Name: Big Creek Picnic Area
Picnic Sites: 10
Pavilion: None
Dates Open: April 15 – October 31, 2022
Directions to Big Creek Picnic Area
From I-40: Take Exit 451 and proceed to Waterville Road. Follow Waterville Road approximately 2.4 miles to Big Creek. Big Creek Picnic Area is next to the Big Creek Ranger Station on the right.
Big Creek Picnic Area Description
Big Creek Picnic Area is the smallest picnic area in the park with just 10 picnic sites. However, the park surrounding this picnic area is beautiful. Each picnic site is equipped with a heavy-duty grill and a picnic table.
Keep in mind that fires must be charcoal only and contained to the grill provided. No wood fires and no ground fires allowed.
Nearby Big Creek Campground has restrooms with flush toilets and cold running water. You may also get potable water via the campground spigot.
Big Creek is a beautiful area of the park with many streams providing opportunities to fish. Remember to purchase a fishing license before fishing. Heavy fines are in place for those who break the law. For information about fishing in the park, please visit our fishing page.
There is no pavilion at this picnic area, however, picnic tables and other facilities may be used free of charge.
Nearby Points of Interest
You may access Mouse Creek Falls via Big Creek Trail near the campground. Cataloochee Valley is a wonderful place to see the historic buildings of what used to be the largest farming community in the Smoky Mountains.
NOTE: The picnic table pictured in the photo is representative, it is not an actual table at Big Creek Picnic Area.