When summer turns lush and fall paints the leaves in the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the best ways to enjoy the picturesque landscape is to go on a lovely picnic with your loved ones. Plop on a blanket under a tree, dine at a table by a flowing river, or throw a picnic party at a pavilion! Picnic areas are aplenty in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in nearby Gatlinburg, TN. Simply choose which spot best suits you and enjoy an affordable and fun experience in nature. Need a few suggestions? We’ve listed our fav picnic spots for YOU!
Ultimate Picnicking Tip: do not feed wild animals & thoroughly clean the area, including grills and grounds around the picnic, to help protect wildlife. What about leftovers? Why bring them back to your cabin rental in the Smokies of course!
IN THE NATIONAL PARK
Cades Cove
Located near the entrance to Cades Cove, an 11-mile loop road that features incredible valley views, historic sites, and wondrous wildlife, this national park picnic area is a great start or end to your drive, cycle, or hike! Forgot to pack the grub? Walk to the nearby campground store for basic groceries, hamburgers, and even ice cream. There are 81 picnic sites here, all nestled between the sparkling Abrams and Green Branch creeks.
Special Features
• Tables
• Grills
• Restrooms
• 2 creeks
• Nearby campground store
• Hiking trailhead
Open
Year-round
Sunrise – sunset
(Closes at 8:00 p.m. May 1 – Aug 31)
Greenbrier
Bust out Grandma’s secret chicken salad recipe, pass around homemade finger sandwiches, and share scrumptious sugar cookies at your family gathering at Greenbrier. This quaint area in the national park harbors 12 picnic sites plus a tranquil pavilion that can accommodate up to 70 guests with multiple grills. And you can even take an easy hike to Porters Creek Trail from here, where a dazzling river awaits.
Special Features
• Tables
• Grills
• Pavilion ($12.50 to reserve)
• Hiking trailhead
Open
Year-round
Sunrise – sunset
Chimneys
Featuring 68 picnic sites (parking at each), with many along the enchanting Little Pigeon River, Chimneys is a beautiful picnic area in the national park. Bring family and friends to dine on freshly chopped fruits, 6-inch turkey subs, and a variety of chips by the water. Sip sweet tea and chat while watching the kiddos play on the boulders before heading out on a challenging hike along the Chimney Tops Trail (only a few miles south), boasting unbelievable mountain views.
Special Features
• Tables
• Grills
• Restrooms
• River
• Nearby hiking
Open
April 19 – November 27
Sunrise – sunset
(Closes at 8:00 p.m. May 1 – Aug 31)
IN GATLINBURG
Mills Park
About 10 minutes east of downtown Gatlinburg, you’ll find the exciting Mills Park that features not only picnic tables and a pavilion but also game fields, a 400-meter track, jogging trail, disc golf course, basketball court…the list goes on and on! Pack a well-balanced breakfast or lunch, and head to this park for a full day of fun with your picnic party.
Special Features
• Tables
• Grills
• Restrooms
• Pavilion ($25 for 1-4 hours & $35 for 4+ hours)
• Football & softball fields
• Basketball court
• Disc golf course
• Jogging trail & track
• Playground
• Horseshoe pits
Open
Year-round
Sunrise – sunset
Herbert Holt Park
Just off the Parkway in Gatlinburg, Herbert Holt Park is a favorite picnic spot with local families. Children can fish in the stream (with a handicap access fishing pier) while Mom and Dad grill burgers and chop watermelon. And when lunch is over, you can play horseshoe, go for a walk on a nearby trail, or let the little ones get out their wiggles at the playground. Plus, there’s a pavilion perfect for Great Smoky Mountain parties!
Special Features
• Tables
• Grills
• Restrooms
• Pavilion ($35 for 1-4 hours & $45 for 4+ hours)
• Playground
• Horseshoe pits
• Fishing stream & fishery
• Walking trail
Open
Year-round
Sunrise – sunset
Mynatt Park
Bring your favorite recipes for picnic fun at Mynatt Park in Gatlinburg, where a pavilion, tables, grills, and restrooms make picnicking convenient for any group. Fill up on kabobs, pasta salad, veggie wraps, cheese, crackers, sweet treats, and lemonade. And afterwards, hit homeruns, shoot hoops, toss horseshoes, and more here. There’s even a fishing stream and playground for the kiddos!
Special Features
• Tables
• Grills
• Restrooms
• Pavilion ($25 for 1-4 hours & $35 for 4+ hours)
• Baseball field
• Basketball & tennis courts
• Playground
• Horseshoe pits
• Fishing stream
Open
Year-round
Sunrise – sunset
When next you venture to the Great Smoky Mountains in summer or fall, plan to go picnicking with family and friends — the priceless memories will be well worth it!