If you’re looking for a great place to visit on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, let us tell you about an excellent area. We’ll let you in on all the reasons why we love it so that you can start planning the perfect day. Ready to find out what it is? Here is your guide to the Cosby area of the Smoky Mountains:
How to Get There
The first thing you need to know about the Cosby Area in the Smoky Mountains is the location. Take US-321 North (East Parkway) for about 18 miles until it ends at a "T" intersection; turn right onto TN-32 South, then make a right onto Cosby Park Road to reach the park entrance. When you reach the parking area, be sure that you have a Smoky Mountains parking pass. They can be purchased online, at the visitor centers, or on automated kiosks.
Hiking Trails
Hiking is a popular activity all around the Smokies, and the Cosby Area is no exception! A great easy trail to try is the Cosby Nature Trail. This route is a 1-mile loop that is beloved for its many wildflowers in the spring months. A longer route is the Gabes Mountain Trail at 4.4 miles round trip. It takes you to Hen Wallow Falls, a 90-foot waterfall that fans out 30 feet at the base. Another option is to hike the Low Gap Trail to the Appalachian Trail and end on the Mount Cammerer Trail. This route is a total of 10.4 miles round-trip, so it is ideal for experienced hikers. Admire the views from a rustic stone fire tower. This is a great spot to stop and get stunning photos before making the journey back.
Fishing
There are some great spots for fishing in the Cosby Area as well. Cosby Creek is located near Cosby Campground. There is also Big Creek. Both locations have a rich fish population of trout. When fishing, make sure to have all the proper equipment as well as a valid North Carolina or Tennessee fishing license. Fishing is permitted in the park from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The daily limit is 5 trout per person.
Camping
If you want to stick around the Cosby Area of the Smokies for a bit longer, stay the night at Cosby Campground. The campground is open seasonally from April to October. There are picnic tables where you can enjoy food and quality time with your travel group. At night, you can warm up by the fire. Get a good night’s rest in your tent and then wake up to have even more fun. Beat the crowds and get up early to see a spectacular sunrise! Campsites do require a reservation and fee, and space is limited, so planning ahead is a wise idea!
Now you know all about the Cosby Area of the Smoky Mountains. Want to know about more places to explore? Read up on the Greenbrier Area and everything it has to offer!
