Visiting the Smokies, Summer 2026

SUMMER 2026

VISITING THE

SMOKIES

Nothing Short of Magical

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WHAT’S INSIDE

VISITING THE SMOKIES is published by The Newport Plain Talk 145 East Broadway | Newport, TN 37821 423-623-6171

DUANE UHLS Publisher

LESLIE MAGALIOS

Multi-Media Advertising Director

KATHY BARNES

Writer/Photographer

SARAH GRAYSON

Multi-Media Account Executive

JAMES HEMBREE

Multi-Media Account Executive

DARLA ALLEN Designer

03 Rafting Season Underway 04 Cocke County A&I Fair 07 Newport Speedway Offers Summer Excitement 08 Smoky Mountain Trail Map 09 Hot Springs Trail Map 10 Parking In Great Smoky Mountain National Park 11 Forbidden Caverns: A Look Into The Past And Underground Beauty

Copyright: 2026 Visiting The Smokies, The Newport Plain Talk.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the newspaper management. Reproduction of advertising and design work is strictly prohibited due to the use of licensed art services and agency agreement.

13 Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail In Gatlinburg 15 Rhythm On The River

88 Bridge St.

2 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • SUMMER 2026

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RAFTING SEASON UNDERWAY Despite damages suffered from the flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, the rafting business has worked hard to rebuild. While some adjustments have been made, the 2026 rafting season is underway in full force.

Rafting is Cocke County’s top source of tourist revenue.

Cocke County Clerk Shaleé McClure, who serves as the county rafting agent, said the rafting community has worked diligently since the flooding to ensure safe, run trips down the river.

“They are open for business, and I believe they can have a great season,” she said. “We have excellent rafting companies with knowledgeable staff.”

The Pigeon River has been named the most rafted river in the U.S. on more than one occasion.

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NINE RAFTING COMPANIES WERE ISSUED PERMITS TO OPERATE ON THE PIGEON RIVER IN COCKE COUNTY THIS YEAR: • Rapid Expeditions, 3605 Hartford Road in Hartford.

• Five Rivers Adventures, 3144 Dorsey Road in Cosby.

• Big Creek Expeditions, 3671 Hartford Road in Hartford.

• Big Bear Rafting, 3615 Big Creek Road in Hartford.

• Smoky Mountain Outdoors Unlimited, 3299 Hartford Road in Hartford.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center, 3485 Hartford Road in Hartford.

• River Rat, 3630 Hartford Road in Hartford.

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Shown during the 2025 rafting inspections are, from left, Deputy Clerk Vickie Mason, Cocke County Clerk Shaleé McClure, Jon Felderman, Chief River Officer Karen Chambers and River Officer Jan Brooks. www.new por tplaintalk .com

• Outdoor Adventures, 3635 Trail Hollow Road in Hartford.

• Ober Whitewater Adventure, 3555 Hartford Road in Hartford.

SUMMER 2026 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • 3

COCKE COUNTY A&I FAIR girls from newborn to 12 months old.

COCKE COUNTY - The 78th annual Cocke County A&I Fair is set for August For pageant information call Kellye 18-22 with the theme “Back to the Stokely at (423) 237-0827.

Boots and Roots” for America’s 250th anniversary.

The fair will kick off with the Fairest of the Fair pageant, which is set for Saturday, Aug. 15. Admission to the pageant is $8 per person with all money going toward the pageant fund.

Admission does not include rides.

Gates will open at 4 p.m. with the midway opening at 5 p.m. Children 3 and younger are admitted free.

EXHIBIT ENTRY DATES

Poultry entries will be accepted Saturday, Aug. 15, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. only.

OPENING CEREMONY

On Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. entries for antiques, canning, fine arts, crafts, recyclables, sewing and needlework, field and commercial crops, flowers, farm eggs, honey, garden produce and homemade wines will be accepted.

The opening ceremony and senior citizens breakfast is set for Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 8:30 a.m. There will be breakfast, games, an exhibit tour, entertainment and the crowning of the Senior King and Senior Queen.

On Sunday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. entries for several exhibits photography, canning, fine arts, crafts, recyclables, garden products, sewing, needlework and potted plants will be accepted.

PAGEANTS

From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16, herb entries will be accepted.

Other pageants include Teen Miss on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m. The pageant is open to girls ages 13 to 15.

On Monday, Aug. 17, entries for flowers, niches and mini delights and baked goods will be accepted.

