Great Smoky Mountains Association is a non-profit organization supporting the park financially and through the education of the public. Association members benefit through information, guided hikes, backpacking adventures, discounts at park stores, and much more.
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont has a mission to connect people with nature through hands-on lerning experiences. Participate in programs and workshops for adults, youth, families, and educators. Gain a real sense of community and teamwork as you bond over backpacking, scientific experiments, and more.
Smoky Mountain Field School celebrates more than 40 years of supporting park education through hands-on participation. Take a course on fly fishing, photography, hiking, or any of the other courses available. Your classroom is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The instructors are amazing. The experience will change you.
Friends of the Smokies offers guided hiking opportunities, the Trails Forever volunteer program, and Get on the Trail with Friends & Missy hikes. Learn about this incredible organization and how you can be a part.
Big Creek Picnic Area is a the smallest picnic site in the park. It is located near the Big Creek Campground and Big Creek Horse Camp in Waynesville, NC. This picnic area provides 10 picnic sites with grills and tables.
Heintooga Picnic Area at Balsam Mountain near Maggie Valley, NC has one of the most beautiful mountain views anywhere. It has 41 picnic sites with grills, restrooms, and running water. No pavilion. Open May to October.
Cosby Picnic Area is a wonderful secluded spot to enjoy Great Smoky Mountains National Park at its best. Although the Cosby Campground is next door, this picnic area is normally not crowded. Cosby Picnic Area has 35 picnic sites and a pavilion that seats 55 persons.
Collins Creek Picnic Area is a great place to relax, fish for rainbow trout, or have a large group picnic under the pavilion. The largest picnic area in the park featuring 182 picnic sites next to Collins Creek. Restrooms and potable water.
Greenbrier Picnic Area is less than 10 miles from Gatlinburg. Even so, it is in the middle of a lush forest with beautiful trees and wildflowers. Twelve tables and grills. Nearby trails. Pavilion for 70 people with a stone fireplace.
Deep Creek Picnic area is popular for guests visiting Maggie Valley, Cherokee, or Bryson City, North Carolina. Nearby hiking trails and a thriving tubing community make this a family favorite. Deep Creek Campground is a great place to stay when in the area.