Once a hunting ground for the Cherokee Indians, Cosby Tennessee is better known as "The Moonshine Capital of the World." A little tamer now than during prohibition, Cosby is an ideal base for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To find the perfect accommodation, look no further than the dozens of great vacation rentals on FlipKey.

About Cosby

Cosby is in a narrow valley that runs from near Newport in the north to the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the south. It’s a rural community with just 5,200 people.

During the American Civil War, Cosby was split between the North and South and suffered many raids by Confederate marauders before forming their own home guard.

Following the war, the lumber industry moved in providing mill jobs for the valley inhabitants before collapsing during the Great Depression. With prohibition creating dry states, Cosby residents started making corn whiskey from their crops that they sold to workers on the Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge—and that's how they became famous!

What to do in Cosby

Visit the secret Oakridge facility where the Manhattan Project employed 75,000 to build the first atomic bomb. These are the guys who helped keep Cosby’s Moonshiners hard at work. In order to visit the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, you must be an American citizen.

Near Knoxville, you will find heaps of southern hospitality at the famous Dollywood Amusement Park where they have more than 40 rides and 15 exceptional shows to keep you busy all day.

On your doorstep is the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, a 522,419-acre area of scenic natural beauty encompassing lush forests, streams, rivers and waterfalls. Be sure to climb Clingmans Dome early in the morning to see how the mountains got their name.

With every possible outdoor experience you could think of, from tubing down a lazy river to rafting through grade IV and V whitewater, the area has it all.

Top travel tips for Cosby

There is never a bad time of year to visit Cosby and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Finding the best time of year to visit depends on what you are looking to do.

Spring and fall are the ideal hiking times with the summer more focused on water sports. In winter, hit the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg for downhill adventure or try other ski resorts over the border in North Carolina.

If you don’t like crowds, avoid the school vacations and visit during the week.

For a special treat, take a hot air balloon or sailplane ride to view the autumn colors. It really is spectacular!

Dollywood, Mountain Parks and even nuclear bombs, Cosby and East Tennessee have plenty of things to keep you occupied while on vacation. To find the perfect rental property in the area, start searching on FlipKey where you will find options to suit all budgets and tastes.