The Senior Princess pageant, for girls ages 10 to 12, will also be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m.

Entries can be picked up after 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23.

The Junior Princess pageant, which is for girls ages 7 to 9, will also take place at the same time on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

The Little Princess pageant is also set for Tuesday, Aug. 18. It is for girls ages 4 to 6.

Tiny Princess, which is for girls ages 2 to 3, is set for Thursday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m.

JOHN J. SUDBRINK, JR.

Left to right: The 2025 Cocke County Fairest of the Fair First runner-up Taelyr Ball, 2025 Cocke County Fairest of the Fair Emma Arrowood, Second runner-up and interview Winner Jesslyn Hembree and Third runner-up Hayden Graham stand together on the runway at the 77th annual Cocke County A&I Fair.

BULL RIDING Triple T Championship Bull Riding and Ladies Barrel Racing is set for Aug. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

TUG OF WAR First Responders Tug of War is set for Aug. 19 at the horse arena.

Registration gets underway at 6 p.m. with the pulling starting at 7 p.m.

Teeny Princess and Prince will also take place on Thursday, and is for boys All first responders are welcome. and girls ages 13 to 23 months.

The event will consist of teams of six people, ages 14 and older. It is a single Baby Princess and Prince is set for Thursday as well, and is for boys and elimination tournament.

4 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • SUMMER 2026

JOHN J. SUDBRINK, JR.

The 2024 Cocke County Fairest of the Fair Brookelyn Strange along with the 2025 contestants performed a dance routine prior to Fairest of the Fair Pageant at the 77th annual Cocke County A&I Fair.

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JOHN J. SUDBRINK, JR.

The ferris wheel is shown awaiting passengers at the Cocke County A&I Fair.

HORSE SHOW

SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT

The annual fair horse show is set for Aug. 18 starting at 7 p.m.

A Journey tribute band, Journey to Jersey, will perform on Friday, Aug. 21, at 8 p.m.

JOHN J. SUDBRINK, JR.

Three-year-old Ashlyn Clafin gets some glitter applied to her face painting by Ashley Bishop at the 77th Annual Cocke County A&I Fair.

ONE PRICE NIGHTS On Friday and Saturday, Aug. 21 and Aug. 22, one price night will be observed. All rides and events are

included for $20 per person. If a child age 3 or younger is riding the rides, admission will be required. Gates open at 4 p.m. with the midway opening at 5 p.m.

Also Booths at Roscoes Treasures in Newport

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VotedBest Antiques/ Collectibles

Roscoe’sTreasures 255 E. Main Street, Newport, TN 37821 (in the Former Newport Dry Goods Building)

We have 80+ Vendors!

SUMMER 2026 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • 5

JOHN J. SUDBRINK, JR.

A ride is shown at night during the 2025 Cocke County A&I Fair.

Timeless Hospitality Meets Unsurpassed Value

Call Us For

. Meetings . Parties . Events . Receptions JOHN J. SUDBRINK, JR.

Wyatt Epley, 11, of Parrottsville, is all smiles and waves from the fair ride to his dad as he spins round and round at the 77th Annual Cocke County A&I Fair.

6 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • SUMMER 2026

1015 Cosby Hwy., Newport, TN 37821

423-623-8713

Newport N wpo t is proud p oud of a long South Southernn tradition t adition of nuinee hospitality... genuine No No wonder wond r people p oplee are ae happyy livingg in Newport. hap N wpo t.

City of Newport 300 East Main Street, Newport, TN 37821

423-623-7323

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm

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NEWPORT SPEEDWAY offers summer excitement Newport Speedway roared back to life last year, bringing plenty of acclaim and notoriety as visitors and racers from all over the country have sought it out.

acclaim.

The speedway’s official reopening came on May 24, 2025, hosting the Ted Caldwell Memorial Race to great

Newport Speedway’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ thenewportspeedway.

The venue has hosted the Food Country USA 300 — bringing the best late-model drivers from across the country — and hosted the speedway’s Before its official reopening last year, first ever concert when Sawyer Brown performed last June. the track had not hosted a race since 2017. But since new owner Chuck Ward A packed racing schedule is set to purchased the track in April 2024, the unfold this summer at the 4/10 mile, venue has seen a complete overhaul. high-banked paved oval track with grandstanding seating of 4,000.

