Cocke County, Tennessee
Looking for the best hiking in Cocke County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Cocke County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Cocke County
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Walland, Tennessee
Drive the Foothills Parkway National Scenic Byway
5.0The foothills parkway runs parallel to the Great Smoky Mountains. It is 38.6 miles in total with the longest section at 33.0 miles. There are a few different places to get on to the parkway. There is one entrance near Fontana, Walland, Wears Valley, and Cosby. However Cosby is a smaller section a...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Camp at Mt. Pisgah
5.0The Mt. Pisgah campground is nestled right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Canton, NC. Since it is at an elevation of 4,980 feet the campground is a perfect destination to beat the heat and humidity that the region can be known for in the summer months. Reservations and information can be fo...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Climb Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
4.51.5 miThis is an extremely easy trail with a minimal incline. The tower, built in 1941, standing 70 feet above the summit, can be nerve wracking, even for those who aren't scared of heights. However, most feel it's worth the view. Expect to see fellow hikers. On pretty days there can be a few people w...Read more -
Erwin, Tennessee
Martin's Creek Falls
3.02.06 mi / 522 ft gainMartin's Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Erwin, Tennessee.Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
Will Skelton Greenway
7 mi / 300 ft gainThis greenway starts at the Island Home Park and goes through Ijams Nature Center and the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. The trail is almost 4 miles one way so it makes for a great half day trip. From start to finish it is 8 miles long. The trail is mostly paved with only a small bi...Read more -
Arden, North Carolina
Photograph the French Broad Overlook
5.0The French Broad Overlook is one of several overlook spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's not known to be the most breathtakingly scenic spot of the batch, but it's still a nice viewpoint that will offer you sights of the French Broad River, one of the few north flowing rivers in the US. Yo...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Shining Rock via Shining Creek Trail
4.38.69 mi / 2569 ft gainThere are several ways to access the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, but go for the main trail head off of Hwy 276. The trail is split by the Pigeon River, providing a seemingly infinite combinations of trails and routes, keeping in mind that this area intersects often with the well known Art Lobe ...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Hike Big East Fork Shining Rock Loop
4.014 miWe began this trip by camping overnight in Graveyard Fields. Those camp sites are .5 miles from the car, so we kept our food there over night. Bear activity has increased, so it's strongly advised to bring a bear canister and be wise about food storage. We woke up early the next morning made bre...Read more -
Townsend, Tennessee
Backpack to Spence Field
13.8 mi / 3100 ft gainStart your hike at Anthony Creek Trailhead (elevation 1,800 ft), in the Cade’s Cove area. The trailhead is located at the far end of the day-use picnic area near Cade’s Cove campground. There are a few parking spots right at the trailhead, but note that the picnic area closes at dusk (a gate clos...Read more -
35.604955,-83.770373
Hike to Rocky Top
5.012.8 mi / 3500 ft gainRocky Top is known to be the spot that inspired the famous fight song of the University of Tennessee, which is also an official song for the state of Tennessee. The trailhead for this hike begins in the Cade’s Cove picnic area parking lot towards the back side. There are a few parking spots ri...Read more -
Sylva, North Carolina
Hike to Cowee Bald Fire Tower
4.4 mi / 400 ft gainThe Cowee Bald Fire Tower is located in the Nantahala National Forest near Bryson City North Carolina. To get there you can either drive almost all the way to the top about .2 miles from the top but to get there you will need to have a 4WD or a higher clearance vehicle to cross a small stream. Ho...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Hike to Alarka Falls
5.01 mi / 100 ft gainTo visit the falls, take US-74 west from Bryson City to exit 64 . Take a left at the exit and drive on Alarka Road for about 10 miles. Follow the road all the way to the end where you will find a turnaround. Don't make the mistake of following the forest service road (it is gated), as it is not ...Read more -
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Exploring two legendary Cherokee sites: Judaculla Rock and Devil's Courthouse, North Carolina
5.00.9 mi / 258 ft gainJudaculla was an ancient Cherokee spirit being and giant. He ruled in western North Carolina in the traditional Cherokee homeland. Once while chasing some hunters, when he jumped to the ground, his hand hit a rock. You can still see the print on Judaculla Rock. It is the most elaborate piece of r...Read more -
Green Mountain, North Carolina
Appalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa
4.08.05 mi / 1165 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Unicoi, Tennessee.Read more -
Green Mountain, North Carolina
Hike to Beauty Spot Gap
5.02.13 mi / 1277 ft gainBeauty Spot Gap is located on the Appalachian Trail on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The bald offers a panoramic view of Cherokee National Forest and the city of Erwin. This is a popular destination for hikers of the AT to set up camp and watch the sunset. From the Tennessee side, t...Read more -
Barnardsville, North Carolina
Douglas Falls
5.01.11 mi / 125 ft gainThe trail begins at the back of the parking area and is marked by a trail sign. Once on the trail, it is a straight shot to the waterfall with no turnoffs. Overall the trail is very easy and is a slight descent all the way down. Around .3 miles into the trail you enter a forest of now-dead hemloc...Read more