Cocke County, Tennessee
Cocke County sits in eastern Tennessee, right along the North Carolina border. It has plenty of wild mountain scenery, with a portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lying within the county.
The French Broad River runs through the area, making it a popular spot for rafting, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures. Newport, the county seat, has a pleasant downtown area with plenty of local character. Hikers will find some excellent trails throughout the region, while the Cherokee National Forest covers much of the southeastern part of the county.
Cocke County also has a colorful past, including a long connection to moonshining. Today, agritourism is becoming an important part of the local scene, with farms opening their doors to visitors. Residents take great pride in their Appalachian roots, and the mountain views can be absolutely spectacular.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Cocke County |
| County Seat | Newport |
| Population | Approximately 37,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Newport, Parrottsville, Cosby |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 25, U.S. Highway 321 |
| FIPS Code | 47-029 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 443 square miles (435 sq mi land, 8 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Hamblen County (North), Greene County (Northeast), Madison County, North Carolina (East), Haywood County, North Carolina (South), Sevier County (Southwest), Jefferson County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (EST) |
| State | Tennessee |
| Coordinates | 35°55’N, 83°12’W |
| Etymology | Named after William Cocke, an early Tennessee political leader |
| Major Landmarks | Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest, Forbidden Caverns |
