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.
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…
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.
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.
Down by the River- 2025 Rhythm on the River Summer Concert Series in Newport Kicks off May 29
After a day of play, come enjoy the outdoor summer concert series held at River Walk along the Pigeon River in downtown Newport beginning on May 30. The event is free. Each concert runs from 7- 9 pm.
Amongst the Rhododendrons
I really love camping. That’s a statement not all too uncommon by many outdoors enthusiasts. There’s a certain freedom that exists with temporarily laying claim to a spot of earth and spreading out your basic necessities for a period of a few days. For a small fee, and sometimes no fee at all, you can embrace nature from the comforts of a tent.
