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…
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.
