Top 5 Picnic Areas in the Smoky Mountains
While white water rafting is our favorite way to spend time outdoors, picnicking is another great outdoor activity that allows you to enjoy the fresh mountain air any time of the year! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a number of fantastic spots that offer picnic tables, grills, and other facilities for a comfortable meal surrounded by nature. To help you find the perfect spot for your picnic, we’ve put together this list of some of the best picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains.
1. Cades Cove Picnic Area
One of the most popular picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains can be found in Cades Cove. The Cades Cove Picnic Area is a popular place to stop before exploring the Cades Cove Loop. It’s a great place to fuel up before a hike to Abrams Falls or to simply pause and eat while surrounded by beautiful scenery! This picnic area features 81 picnic sites scattered around a paved loop as well as charcoal grills and restroom facilities. You can choose a spot next to the tranquil creek or near the lush woods. After your meal, continue your scenic drive through Cades Cove to see the majestic landscape, historical sites, and local wildlife!
2. Greenbrier Picnic Area
Greenbrier is home to one of the picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains that’s open year round. The Greenbrier Picnic Area is situated in a quieter part of the Great Smoky Mountains, and it has 12 picnic sites and a handful of charcoal grills. There’s also a large picnic pavilion with additional grills and stone fireplace that you can reserve up to a year in advance. This picnic area is a great place to enjoy a peaceful meal while immersed in the natural beauty of the Smokies! Then, hit one of the hiking trails in the area like the Porters Creek Trail or Ramsey Cascades Trail!
3. Chimneys Picnic Area
Another one of the best picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains is the Chimneys Picnic Area. This picnic area can be found along Newfound Gap Road about 20 minutes outside of Gatlinburg. It has plenty of shade and features 68 picnic sites. Some of these sites have tables that overlook the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River for a truly relaxing experience! Kids love splashing in the water, and there are great hikes nearby like the short and easy Cove Hardwood Nature Trail and the more challenging Chimney Tops Trail.
4. Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
One of the largest picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains is Metcalf Bottoms. This area is home to 122 picnic sites, each with a table and charcoal grill. Choose a site next to the river for a relaxing meal surrounded by beautiful scenery. Feel free to dip your toes in the water or splash around in the swimming hole downstream! This picnic area also has restroom facilities and seasonal pavilions. If you want to explore the area even more, hike the Metcalf Bottoms Trail that starts right next to the picnic area. This short trail features old stonework, a cemetery, the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse, and the Walker family homesite.
5. Cosby Picnic Area
If you’re looking for secluded picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains, you can’t go wrong with the Cosby Picnic Area! This is a great spot if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful meal in nature. This seasonal picnic area has 35 picnic sites, some of which are close to the flowing waters of Cosby Creek. It also features a pavilion that can be reserved up to a year in advance if you want to bring a larger group! Right across from the picnic area is the start of the Gabes Mountain Trail, which leads to the breathtaking Hen Wallow Falls!
More Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
You’ll love stopping at these picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains for a memorable meal in the great outdoors! Are you looking for more things to do? Check out these fun outdoor activities in the Smokies that you won’t want to miss!
