Eleven Popular Picnic Areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Picnicking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Your Guide to Outdoor Dining

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spanning the Tennessee-North Carolina border, is a premier destination for outdoor adventure, drawing millions to its 817 square miles of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, scenic auto tours, and activities like fishing and horseback riding, the park offers endless ways to explore.

With the exception of the Cades Cove Campground snack bar, one thing you won’t find within its boundaries is a restaurant. Instead, the National Park Service (NPS) encourages visitors to embrace the timeless tradition of picnicking, with eleven designated picnic areas designed to make outdoor dining convenient and memorable. This guide introduces these picnic spots and highlights why they’re perfect for your next visit to the Smokies.

The Joy of Picnicking in the Smokies

Picnicking allows you to savor a meal surrounded by the park’s natural beauty, from riverside settings to mountain vistas, without needing to leave for dining options in nearby towns. The NPS maintains eleven picnic areas equipped with picnic tables, charcoal grills, parking, and, in most cases, restrooms.

Six areas feature pavilions ideal for group gatherings, reservable up to one year in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling 800-365-2267. While you can picnic anywhere in the park, cooking is permitted only in these designated areas to protect the environment and ensure safety.

In 2025, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene impacted operations, particularly on the North Carolina side, leading to closures of some picnic areas. Below, is a list the eleven picnic areas. For the most up to date information on their open or closed status, check the NPS website or @SmokiesRoadNPS on X for real-time updates before your visit.

Picnic Areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The park’s picnic areas are divided into year-round and seasonal locations, each offering unique settings for outdoor dining. Below is the complete list, with links to individual guides for more details.

Year-Round Picnic Areas

These four areas remain open throughout the year, making them reliable choices for any season. Follow the links to learn more about each picnic area.

• Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area – Tennessee
• Cades Cove Picnic Area – Tennessee
• Deep Creek Picnic Area – North Carolina
• Greenbrier Picnic Area – Tennessee

Seasonal Picnic Areas

These seven areas are typically open from early spring to late fall. Follow the links to learn more about each picnic area.

• Big Creek Picnic Area – North Carolina
• Chimneys Picnic Area – Tennessee
• Collins Creek Picnic Area – North Carolina
• Cosby Picnic Area – Tennessee
• Heintooga Picnic Area – North Carolina
• Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion – Tennessee
• Look Rock Picnic Area – Tennessee

Rules for a Safe and Enjoyable Picnic

To protect the park’s environment and ensure visitor safety, the NPS enforces the following guidelines:

• Fires: Build fires only in provided grills using charcoal; no wood or ground fires are allowed. Where fire rings are available, use only approved firewood to prevent invasive species spread, per regulations. You may purchase approved firewood at designated campgrounds and some commercial stores in the area.
• Pavilions: Require reservations and fees, which vary by location (details on Recreation.gov).
• Pets: Allowed in picnic areas but must be on a leash (6 feet or less) and never left unattended. Dogs are permitted only on the Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River Trails for hiking. See the “Paws in the Park” policy for details.
• Leave No Trace: Clean grills, tables, and surrounding areas thoroughly. Dispose of waste in bear-proof trash cans or pack it out. The 2025 NPS campaign, “A Fed Bear Is a Dead Bear,” underscores the importance of proper food storage, as more than 1,500 bear incidents were reported in 2024 due to improper disposal.
• Alcohol: Is permitted in designated areas, including campgrounds and picnic areas. Please drink responsibly and follow all park regulations.
• Firearms: Permitted as long as you comply with the state laws of Tennessee and North Carolina. Firearms are not allowed in visitor centers, ranger stations, and administrative buildings. In addition, you may not discharge your firearm anywhere in the park, it is prohibited.

Tips for a Great Picnic Experience

• Plan Ahead: Check @GreatSmokyNPS on X for updates on closures, weather, and wildlife alerts. Pop-up showers are common, so bring rain gear and sturdy shoes for uneven terrain.
• Supplies: Stock up on picnic essentials in one of the nearby gateway cities like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend, or Bryson City.
• Safety: Consider carrying bear spray and store food securely. Recent X posts emphasize frequent bear sightings, particularly in Cades Cove, so stay vigilant. Federal law requires you to stay at least 150 feet away from wildlife.
• Combine Activities: Pair your picnic with nearby hikes, biking, or auto tours. For example, picnic at Cades Cove before cycling the loop road (vehicle-free on Wednesdays) or visit Deep Creek for tubing after lunch.

Planning Your Visit

With no entrance fee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is accessible to all, though a parking tag ($5 to $40, depending on duration) is required for vehicles parked longer than 15 minutes. Before visiting, confirm picnic area status, as closures may persist due to ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. Reservations for pavilions and back country camping permits (for those combining picnics with overnight adventures) are available through Recreation.gov.

Pack a cooler, choose a picnic area from the list above, and dive into the heart of the Smokies. With its blend of accessibility, natural splendor, and well-maintained facilities, Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains the Southeast’s top spot for outdoor dining.