Clear view of the Smokies in the Cosby Region of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located in the northeast corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cosby features one of the largest campgrounds in the park plus many hiking opportunities. This area is a favorite of many people because it does not get that crowded, yet it is only about 25 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a huge tourist area.

CAMPGROUNDS

Cosby Campground
157-site campground mainly for tent campers but does have a few sites for smaller RVs. Open seasonally. Reservations are required.

Cosby Group Campground
Three campsites can accommodate groups of up to 20 people. The campsites are located within the main Cosby Campground. Open seasonally. Reservations are required.

CEMETERIES

Williamson Cemetery
Small cemetery located about fifteen minutes up the Snake Den Ridge Trail, which starts in the Cosby Campground near site B 51.

HIKING TRAILS

There are dozens of hiking trails in the Cosby Region and over 800 miles of trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is not possible for me to hike all of them, but I did hike a few in each region. Here is a suggestion for a long day-hike at Cosby.

Low Gap Trail – Appalachian Trail – Snake Den Ridge Trail Loop Hike
Moderate to strenuous, 13.5-mile loop hike combines three trails in the Cosby area.

Gabes Mountain Trail to Hen Wallow Falls
Trail runs from the Cosby Campground for 6.6 miles to the intersection with the Maddron Bald Trail. However, most people hiking it are only interested in seeing Hen Wallow Falls, which is just 2.2 miles from the campground.

PICNIC AREAS

Cosby Picnic Area
35-site picnic area with a pavilion available for rental.