The Newport Parks and Recreation Department is introducing the Trails and Hiking Program. This program is designed to show the beauty within our back country trails in the Newport/Cocke County and surrounding areas. All hikes are rated easy to moderate difficulty and will be led by Newport Parks and Recreation Staff and park rangers if possible, at the time. All hikes are free unless a day pass is needed to access the trail head. Everyone is welcome to join and you do not need to be an experienced hiker to participate. However, participants should register with the Newport Parks and Recreation Department prior to arriving at the gathering point on the day of the trip.
Covid-19 Plane of Action: We will take temperatures and ask contact tracing questions prior to pulling out of the Newport Community Center Parking Lot. That log will be sent to the Front Desk of the Community Center Prior to pulling out along with the physical copy in the manifest. The manifest will include the names of everyone going on the hike, an emergency contact information in the case of an emergency, a hold harmless waiver. and information for any pertinent health conditions that need to be known.
Hiking Manners that are intended to be followed
-Leave the trails better than we found them. Pack it in, then pack it out- absolutely zero waste should be left behind.
- Leave what you find - The only souvenirs that should be taken are photographs and memories
- Respect the animals – We will be in their habitat. Do not Feed or Approach any animals.
- Take Breaks as needed but we will not leave someone alone.
Things that are needed
- Good Athletic Shoes or Hiking Boots
- Layers of Clothing
- Backpack if needed
- Sunscreen/Hat/Sunglasses/Extra Sock for Water Crossings if needed
- Water/Snacks
Meet-up Location - We will meet in Lower Parking Lot at the Newport Community Center. You can choose to carpool in the City of Newport Van or follow along behind in your own personal vehicle. We will go directly to the trail head and then return to the Community Center following the hike.
Pre-registration is required, and we will only be allowing a minimum amount of people due to social distance guidelines set forth by the CDC. If you are under the age of 18, a parent/guardian must be accompany the participant. To pre-register please click on the link below to fill out the Google Form or call the Newport Community Center at 423-623-7304 ext. 304 .
