Top 5 Smoky Mountain Picnic Areas Your Family Will Love
When you come to the Smokies, you probably want to spend some time in the national park, and one of the best ways to make the most of your visit is by packing a picnic lunch. You’ll love spending quality time with family and friends while dining outdoors, surrounded by the beauty and serenity of nature! There are several Smoky Mountain picnic areas you can choose from, so keep reading to learn about a few of our favorites:
1. Metcalf Bottoms
One of the best places for a picnic is at Metcalf Bottoms. This area is open year-round, so no matter when you’re here, you can enjoy spending time outside. You’ll be happy to know there are restrooms at this picnic area in the Smoky Mountains, and it’s also easy to find, just past the national park’s secret Wear Cove Gap entrance! There is a pavilion, as well as 122 picnic table sites, many of which are right beside the river. You can enjoy your meal and watch the water rush over the rocks. Even if you’re at a site that’s not next to the river, you can walk over after you’re done eating. There are restrooms at the Metcalf Bottom picnic area.
2. Look Rock
The Look Rock picnic area has some of the best Smoky Mountain views you won’t want to miss. You can find this pull-off along the Foothills Parkway, featuring a large area with over 50 picnic tables and a stunning overlook. This picnic area closes during the winter, and as with all of the Smoky Mountain picnic areas, you are expected to purchase a parking tag when parked longer than 15 minutes.
3. Cosby
A hidden gem of picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains is Cosby. Even though it’s not in a heavily visited area of the national park, it’s one of the most beautiful (and most peaceful) places to have a picnic during the warmer months. There are 35 picnic sites with charcoal grills and a pavilion located near the Cosby Campground. There’s a creek nearby, and you’ll have fun exploring the wooded areas before and after you enjoy your meal.
4. Cades Cove
Another one of the most popular Smoky Mountain picnic areas is in Cades Cove. Located next to the campground, it’s also open year-round, with 81 picnic sites. Each site has a charcoal grill where you can make burgers, hot dogs, or anything else you want. You do have to bring your own supplies and clean up after yourself. Many of the sites are next to a creek or nestled in the woods. This is a popular area, so be sure to give yourself enough time to get there, cook your food, and relax. You’ll enjoy taking a break here in between stops along the Cades Cove Loop Road!
5. Chimneys
The Chimneys picnic area isn’t just a great place for a picnic in the national park; it’s also one of the most convenient Gatlinburg picnic areas! You’ll find nearly 70 picnic sites next to the river, but since this area is only open seasonally, it will most likely be busy, so be sure to plan plenty of time to find a spot!
These Smoky Mountain picnic areas are a great way to see the mountains and spend time together. Want to keep on exploring? Take a look at some of the best scenic drives through Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
