Looking for a peaceful Smoky Mountain escape? Head to Cosby! Often called the “quiet side” of the Smokies, Cosby offers serene mountain scenery, uncrowded hiking trails, and classic Appalachian charm. Whether you're camping in the forest, sampling local honey, or just relaxing in a cabin, Cosby is a perfect retreat into nature.

Cosby, TN Highlights:

  • Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Access lesser-known trails like Hen Wallow Falls and Gabes Mountain from the Cosby entrance.
  • Camp or picnic at Cosby Campground: Enjoy peaceful campsites, picnic spots, and trailheads just minutes from the entrance station.
  • Visit Carver’s Orchard and Applehouse Restaurant: Pick apples in season, shop local goods, and enjoy home-style Southern meals with a view.
  • Drive the Foothills Parkway: Cruise scenic mountain roads offering panoramic views of the Smokies and beyond.
  • Fish or float in nearby rivers: Enjoy trout fishing or tubing in local streams like Cosby Creek or the Pigeon River.

Best Time to Visit Cosby, TN

The best time to visit Cosby is from late spring through fall (May–October). Wildflowers bloom in spring, summer offers lush greenery and great hiking, and fall brings dazzling foliage with cooler temps and harvest festivals.

How to Get to Cosby, TN

  • If you are traveling by car: Cosby is located off U.S. Highway 321, about 30 minutes from Gatlinburg and 1 hour from Knoxville.
  • By air: The nearest airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, approximately 1.5 hours away by car.
  • By bus or train: Public transportation is limited; driving is the best option for accessing Cosby and the national park.

Where to Stay in Cosby, TN

  • Cosby Creek Cabins – Rustic-modern cabins nestled along the creek, perfect for couples, families, or groups.
  • Foothills RV Park & Cabins – RV-friendly and cozy cabins with scenic views, near both Cosby and Gatlinburg.
  • Cosby Campground – National park campground offering primitive sites and direct access to trails and nature.

Best Things to Do in Cosby, TN

⮕ Great Smokey Mountains National Park


Hike scenic trails and admire panoramic views on a summer trip.

Great Smokey Mountains National Park

© Nate Hovee/stock.adobe.com

  • What makes Cosby a great gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains?
  • Why are the Great Smoky Mountains special?
    • Believed to be among the oldest mountains on the planet, the Smoky Mountains boast a remarkably rich biodiversity.
  • What does the Great Smoky Mountains National Park include?
    • The National Park covers over half a million acres of sensationally beautiful landscape, encompassing old-growth forest, streams, and waterfalls.
  • What wildlife can be found in the park?
    • The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk and black bear.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy in the park?
    • Park activities include scenic drives, mountain biking, birding, fishing, hiking, and camping.
  • Are there activities for children?
    • Children can join organized ranger-led activities, go horseback riding, or learn how to fish.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Phone: 865-436-1200

⮕ Our Place


Visit this cozy spot and enjoy local flavors on a weekend escape.

Our Place

© Our Place

  • What is a must-visit shop in Cosby?
    • Your visit to Cosby and the Smokies would be incomplete without taking the time to drop by Our Place for a unique shopping experience.
  • What makes Our Place special?
    • This quaint family-owned store stocks a bit of everything, but the main draw is their wonderful collection of new and used books.
  • What types of books can visitors find at Our Place?
    • The collection includes non-fiction (which makes up the core of the collection), kiddies’ books, cookery books, paperback murder mysteries, Civil War history books, and much more.
  • Does Our Place offer anything besides books?
    • While you browse, you can enjoy a cup of delicious organic coffee.
  • Can I trade in old books?
    • Remember to bring along all your previously loved books – Our Place is happy to find them a new home.

Our Place, 115 Cricket Hollow Rd, Cosby, TN 37722, Phone: 423-487-4565

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

⮕ Mount Cammerer Fire Tower


Climb to the tower and look at breathtaking fall mountain vistas.

Mount Cammerer Fire Tower

© kellyvandellen/stock.adobe.com

  • What is a challenging hiking trail in Cosby?
    • Visitors to Cosby who are ready to take on a challenging trail should find that the hike to the Mount Cammerer Fire Tower perfectly fits the bill.
  • How long is the Mount Cammerer Fire Tower hike?
    • This trail to the summit of the mountain and the historic fire tower is an 11-mile round-trip hike.
  • How difficult is the hike?
    • The first half of the hike is uphill all the way as you gradually gain over 3,000 feet in altitude.
  • What scenery can hikers expect?
    • You will make your way through scenic hardwood forests covered in seasonal wildflowers.
  • What is special about the fire tower at the summit?
    • Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with amazing 360-degree views from the deck of the stone fire tower, which was painstakingly constructed from on-site quarried stone in the 1930s.

Mount Cammerer Fire Tower, Cosby, TN 37722

⮕ Foothills Parkway


Drive along winding roads and see stunning sights on an easy scenic trip.

Foothills Parkway

© bettys4240/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the Foothills Parkway?
    • The Foothills Parkway is a controversial 71-mile scenic road that will eventually run from US 120 at Chilhowie Lake to US 321 near Cosby.
  • Where does the parkway run?
    • Much of the parkway will run along the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most-visited national parks in the US.
  • What section of the parkway is currently open?
    • Visitors to Cosby can currently take a scenic drive along the completed 5.1-mile eastern section from Cosby to I-40.
  • Why is the parkway controversial?
    • The missing middle section of the parkway comprises over 33 miles, and its future is uncertain due to budget restraints and controversy about how completion of the parkway will impact traffic congestion.

Foothills Parkway, Cosby, TN 37722

Where to Eat in Cosby, TN

  • Carver’s Applehouse Restaurant – Homestyle Southern food with apple fritters, pork chops, and orchard views.
  • Janice’s Diner – Local favorite for classic breakfast, burgers, and daily specials in a no-frills setting.
  • The Woodshed Restaurant (nearby in Newport) – Casual steakhouse serving hearty meals just a short drive away.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival (September–October) – Celebrate the season with fall décor, festivals, and crafts in nearby Gatlinburg and Cosby.
  • Apple Harvest at Carver’s Orchard (September–November) – Enjoy cider tastings, family activities, and scenic drives through the orchard.
  • Christmas in the Smokies (December) – Take a holiday lights tour and enjoy seasonal festivities in the surrounding mountain towns.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Cosby, Tennessee:

  • Gatlinburg (30 min) – Shop, dine, or visit attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium and Ober Mountain.
  • Greenbrier entrance of the Smokies (25 min) – Less crowded hiking and picnic areas along the Little Pigeon River.
  • Newport (15–20 min) – Find chain stores, antique shops, and casual restaurants for supplies or a quick town visit.
  • Hartford (20–25 min) – Go whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River or ziplining through forest canopies.
  • Foothills Parkway scenic drive (starts near Cosby) – Access incredible Smoky Mountain overlooks and photography spots year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Cosby located?
    • The small town of Cosby is nestled along the northeastern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore this part of the Smokies.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Cosby?
    • Outdoor activities abound all around Cosby – visitors can go hiking along a network of at least 20 scenic trails, including the challenging 11-mile Mount Cammerer Fire Tower trail.
  • What activities are available inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
    • There are many activities available inside the national park, including wildlife viewing, fishing, and mountain biking.
  • Are there any scenic drives in the area?
    • If you would like a break from all the action, you can enjoy a scenic drive along the Foothills Parkway.

Plan Your Trip