New paint glitters under the lights each weekend, as its return has Altogether, the jam-packed generated comments from local racers schedule offers a promising form of and visitors and even NASCAR legends entertainment. such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. For more information, visit the

The American flag and mountainous view are visible beyond the second turn at Newport Speedway. www.new por tplaintalk .com

Cars line the straightaway at Newport Speedway before the start of the Food Country USA 300.

The glow of the sunset is visible behind the fourth turn at Newport Speedway during the ASA Stars’ National Tour’s Food Country USA 300.

SUMMER 2026 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • 7

SMOKY MOUNTAIN TRAIL MAP

8 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • SUMMER 2026

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HOT SPRINGS TRAIL MAP

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SUMMER 2026 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • 9

PARKING IN GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK There are three parking tag durations available for purchase. A daily pass is $5, a weekly pass can be purchased for $15, and an annual parking tag is $40.

The prices are the same for all vehicle types and sizes.

PARKING TAG GUIDELINES • Physical parking tags must be displayed in the vehicle, and digital tags will not be accepted.

• Purchasing an annual parking tag through Great Smoky Mountains Association and having it shipped straight to your door.

• Purchasing both daily and weekly parking tags through recreation.gov and printing them off at home. Note that the park will not be able to print your parking tag for you.

• Purchasing all variations of parking tags onsite at welcome and visitor centers across the national park. The • Each tag is only valid for a single vehicle and it must include the license locations where you can purchase your parking tag in person include the plate number of the vehicle it is Gatlinburg Welcome Center, Sugarlands displayed in.

Visitor Center, Townsend Visitor Center, • Parking tags may be purchased Cades Cove Visitor Center, Great online and onsite at locations within Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont the park.

Store, Clingmans Dome Visitor Center, • Parking tags will be required Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Swain anywhere within the boundaries of the County Visitor Center, and Visit NC Great Smoky Mountains National Park Smokies Visitor Center. for vehicles parked for more than 15 • Daily and weekly parking tags are minutes. available for purchase by credit card • Parking tags will not be from automated machines available replaceable, refundable, transferable, throughout the park. Guests will be or upgradeable. able to access machines year-round, 24 hours a day.

• Annual parking tags must be displayed in the front, lower passenger Do parking tags guarantee a parking side windshield. spot?

• Daily and weekly tags must be placed face-up on the lower side of the passenger side dashboard.

No, parking tags will not guarantee a parking spot at a specific location or for a specific time.

HOW TO PURCHASE A PARKING TAG

What are the consequences of failing to purchase a parking tag?

There will be a variety of options for those who are looking to purchase their parking tags, including:

Failure to comply with the parking tag guidelines may result in a warning, citation, or your vehicle being towed at your expense.

10 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • SUMMER 2026

JOHN J. SUDBRINK, JR.

When do daily and weekly tags expire?

Daily and weekly parking tags will expire at 11:59 pm ET on the date that is listed on the tag.

All revenue generated from the parking tags is being directly put back into the operational costs for managing and improving services for guests, including trail maintenance, trash removal, and staffing increases.

Are vehicles with disabled parking placards exempt?

Will there be a limit on the number of parking tags sold?

Yes, visitors with valid, state-issued disabled tags are exempt from having to purchase a parking tag.

No, the park does not limit the number of parking tags sold on any given day or week.

How are proceeds from the parking tags being used?

Information from smokymountainnationalpark.com

Call to Book your Trip Today

Raft fting t And Float Trips Down the French Broad River

(843) 319-4586

81 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC 28743 Make your next river adventure unforgettable with Hot Springs Rafting! Enjoy river raft and tube rentals or experience the thrill of a fully guided whitewater rafting trip.

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FORBIDDEN CAVERNS a look into the past and underground beauty The State of Tennessee has more caves than any other state in the country with 8,350 caves registered.

One of those caves, Forbidden Caverns, is located in Sevierville.

scrapers. The cave is the home of many unique calcite formations that are still growing today. The cave also boasts the largest wall of rare cave onyx or dripstones that are known to exist.

Visitors to Forbidden Caverns are provided with an entertaining and educational tour experience that includes sparkling formations, towering natural chimneys, multiple grottos and a flowing stream of crystal clear water.

An interesting Indian legend explains the fate of an Indian princess who was lost in “a hollow mountain of two streams”...”which is forbidden.” From the early 1920s until 1943 the cave was used for making moonshine. The constant water supply and the isolated location was ideal for moonshiners to make their homemade whiskey.

