
Stop in Hartford and Start a Journey into Cocke County’s Recreation Heartland
Welcome to Your Wild & Woolly Destination for Wilderness, Whitewater & Open-Air Wonderment Exit 447 along I-40 about 14 miles south of Newport doesn’t really look like much on a map. But this wide spot in the road just five miles from the TN-NC state line is brimming with all manner of nature-based activities to please outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Play it Safe on the Waters
The Adventure Side of the Smokies is a veritable outdoor waterpark for paddlers, float trips, kayak fishing, and swimming, all surrounded by some of Mother Nature’s most beautiful mountains and forests in the southeast.
The 3 Rivers of the Adventure Side of the Smokies
The three rivers of Cocke County are destinations for exciting recreational adventures on the Adventure Side of the Smokies. The history of these rivers shaped the past and are now shaping the future of recreation in Cocke County.
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