A rich past echoes through the “hollers” of today as the cool, pure mountain streams flow through forest and meadows burnished with winter's whites, the green mix of spring and summer and the brilliance of fall's majestic colors spread on an inspiring palate of what God must surely have created...the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.

In the early 1700's Cherokee indians roamed the hills. The Scots-Irish later settled the more remote parts of the County. And gradually the migration from the north began with families and groups sliding down the Appalachian mountain range towards the virgin forests, the rich bottom lands and the temperate climate of the County.

Visit Del Rio, where the story of a young school teacher from Asheville, North Carolina, who came to the mountains to teach its children. It's the story of Catherine down Marshall's mother, Leonora Whitaker ("Television's Christy"). The mission site is still there, although the church has been moved a ways the mountain. But you can ride up that valley, known then and now as Cutter's Gap, and stand on the site of the mission, even have a picnic if you like. You'll find a warm welcome by the people there. Today there is still much mountainous area inhabited only by animals and not by man.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans a portion of the County. Cherokee National Forest sweeps from north to south through it. Two fast flowing rivers meet and form Douglas Lake. And a thousand miles of creeks and streams splash across a landscape of what is now America's last frontier.

Cosby is one of the most attractive areas of the Great Smoky Mountains, complete with hiking trails, picnic and grill facilities, horse trails, and camping areas. Origionally called Mountain Rest, it was later renamed in honor of Dr. James Cosby, one of the first doctors in this part of the country. Today Cosby is growing due to the expantion of Gatlinburg, only a short drive away. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park borders Cosby's Southern boundaries, and the Cherokee National Forest borders the East. Cosby is known as "The Quiet Side Of The Smokies", with it's own park entrance and trailheads. Some of the most popular hiking trails, and waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountans National Park start in Cosby. If you still wanted to visit Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, they are only a short drive down the road (approx. 20 miles).

You'll travel to Cosby on Tennessee's Scenic Highway 321, an all weather road winding through the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Watch for deer, grouse, turkeys and even black bear. Cosby is nestled in a valley and is home to arts and crafts shops, realty offices, quilt shops, quaint restaurants, dulcimer shops and friendly Smoky Mountain folks. Visit the Smoky Mountain Welcome Center where Highways 321 and 32 join. Enroute to Gatlinburg stop in for driving directions and to see local products.

Cosby is well known as the Moonshine Capital of the World and the movie Thunder Road (1958) is the story of what was once a wild and wide open Tennessee tradition. Moonshining was, in fact, the income producer for many families here and many of the locals can tell you what it was like to "run shine" to Knoxville and Asheville, North Carolina. Cosby Campground is also the Cocke County entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Camp here to escape the crowds. It's beautiful.

You will share what we are so blessed to have... nature in it's virginal, glorious presence. The smells of the forest after a morning rain. The sounds of the animals moving through the woods. Clean mountain air fills your lungs. Deep blue skies range the horizon. Clear water streams run ice cold. The chirp of the cricket and the woeful cry of the coyote mix to a symphony of natures's own writing. A thousand "shooting stars" fill the night's black sky and you'll feel the evening's breeze muss your hair. But you won't care. You're at home in these mountains. And the mountains are at ease in your soul.

This temperate climate offers you comfort and pleasure. Spring's rains grow gardens. Summer's evenings linger into the night. Autumn's cool refreshes. And winter's light white cloak wraps about you in peace and quiet.

You'll find Tennessee log cabins tucked against the steep sided mountains, winding mountain roads that never end, and Cocke County 's fastest growing "industry", white water rafting on the Pigeon River. Hold on to your hat...it's a wild ride down the raging river and your professional guides will do their best to keep dry. You're at home in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. And you're glad you're here. For more information on activities in Cosby please visit the Cocke County Chamber of Commerce website.

If you're looking to relocate to the Smokies, to invest in a summer home or want to stay a few days and enjoy East Tennessee...Cosby is the place to be.

To get to Cosby, take the Newport exit 435 from Interstate 40 then take Highway 321/32 (South) or the Wilton Springs exit 440 from Interstate 40 and take Highway 73 (West). From Gatlinburg take Highway 321 (East) towards Newport.

  Facts About Cosby!