The caverns feature special lighting effects and well-trained tour guides combine to make this the most A group of business professionals enjoyable experience for all visitors. began planning the vast undertaking Trails are well-lighted and handrails are of opening the natural attraction to available at all necessary locations. the public in 1964. After three years of development and excavation, Hundreds of years ago Forbidden Forbidden Caverns opened in June 1967. Grotto of Evil Spirits Caverns was known to the Eastern The entrance to the caverns is through Woodland Indians who roamed a picturesque valley that allows for a the forests and mountains of East majestic view of the LeConte range as Tennessee in search of hunting grounds. The cave was a winter shelter well as English Mountain of the Smoky and the river inside the cave provided Mountains. constant water. Scientists believe the water source is an underground lake below English Mountain, which is now famous for its spring water.

Flint is found here and was used to create knives, arrowheads and

A quaint grist mill museum, primitive farm houses and a trout farm are among the points of interest on the way to the caverns. Forbidden Caverns is a 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg and a 45-minute drive from Knoxville.

Where Vintage Dreams Come True

Short Drive To Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg

141 Lower Bogard Rd. (close to 1-40) Newport, TN 37821

423-465-3060 www.triplecreekcampground.com www.new por tplaintalk .com

Welcome to our locally owned shop where you’ll discover a thoughtfully curated collection of furniture, home decor, antiques and gifts that inspire comfort, joy and create long-lasting memories. Owned and operated by two passionate women who are dedicated to helping you find treasures that reflect your style and bring your vision to life. While visiting, be sure to browse our selection of hand-crafted candles, artisan soaps, local honey, specialty gifts along with many other hand picked local favorites of ours.

Whether you’re searching for a statement piece or the perfect gift, you’ll always find a warm welcome here.

Come on in and explore…we are so glad you’re here!

Located in historic downtown Newport 146 E. Broadway | 423-608-9562 Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 10-5 SUMMER 2026 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • 11

It is also within a few minutes of the Bush Brothers Visitor Center, which is by the factory where the world famous beans are canned.

The average guided tour takes about 55 minutes. Free parking is available for cars and small RVs. There is a picnic pavilion and a souvenir shop.

Forbidden Caverns is open April 1 through Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The caverns are closed on Thursdays and Sundays, Thanksgiving Day and November 29-30.

Ticket prices, which are subject to change, are $20 for adults ages 13 and older and $12 for children ages 5 to 12.

Children 4 and younger are free.

Because of staffing shortages and a lack of designated parking, Forbidden Caverns is not accepting buses or organized groups at this time.

Call (865) 453-5972 for additional information. The tour is not

Glistening draperies.

Grotto of the dead.

recommended for those with mobility and/or respiratory issues because of typical slippery surfaces and tight places you encounter in most caves.

The cave can be wet, can have There is a part of the tour that involves water puddles and is 58 degrees 50 steps that go down a narrow Fahrenheit year round, so please dress pathway, which can be difficult for accordingly. some to maneuver.

Little brown bat.

12 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • SUMMER 2026

Replica moonshine still.

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ROARING FORK

Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg An exuberant mountain stream gave this area its unusual name.

Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster flowing mountain streams in the park. Drive this road after a hard rain and the inspiration behind the name will be apparent.

one of the park’s most popular waterfalls. The hike to the falls is 5.4 miles roundtrip and is considered moderately strenuous. If you plan to attempt this hike, be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and carry plenty of water and snacks.

The narrow, winding, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail invites you to slow down and enjoy the forest and historic buildings of the area. The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies.

It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, gristmills, and other historic buildings. Please note that the road is closed in winter.

The entrance to the motor nature PHOTO BY KATHY BARNES trail is located a short distance past This waterfall is within walking distance of the Ephraim Bales cabin off the Roaring Fork the parking areas for Rainbow Falls.

Motor Nature Trail.

Several homes and other buildings have been preserved in this area. The trailhead for Grotto Falls, another of the park’s most popular waterfalls, is located along the route. And a “wet weather” waterfall called Place of a Thousand Drips provides a splendid finale to your journey. An inexpensive booklet available at the beginning of the motor nature trail details landmarks along the route.

Before entering the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a stop at the Noah “Bud” Ogle self-guiding nature trail offers a walking tour of an authentic mountain farmstead and surrounding hardwood forest. Highlights include a streamside tubmill and the Ogle’s handcrafted wooden flume plumbing system.

