Several of our Chamber members offer RV Camping Facilities near the Cosby Entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in addition to both the Cherokee National Forest and the National Park. See the section on Lodging.
Cocke County. The name alone does not do justice to the thousands of acres of pure beauty it has within its borders. That's why we call it The Undiscovered Smokies in Tennessee. The combination of rivers and mountains is unmatched by any other county in Tennessee for wildlife, water, recreation and sightseeing.
Between the Cherokee National Forest, which occupies approximately 43,000 acres in the County, and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which has 18,914 acres, Cocke County has almost 97 square miles of natural beauty for one to discover. No matter if you are here for the day or for a life time, it is a must to tour the county. Those who do can expect to hear, see, smell, or taste some reminder of days gone by.
Golfing
Chamber member Baneberry Golf & Resort, located just off US 25
E, offers a peaceful lake and mountain setting. The combination of gently
rolling land, ponds, streams, sand bunkers and woods make this a challenging
6800 yard, par 72 course, but the players have fun whatever level golfer
they might be.
Whitewater
Both the French Broad and the Pigeon River provide residents and visitors
alike with whitewater experiences. Commercial outfitters will rent out
equipment or provide guided trips for both of the rivers. Outfitters for
the French Broad are based in both Hot Springs, NC and Del Rio, TN. Outfitters
for the Pigeon River are based in Hartford, TN. The Chamber has many member-outfitters
to serve you.
Hunting & Fishing
Fish and wildlife resources are managed cooperatively by the Forest
Service, National Park Service and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
(TWRA). The county has numerous trout streams of which several are stocked
regularly by the TWRA. Black bear, deer, turkey, and grouse are popular
game species. Hunting and fishing regulations, including licenses and season,
are set and primarily enforced by TWRA. For information call TWRA at 1-800-332-0900.
Five miles northeast of Del Rio, the Cherokee National Forest maintains
the Bubbling Springs Shooting Range. Located on Tennessee S.R. 107, the
facilities include a shooting bench and 25-, 50-, and 100-yard targets.
They also maintain the French Broad Boating site on US 25/70, five miles
east of Del Rio. This site provides carry down access to the river.
Hiking
The Appalachian Trail runs along the southern border of the county
and through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Access is available
at Waterville (Hartford Area), Cosby Entrance--Great Smoky Mountain National
Park and south of the Round Mountain Recreation Area in the Del Rio Area.
Additional trails can be found at Round Mountain Recreation Area, Meadow
Creek Mountain (Del Rio Area), Cosby Entrance--Great Smoky Mountain National
Park and Weavers Bend Road Area off US 25/70 (Del Rio Area).
Horseback
Riding Horse Trails may be found in the Weavers Bend Area off US 25/70,
Cosby Entrance--Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Round Mountain Recreation
Area. Horses may also be ridden on numerous miles of road (open and closed
in the National Forest and National Park. Hikers and bicyclist may use
designated horse trails.
Camping & Picnicking
Several of our Chamber members offer RV Camping Facilities near the
Cosby Entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in addition to
both the Cherokee National Forest and the National Park. See the section
on Lodging.