Located in eastern Tennessee, Cocke County is a scenic and historic area with plenty of attractions to explore. It is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the south and the French Broad River to the north. The county seat is Newport, which is known for its many historical buildings and landmarks.
The population of Cocke County was estimated at 35,000 in 2020. This includes a diverse mix of people including Native Americans, African Americans, and European Americans. The county has also seen an influx of new immigrants from Mexico and other countries in recent years.
According to theinternetfaqs.com, Cocke County has a long history that dates back to its founding in 1797. It was named after William Cocke, who was an early settler in the area. During the Civil War, it was part of Tennessee’s Union-controlled territory known as East Tennessee. Afterward, it served as an important agricultural center for much of the 20th century with tobacco and apples being some of its major crops.
Today, Cocke County is home to many attractions including Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge; Rocky Top Mountain Adventures for outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting; Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area for hiking and camping; as well as several museums such as Museum Of Appalachia in Norris and Museum Of The Cherokee Indian in Vonore.
Cocke County is also home to several famous people including country music stars Dolly Parton and Kenny Chesney; actor/comedian Tim Allen; singer/songwriter John Prine; painter Leroy Neiman; astronaut Story Musgrave; wrestler Ric Flair; NFL player Josh Dobbs; baseball player Dansby Swanson; basketball player Chris Lofton; NASCAR driver Darrell Waltrip; Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton; author Cormac McCarthy; among others.
Cocke County offers something for everyone. From outdoor activities to museums to music venues – there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure – this county has it all.
Climate and weather in Cocke County, Tennessee
According to ehuacom.com, Cocke County, Tennessee is located in the Appalachian region of the United States and enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are usually hot and humid, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (high 20s Celsius). Spring and fall are mild, with temperatures ranging from the high 50s to low 70s Fahrenheit (low teens to low 20s Celsius). Winters can be cold, with temperatures occasionally dipping below freezing and snowfall possible. The average annual precipitation is about 55 inches (140 cm).
In addition to temperature changes throughout the year, Cocke County also experiences a variety of weather conditions including thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail storms, and even occasional flooding. Thunderstorms are most common during the spring and summer months. Tornado activity is highest during late spring and early summer when warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cool dry air from Canada. Hail storms are most common during late spring or early summer when thunderstorms form quickly over warm surface waters of lakes or rivers. Flooding can occur any time of year due to heavy rains but is more likely in winter or spring when snow melts quickly or heavy rains occur over several days.
Cocke County also enjoys a variety of sunshine throughout the year. The highest amounts generally occur in June with an average of 9 hours per day while December has an average of 6 hours per day. Morning fog is common in autumn due to cooler nighttime temperatures mixed with high humidity levels.
Cocke County has a temperate climate that features four distinct seasons along with a variety of weather conditions such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail storms, and even occasional flooding. The area also enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year making it a great place for outdoor activities.
Transportation in Cocke County, Tennessee
Cocke County, Tennessee is well-served by a variety of transportation options. The county is located off Interstate 40 and Highway 66, providing easy access to major cities in the region such as Knoxville and Asheville. In addition, US Route 321 provides direct access to Newport and Gatlinburg. Public transportation in Cocke County is provided by the Cocke County Transit Authority which operates both fixed route and demand response services. The fixed route service operates Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 6:30pm with stops at major destinations such as hospitals, shopping centers, parks, and more. Demand response service is available for those with disabilities or special needs who require door-to-door transportation services.
Cocke County also has several airports including the Newport Municipal Airport which offers both private and commercial flights while the nearby Morristown Regional Airport offers commercial flights to major cities in the region. For those traveling by rail, Amtrak’s Crescent Line stops at nearby White Pine Station providing connections to other destinations in Tennessee as well as throughout the country.
For those wishing to travel by boat or watercraft, Cocke County has several marinas located along Douglas Lake offering a variety of amenities such as fuel docks, boat storage facilities, restaurants and more. There are also several public boat launches located throughout the county making it easy to access Douglas Lake or other area lakes for recreational activities such as fishing or boating.
Cocke County is well served by a variety of transportation options including highways, airports, public transit systems and marinas making it easy for locals and visitors alike to get around easily.
Cities and towns in Cocke County, Tennessee
Cocke County, Tennessee is home to a variety of cities and towns. The county seat is Newport, a small city with a population of just over 6,000 people. The city has several historic buildings and landmarks including the Cocke County Courthouse, the Old Cocke County Jail, and the Andrew Johnson Museum. Newport also offers a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, camping and more.
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Parrottsville is another small town located in Cocke County with a population of around 400 people. It’s home to the Parrottsville Volunteer Fire Department which was founded in 1891 and provides fire protection services for the area. The town also offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, boating and more.
Del Rio is yet another small town located in Cocke County with a population of just over 300 people. It’s home to several historic sites including the Del Rio United Methodist Church which was built in 1876 and now serves as a museum that houses artifacts from early settlers in the area. Other attractions include an old-fashioned general store that sells locally made goods and artisanal crafts as well as Del Rio Falls which offers swimming opportunities during warmer months.
Cosby is another small town located in Cocke County with a population of around 500 people. It’s home to several historic sites including Cosby Creek Baptist Church which was built in 1855 and still serves as an active church today; Cosby High School which was built in 1916; and Cosby Post Office which has been operating since 1886.
Cocke County is home to many interesting cities and towns each offering their own unique attractions. From historic landmarks to outdoor recreation opportunities there is something for everyone here.