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.
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.


