The Newport/Cocke Chamber of Commerce,
433B Prospect Av.,
Newport, TN 37821
(423) 623-7201
Many of us prefer to enjoy the county from our vehicles. The Cocke County Highway Commission, State of Tennessee, National Forest Service and National Park Service, are working together to improve all the roads in the county. Yet to get to some of the most picturesque places, you will find gravel, low-speed roads.
Bybee
Take State Road 160 North off US 321 just east of Newport. This road
winds between the lush farmlands and rolling hills in the northern part
of the county.
A short distance from Newport on US 321 East is the third oldest town in the state of Tennessee, Parrotsvile. Things to see are Swaggerty Fort, just east of town, and two natural bridges over Oven Creek, the larger being 50 feet wide and 100 feet long. The area is prosperous farming area marked by rolling hills with a great view of the Appalachians. On your return take S.R. 340 to..
Del Rio This area is the jewel of the County for pristine beauty. Follow US 25/70 south of Newport to S.R. 107 and turn south. The Del Rio area , the home of Grace Moore and teh Historic site of Catherine Marshall's novel "Christy", is a must for your day's travel. Signs are there to direct you to Cutter's Gap. Then continue south on 107, and follow signs to Round Mountain Recreation Area and Max Patch (NC). Other areas to see and Meadow Creek Tower on S.R. 107 North and Weavers Bend Area by taking Weavers Ben Road off of US 25/70. While in Del Rio, enjoy fishing or rafting on the French Broad.
Hartford
This section of the county is one of the most beautiful mountain areas
in Tennessee. While most travelers see a small part of it while on Interstate
40, there is much to see. Take exit 447 at Hartford, turn right on Hartford
Road and follow the PIgeon River north to Wilton Springs RD (or Exit 440).
Hartford is the headquaters for several Chamber whitewater rafting companies.
Cosby
Since this is the entrance to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, we
would suggest any road in the park. Another favorite is to travel State
Road 32 from Wilton Springs Road, past the Park entrance, to the State
Line. Or take the foothills Parkway from Interstate 40 to the Cocke-Sevier
County line.
Newport
As the county seat, Newport has many points of interest including the
county court house and the quaint downtown area with several buildings
on the National Register Listing. We invite you to sop by the Chamber located
on the Cosby Hwy next to the Newport Community Center and get a map of
the County which includes the city of Newport.
Special Events & Area Interest Cocke County Fair
The Cocke County Agriculture and Industrial Fair, established in 1949,
is held annually in Mid August. The fair has been recognized by the State
Department of Agriculture as one of the finest small fairs in our state.
Cosby Dulimer & Harp Convention Daily workshops for various dulcimer and harp folk instruments, from beginners to advanced levels are offerede. There is also a watermelon seed spitting contest and special workshops on storytelling and folk dancing. Chamber members Jean & Lee Schilling of Mountains Musicrafts, Cosby, have been sponsoring this event since 1976.
Cosby Ramp Festival The mountains near Cosby, southwest of Newport, offer prime growing conditions for the ramp, and edible plant of the onion family, and the Cosby Ruritan Club has held its Ramp Festival each spring since 1954. The large crowds have included a former president, governors, celebrities, and good folks from all over the world.
Del Rio Days A two day event, held annually the last weekend of October, featuring countless displays and events that unfold the details of Del Rio's proud heritage. There are buggy rides, river raft rides, storytelling, traditional crafts, a haunted barn as well as a bounty of country cooking and plenty of music.
Newport Harvest Street Festival A two day event held in October of each year, featuring quality crafts, excellent food, and entertainment. Held in downtown Newport, this event celebrates the best features of country life. Sponsored by the Newport/Cocke County Chamber of Commerce since 1985, we cordially invite you to attend!
Pigeon River Whitewater Shootout A new event for the county, held in May, is the US. Canoe and Kaak Team Whitewater Shootout in Hartford. The Pigeon River has several Class three and four rapids creating unlimited possibilities for exciting trips. Hartford is the headquaters for many Chamber whitewater outfitters. Sponsored by local business and industry, this event draws participants and spectators from around the country.
For additional information on the above special events and other
area interests, please contact
The Newport/Cocke Chamber of Commerce,
433B Prospect Av.,
Newport, TN 37821
(423) 623-7201