Just beyond the Ogle farmstead is the trailhead for Rainbow Falls,

DIRECTIONS To access Roaring Fork, turn off the main parkway in Gatlinburg, TN at traffic light No. 8 and follow Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Barn trail along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Orchard entrance to the national park. Just beyond the Rainbow Falls Motor Nature Trail (closed in winter). motor homes are not permitted on trailhead you have the option of taking the one-way Roaring Fork Please note that buses, trailers, and the motor nature trail.

Most Roadside Services Accepted 860 W. Hwy 25/70 • Newport, TN

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SUMMER 2026 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • 13

The Ephraim Bales cabin is along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Ephraim and Minerva Bales raised their 9 children in the small cabin. They owned 72 acres, farming 30 of those and leaving the rest wooded. The cabin is one of more than 80 historic buildings in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The family lived in the cabin from 1890 until about 1930.

Jefferson-Cocke County Utility District JCCUD Home Heating Gas Appliances Sales & Service Professionally-Trained Technicians Propane Sales & Delivery Industrial Sales & Service 24-Hour Emergency Service LP Cylinders Filled (Newport Office Only)

Clean, Dependable Natural Gas

Jefferson-Cocke County Utility District 122 US Highway 25E Newport, TN

Farm shed along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

14 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • SUMMER 2026

(423) 623-3069

243 E. Broadway Blvd.

Jefferson City, TN

(865) 475-7911

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RHYTHM ON THE RIVER NEWPORT — The Cocke County Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce popular “Rhythm on the River” is back for another fun summer of music.

A series of concerts will be held along the City of Newport’s Riverwalk, located directly behind Newport City Hall. This is the 12th year bringing family fun and music to downtown Newport.

“Each year increases in popularity, and we are happy to welcome the community to join us again,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Lynn Ramsey.

• Mountain Edge (May 28th): Kicking off this year’s concert series is a favorite local band.

• Lost Creek Band (June 11th): An award-winning band which has shared the stage with legends such as Paul Williams, Doyle Lawson, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, The Osborne Brothers, Quicksilver, Kentucky Thunder and many more.

• The Get Up (June 25th): One of Knoxville’s premier party bands that plays dance/funk/rock/pop/soul.

• Knox Boombox (July 10th): Knox Boombox will be playing rock and roll and pop tunes from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

All concerts are free to the public with concessions and drinks available.

• Legacy (July 23rd): Legacy is back This year’s festival opened on Thursday, performing the best of classic rock “Get May 28, and will continue every other Ready to Rock!”

Thursday through July.

Food and games will be set up at Rhythm on the River remains a free 6:30 p.m., and music starts at 7 p.m. event and features band performances, Attendees are encouraged to bring a games and food vendors. chair or blanket, grab supper at the Director of the Cocke County event and enjoy a relaxing evening on Chamber of Commerce Lynn Ramsey the river with some great music. said Rhythm on the River “is a tradition “I would like to give a special we look forward to every summer.” thank you to the City of Newport for This year’s lineup includes:

Mountain Edge, a well-known local bluegrass band, kicked off this year’s event on May 28.

encouragement and support they give are a crucial part of this event,” added the Partnership to make this event Ramsey. happen. In addition, we also want to For more information, contact the thank our sponsors who are businesses Chamber office at 423-623-7201. that care about our community and

this beautiful location and all the

Lost Creek Band, a popular bluegrass band, performed on June 11. www.new por tplaintalk .com

SUMMER 2026 • VISITING THE SMOKIES • 15

Yoder’s Country Market Watch For Our Signs!

Truck and Bus Parking Available!

Locally Owned Family Business for 20 Years

We W eS Specialize pec alize IIn n Dutch Country Meats & Cheeses | In-House Bakery: Breads • Cakes • Pies Made to order Deli Sandwiches | Yoder’s Own Sugar Cured Country Ham Hand Rolled Country Butter | Snacks & Candies From The Amish Country • Beef Jerky To oys, and Health & Beauty!

Baking Supplies • Spices • Candleberry Candles | Kitchenware, Specialty Toys,

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We Are Easy To Find

Take Exit 23 (Greeneville / Bulls Gap) off of I-81. Go South Towards Bull Gap and we are 11/2 Mile on left

15275 W. Andrew Johnson Highway, Bulls Gap, Tenn. | 423-235-9400

Hours: Mon. - Wed. 8:30am- 5 pm | Thur. - Fri. 8:30am - 6 pm | Saturday 8:30am - 5 pm | Closed On Sunday