Food just seems to taste better when you’re basking in the sunshine, listening to a bird sing, feeling a breeze blow, or watching a river flow. Picnicking is one of the most memorable past times, next to auto-touring in the Smoky Mountains. Picnicking allows you the time to take it all in, be still, enjoy your company, go earthing, go exploring, fly kites, and see, hear, and feel things that you might otherwise have missed. While you’re packing your bags for your stay at one of our Gatlinburg cabins in the Smokies, remember to grab a quilt, a cooler, your camera, and a basket- It’s picnic season, y’all! Spring and summer months are filled with beautiful scenery and active wildlife in the park.
Picnic Tips:
Each picnic site listed offers a picnic table and a raised grill for cooking. A few riverside or stream-side sites may have an entryway to the riverbed, while others may not. Be neighborly as you may have families ask to trek through these common areas.
Metcalf Bottoms
Open Year Round
122 picnic sites available
Pavilion seats 70 and can be reserved in advance for $25 and is open to reserve April 6th – October 28th
The north half of the picnic area is closed during the winter. Only “pack it out” picnicking from November 1st – April 13th due to dumpsters being removed during the winter months.
Metcalf Bottoms is located close to our Wears Valley cabins. The Wears Valley entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is where you will find the serene Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. Nestled beside the Little River; picnicking, tubing, hiking, and swimming are popular activities.
Greenbrier
Open Year Round
12 picnic sites available
Pavilion seats 70 and can be reserved in advance for $16.00. Pricing is subject to change.
The Greenbrier Picnic Area is one of the most tranquil places to relax with a good sandwich in the park. The scenic backdrop is unparalleled to other areas and is less busy to boot. During the springtime, there are thousands of wildflowers that surround the picnic area, nearby hiking trails, and riverbanks.
Cades Cove
Open Year Round
81 picnic sites available
No pavilion
Closes at 8 p.m. May 1 – August 1; sunset on other dates.
Cades Cove’s picnic area can be located before the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road. The picnic area is encompassed by idyllic creeks. If you forgot your picnic basket at your cabin in Gatlinburg, the Cades Cove Campground Store has burgers, dogs, sandwiches, and ice cream for sale.
Chimneys
Open May 23rd – November 27th
68 picnic sites available
No pavilion
Closes at 8 p.m. May 1 – August 1; sunset on other dates
The Chimneys Picnic Area is going to be one of the busier picnic areas in the park due to its popularity. You can find it in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near the West Prong Little River.
Cosby
Open May 23rd – September 27th
35 picnic sites available
Pavilion seats 55 and can be reserved in advance for $32
The Cosby Picnic Area is located just before the entrance to the Cosby Campground and is rather secluded and quiet. This picnic area is ideal for family and group picnics. There are large poplar trees to offer shade and plenty of grass around.
Side Note: To experience the most pleasant picnic possible, try to clean your area before setting up in order to prevent wildlife and insects from joining you at the picnic table. Leave no trace of your presence and DO NOT FEED THE BEARS OR ANY WILDLIFE, not even the trout, it is illegal and harmful to the environment, animals, and yourself.
Hey, wait a second before you go! Be sure to check our Current Cabin Specials, Deals, and Discounts to see if your stay qualifies for a special discount! Book your cabin in Gatlinburg with Heartland Rentals for a memorable moment in the mountains.
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