Name: Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Sites: None
Pavilion: Yes – Seats 150 – By reservation only (see below)
Hours: 7:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Dates Open: April 1 – October 31, 2022
Directions to Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion
From Gatlinburg: At traffic light #8 turn onto Historic Nature Trail-Airport Road. Drive until you reach Cherokee Orchard Road and continue straight. Turn right onto Twin Creeks Research Lab Access Road. Follow the signs to the Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion.
Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion | Directional Sign | Photo: Ann Bowman
Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion Description
Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion is a fantastic place for large groups to gather near downtown Gatlinburg. The pavilion is less than 10 minutes from the hubbub of the city, yet it is in a secluded and wooded area with privacy.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and historical buildings are both a short drive up Cherokee Orchard Road.
This pavilion seats 150 people around numerous covered tables. Several charcoal grills sit ready to help you cook for your large family, church group, or other assembly.
An oversize fireplace with grill grates, located under the pavilion, provides an additional cooking area.
Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion | Charcoal Fireplace | Photo: Ann Bowman
Twins Creeks Picnic Pavilion is one of the few pavilions in the park with access to electricity. Fifteen outlets ensure that you may plug in multiple electrical items.
Potable water is nearby at the park’s Comfort Station (restrooms).
The restrooms with flush toilets are just a few feet from the pavilion and both are accessible.
Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion | Comfort Station | Photo: Ann Bowman
IMPORTANT: The restrooms can only be accessed with a numerical code entered into the combination lock. Be sure to get the code when you make your reservation and do not forget to bring it with you!
Twin Creeks is a pavilion ONLY. No picnic sites are located outside of the pavilion.
IMPORTANT: Use of this pavilion is by reservation only. Check availability, book reservations, or make payments online at Recreation.gov or by calling 800-365-2267.
Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion is open from 7:00 AM to 11:59 PM.
A $60.00 fee is charged for the reservation. Check the Recreation.gov website to see if charges apply for the specific days you are requesting.
If no one is using the pavilion, anyone may use it. However, if someone arrives with a reservation, you must immediately pack your belongings and leave. Since there is no other picnic site nearby, you may want to reconsider using the pavilion without a reservation.
Nearby Points of Interest
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is one of the most popular auto tours in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Continue driving on Cherokee Orchard Road until you reach the entrance. Gatlinburg remains a popular destination where vacationers enjoy restaurants, attractions, entertainment, and shopping.
