Newport Parks and Recreation Athletic Department

10/20/2025

The last hike of the year will be the Sutton Ridge Overlook Trail at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Cosby. This is a 3 mile out and back trail, very popular for hiking and running. Highlights include lovely scenery, well-maintained paths, and peaceful surroundings. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 11 min to complete. No dogs are allowed in the National Park. For additional information about this hike, you can scan the QR code in the bottom left corner of the page or visit https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/sutton-ridge-overlook-trail

10/13/2025

The seventh hike this year will be the Bluff Trail Loop at David Crockett Birthplace State Park. (Please note this park is closed due to hazardous conditions from the flood damage of last year.) This trail is the only one open at the park for the time being. This 0.8-mile loop trail near Limestone, Tennessee. Generally considered an easy route and is great for hiking and walking. For additional information of this hike, you can scan the QR code in the bottom left corner of the page or visit https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/bluff-loop-trail

10/01/2025

Please note, this weekend there will be NO van transportation to this hike due to having no access to the van. Sorry for the inconvenience, hikers are still able to drive and meet at the Cove Lake Visitors Center

The fifth hike this year will be the Cove Lake Paved Walking Trail Loop at Cove Lake State Park. This mostly shaded trail is paved and hilly with views of Cove Lake. The majority of the trail is estimated to be in the mostly gentle (5% or less) grade category and the steepest sections are at about 2.0 and 2.6 miles when going clockwise. Highlights include nice paved paths and amazing views. For additional information of this hike, you can scan the QR code in the bottom left corner of the page or visit https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/cove-lake-paved-walking-trails-loop

09/29/2025

The fifth hike this year will be the Cove Lake Paved Walking Trail Loop at Cove Lake State Park. This mostly shaded trail is paved and hilly with views of Cove Lake. The majority of the trail is estimated to be in the mostly gentle (5% or less) grade category and the steepest sections are at about 2.0 and 2.6 miles when going clockwise. Highlights include nice paved paths and amazing views. For additional information of this hike, you can scan the QR code in the bottom left corner of the page or visit https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/cove-lake-paved-walking-trails-loop

09/29/2025

Now registering coaches for the 2025-2026 Youth Basketball Season!

We are looking for volunteers interested in coaching Newport Grammar School youth recreation basketball teams that will practice at the Newport Community Center!

**Just as a reminder ALL youth basketball participants will still be signing up at the Cocke County Recreation Department! See our previous post for more information in the featured section!

09/23/2025

Basketball Registration is OPEN!

We are so excited to share some exciting updates to the 2025-2026 basketball season with you all! Here is information about registration for Newport Grammar School students in grades Pre-K through 6th - our hope is that this answers some of the questions we hear the most often regarding youth basketball.

Here at Newport Parks & Rec we look forward to a fun basketball season alongside The Cocke County Recreation Department!

Please share & help us spread the word!

09/22/2025

The fourth hike this year will be Big Ridge Lake Trail at Big Ridge State Park. This easy trail loops around the 45-acre Big Ridge Lake, crossing a dam built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including deer, herons, and wood ducks, and also passes by the historic Snodderly Cemetery. For additional information of this hike, you can scan the QR code in the bottom left corner of the page or visit
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/big-ridge-lake-trail

09/15/2025

The third hike this year will be Songbird Trail at Norris Dam State Park. This is a 2.5 mile gravel trail with grass and dirt shoulders along the Clinch River. Highlights include beautiful river views, well-maintained paths, and dog-friendly areas. The majority of the trail is estimated to be in the mostly gentle (5% or less) grade category. For additional information of this hike , you can scan the QR code in the bottom left corner of the page of visit https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/songbird-trail

09/08/2025

The second hike of the year will be the Newmans Island Bridge Trail at Seven Island State Birding Park. This 2.5 mile trail is a paved trail across the river to Newmans Island. This trail is open year- round and is beautiful to visit at any times. There is also many species of birds that live here, so bird watching on this trail is a must! For additional information of this hike, you can scan the QR code in the bottom left corner of the page or visit https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/newmans-island-bridge-trail

09/02/2025

The first hike of the season will be the Road to Recycling Trail at Panther Creek State Park. Head out on this 1.4-mile loop trail, generally considered an easier route. This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. We are very excited to start this season with the Newport Hiking & Outdoors Club! For additional information of this hike you can scan the QR code at the bottom left corner of the page or visit https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/road-to-recycling-trail

08/30/2025

Before we hit the trails this fall, join us at the Newport Rescue Squad on August 30th for Hiking Safety 101! Learn essential tips to keep your adventures safe and fun.

08/28/2025

Dont forget this Saturday August 30th we will be having the Hiking Safety 101 class at the Newport Rescue squad building. Please attend this course if you are planning to hike any state park this year.

Before we hit the trails this fall, join us at the Newport Rescue Squad on August 30th for Hiking Safety 101! Learn essential tips to keep your adventures safe and fun.