The best walks and hikes in Cocke County
4.9
(37)
549
hikers
23
hikes
Hiking trails in Cocke County, Tennessee, offer diverse landscapes within the Appalachian Mountains, bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest. The region features lush forests, panoramic mountain vistas, and cascading waterfalls. Terrain varies from gentle paths along rivers to challenging ascents leading to mountain summits.
Best hiking trails in Cocke County
- The most popular hiking route is Gabes Mountain Trail to Hen Wallow Falls — Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a 4.5 miles (7.3 km) trail that takes 2 hours 12 minutes to complete. This moderate route features a scenic waterfall.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Cosby Campground to Mt. Cammerer Summit via the Appalachian Trail — Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a difficult 10.8 miles (17.3 km) path. This challenging hike leads to expansive views from the Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower.
- Local hikers also love the Max Patch Mountain Loop — Pisgah & Cherokee National Forest Border, a 1.5 miles (2.5 km) trail leading through open grassy summits, often completed in about 43 minutes.
- Hiking in Cocke County is defined by mountain vistas, dense forests, and river valleys. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy walks to difficult climbs.
- The routes in Cocke County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 300 hikers have used komoot to explore Cocke County's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
17
hikers
24.1km
08:00
1,490m
640m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
13
hikers
9.30km
03:23
860m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
hikers
8.26km
02:29
390m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
28.7km
09:17
1,290m
1,320m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
6.26km
02:03
450m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
10.1km
03:12
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.01km
01:00
370m
0m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.53km
00:36
190m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.14km
00:36
0m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
930m
00:22
110m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Cocke County
Tips from the Community
From the eastern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains to Max Patch on the Appalachian Trail, the highest peak you will reach the summit of is Snowbird Mountain. There is an oddly shaped building at the top that is not accessible, but there are still terrific views of the lower lying peaks.
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The Roaring Fork Shelter on the Appalachian Trail is utilized by thru hikers, backpackers, and day hikers. This shelter has a sleeping area, but please follow LNT principles if choosing to have a snack near the sleeping quarters.
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Take a picnic, a camera, or even just a blanket and enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the Blue Ridge and Bald Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. Check the weather, as this is one of the higher peaks in the area and can be prone to spring and summer showers. Bring the pup and kids if you like, but keep in mind this is a frequented area that sees plenty of visitors.
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At the end of Mt. Cammerer Trail, you'll find the Lookout Tower. A lookout tower offering hikers a 360-degree view of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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A simple but useful shelter on the AT. In comparison to other shelters I've seen this one has a fence to lock out wildlife. Other shelters were more open concept :)
2
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Wonderful hike, beautiful view. Great place for a picnic lunch.
0
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A bit out of the way, but definitely worth it! The tower and the view are amazing.
1
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hiking trails can I expect in Cocke County?
Cocke County offers a diverse range of hiking experiences, from gentle paths along rivers to challenging ascents leading to mountain summits. You'll find lush forests, panoramic mountain vistas, and cascading waterfalls, particularly within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the bordering Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests.
Are there any easy or family-friendly hiking options in Cocke County?
Yes, Cocke County has options suitable for families and those seeking easier walks. For instance, the region offers trails like the Low Gap Trail and Cosby Nature Trail Loop, which provide a less strenuous experience. An easy option with open grassy summits is the Max Patch Mountain Loop, which is about 1.5 miles long.
Where can I find trails with waterfalls in Cocke County?
One of the most popular trails featuring a scenic waterfall is the Gabes Mountain Trail to Hen Wallow Falls within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This moderate route is approximately 4.5 miles long.
What are some challenging hikes with rewarding views in the area?
For challenging hikes with expansive views, consider the Cosby Campground to Mt. Cammerer Summit via the Appalachian Trail. This difficult 10.8-mile path leads to the Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower, offering exceptional panoramic vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains. Another difficult option is the Max Patch Mountain loop via Appalachian Trail, which is about 11.5 miles long.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Cocke County?
Yes, there are several loop options available. The Max Patch Mountain Loop is a well-known circular trail. Additionally, the Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower – Mount Cammerer Trail loop from Cosby offers a longer, more challenging circular experience.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the trails?
The diverse natural settings of Cocke County and its surrounding national parks and forests are home to various wildlife. Hikers might spot black bears, turkeys, and raccoons, among other animals. Always remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance and never feed them.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Cocke County?
Cocke County's moderate climate makes it a suitable hiking destination year-round. However, spring and fall are particularly beautiful, offering mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. Spring brings wildflowers, while fall showcases stunning autumn colors.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Cocke County?
The hiking routes in Cocke County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning mountain vistas, dense forests, and the variety of trails catering to different ability levels.
Are there any sections of the Appalachian Trail accessible from Cocke County?
Yes, the iconic Appalachian Trail traverses over 70 miles through Cocke County's rugged terrain. Notable sections include the Davenport Gap to Groundhog Creek Shelter segment, offering an invigorating trek through remote backcountry, and the trails leading to Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower.
What other outdoor activities are available in Cocke County besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, Cocke County offers a range of other outdoor activities. You can enjoy whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River, fishing, and horseback riding on various nature trails. The region's natural beauty provides ample opportunities for diverse outdoor adventures.
Are there any specific landmarks or points of interest to look out for on the trails?
Yes, several points of interest enhance the hiking experience. The Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower offers incredible panoramic views. You might also encounter the Low Gap Trail and the Davenport Gap Shelter, which are significant features along some routes.
How many hiking routes are available in Cocke County?
There are over a dozen hiking routes available in Cocke County, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore the region's natural beauty.
Most popular routes in Cocke County
Most popular attractions in Cocke County
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