- Explore the four best Smoky Mountain picnic areas: Chimneys, Cades Cove, Greenbrier, and Metcalf Bottoms.
- Each spot offers unique scenery, amenities, and nearby food options for a perfect outdoor meal.
- Many picnic areas are open year-round and feature charcoal grills, restrooms, and river or creek access.
- Stay close to all the action with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, your home base for Smoky Mountain adventures.
Picnic Perfection Awaits: Which Smoky Mountain Spot Will You Choose?
Ever wondered what it feels like to enjoy a riverside lunch surrounded by wildflowers, the sound of rushing water, and the laughter of your family echoing through the trees? Picture this: you've just picked up a fresh sandwich from a local deli, your kids are skipping stones in the creek, and you're relaxing at a shaded picnic table with the Smoky Mountains as your backdrop. That's the magic of a Smoky Mountain picnic, and with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you're never far from the best spots.
Here are the 4 best Smoky Mountain picnic areas.
1. Chimneys Picnic Area: Riverside Relaxation Near Sugarlands
Nestled just 10 minutes from the Sugarlands Visitor Center off US-441 South, Chimneys Picnic Area is a favorite for both locals and visitors. Set beside a picturesque river, this spot features ample parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and charcoal grills, making it ideal for a classic Smoky Mountain picnic. The soothing sound of the river creates a relaxing atmosphere, and kids will love exploring the riverbanks. Just remember to bring water shoes for slippery rocks.
After lunch, stretch your legs on the Cove Hardwood Trail, a three-quarter-mile loop renowned for its vibrant spring wildflowers. Chimneys Picnic Area is typically open from early April through November, so plan your visit accordingly.
Where to pick up food:
Old Dad's General Store is just minutes from the park entrance and offers freshly made sandwiches and deli items for a custom picnic spread.
Hearthside Cabin Rentals Tip:
Book a cabin near Gatlinburg for quick access to Chimneys and other top picnic spots. Enjoy mountain views, cozy amenities, and the convenience of being close to the park's best attractions.
2. Cades Cove Picnic Area: Year-Round Creekside Charm
If you're searching for one of the best picnic spots in the Great Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove Picnic Area is a must-visit. Located just before the entrance to the famous Cades Cove Loop Road, this area boasts 81 picnic sites flanked by two gentle creeks. Each site comes with its own grill, so bring your favorite foods and cook up a feast.
Cades Cove is open all year, making it a reliable choice in any season. After your meal, explore the scenic loop or watch for wildlife. Deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears are often spotted nearby.
Where to pick up food:
The Cades Cove Trading Company serves burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream, perfect for a picnic or a sweet treat afterward.
Quick Take:
Cades Cove Picnic Area offers year-round access, plenty of picnic sites with grills, and beautiful creekside scenery, making it a top choice for families and groups.
Hearthside Cabin Rentals Tip:
Staying with Hearthside means you're just a short drive from Cades Cove and other iconic Smoky Mountain picnic areas. Choose from cabins with game rooms, hot tubs, and space for the whole family.
3. Greenbrier Picnic Area: Creekside Serenity and Wildflower Trails
For those seeking a quieter and more secluded picnic experience, Greenbrier Picnic Area is a hidden gem. Located in the Greenbrier section of the park, this area features a peaceful creek and easy access to some of the Smokies' best hiking trails.
After your meal, consider tackling the Ramsey Cascades Trail or Porters Creek Trail. Both are famous for their spring wildflowers and lush scenery.
Greenbrier is open year-round, so you can enjoy its tranquil setting during any season.
Where to pick up food:
Hungry Bear BBQ, located on Gatlinburg's East Parkway near Greenbrier Road, is a local favorite known for house-smoked meats and homemade sides.
Quick Take:
Greenbrier Picnic Area is perfect for those who want a peaceful creekside meal and access to beautiful hiking trails, with delicious barbecue just minutes away.
Hearthside Cabin Rentals Tip:
Our cabins near Gatlinburg and Greenbrier put you close to both adventure and relaxation. Enjoy the comforts of home after a day exploring the Smokies.
4. Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area: Tubing, History, and Family Fun
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area has everything you need for a memorable day outdoors. Situated along the Little River near the Wears Valley entrance, this year-round spot offers numerous tables, covered seating, charcoal grills, water fountains, restrooms, and convenient parking.
It's also a popular launch point for tubing. Bring an inner tube and float down the river for a refreshing adventure.
Don't miss the 2.6-mile round-trip hike to the historic Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse and Walker Sisters Cabin, both rich in Smoky Mountain history.
Where to pick up food:
The Mountain Munch Food Truck, located at 3204 Line Springs Road next to Mountain Brothers General Store, serves sandwiches, burgers, and more, making it perfect for a grab-and-go picnic.
Quick Take:
Metcalf Bottoms offers year-round picnicking, river fun, and a taste of Smoky Mountain history, all within easy reach of great food and comfortable cabins.
Hearthside Cabin Rentals Tip:
Make Metcalf Bottoms your go-to picnic spot and return to a cozy Hearthside cabin each evening. With options for couples, families, and groups, there's a perfect fit for every traveler.
FAQ: Smoky Mountain Picnic Areas
Which Smoky Mountain picnic areas have charcoal grills?
All four featured picnic areas, Chimneys, Cades Cove, Greenbrier, and Metcalf Bottoms, offer charcoal grills at each site, making it easy to cook your favorite picnic foods.
Are any Smoky Mountain picnic areas open year-round?
Yes! Cades Cove, Greenbrier, and Metcalf Bottoms picnic areas are open year-round, allowing you to enjoy a picnic in any season. Chimneys Picnic Area is open seasonally from early April through November.
Where should I stay to be close to all four Smoky Mountain picnic areas?
Hearthside Cabin Rentals offers a wide selection of cabins throughout the Smoky Mountains, including locations near Gatlinburg, Cades Cove, Greenbrier, and Metcalf Bottoms. With amenities like mountain views, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens, Hearthside is the perfect home base for exploring every picnic spot.
Where to Stay: Make Every Picnic Day Easy with Hearthside Cabin Rentals
Ready to plan your experience at one of these Smoky Mountain picnic areas? Hearthside Cabin Rentals puts you right in the heart of the action, with cabins close to all the best picnic spots and attractions. Whether you're seeking a romantic escape, a family getaway, or a group retreat, you'll find the perfect cabin, unbeatable amenities like game rooms, theater rooms, and breathtaking mountain views, plus free or discounted attraction tickets with your stay!
Find a Smoky Mountain cabin for your next getaway and enjoy the convenience of being minutes from the park's top picnic spots. Your perfect picnic and your perfect stay await with Hearthside Cabin Rentals!
