No visit to the Great Smoky Mountains is complete without at least one picnic in the park. But how do you decide which picnic area is your best choice? You should consider nearby actvities, crowd levels and location among other factors. Almost all picnic areas in the Smokies have a charcoal grill at each picnic table. Ultimately there are no "bad" picnic areas in the Smokies, but I have outlined my four favorite locations - places where you can achieve a "perfect" picnic.
1. Metcalf Bottoms - My favorite picnic area in the Smokies is Metcalf Bottoms. And it really has everything going for it - an idyllic location with tables situated beside Little Greenbrier River, plenty of activities available including swimming, fishing and hopping rocks in the river, and a nearby walk to the Greenbrier Schoolhouse so you can excercise away those hamburgers and hot dogs. It is also second largest picnic area in the park with 165 tables and several convenient rest areas scattered throughout the picnic grounds. The pavilion is available for reservation with a $20 fee and often stays reserved weeks in advance during the summer. The main drawbacks to Metcalf Bottoms are its popularity - if you want a table on the river in the summer you'd better arrive early - and its reputation for water snakes along the river bank.
Directions to Metcalf Bottoms from Gatlinburg: Take US-441 into the park. At
the Sugarlands Visitor Center turn right onto Little River Rd. toward
Elkmont. Travel about six miles to the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area on the
right.
2. Cades Cove - With 81 picnic sites available, Cades Cove is another popular picnic site. The best part of picnicking at Cades Cove is that you can tour the loop either before or after your meal. In addition there is a small stream near the picnic grounds where you may choose to get your feet wet and cool down a bit on hot summer days. From May 1- August 31 the Cades Cove picnic area closes at 8 pm. The rest of the year it closes at sunset.
3.Greenbrier - One of the smallest picnic areas in the Smokies, Greenbrier is also one of the least crowded. While the picnic tables are not on the river like they are at Metcalf Bottoms, they are only a short walk from Greenbrier River. And the seclusion of several of the tables and less crowded environment more than make up for it. Greenbrier has 12 tables available in addition to a pavilion that seats 70. The pavilion can be reserved for $10 from either 8 am -3:30 pm or 4 pm - 8 pm. The major drawback at Greenbrier is the lack of permanent rest facilities. There are portable facilities.
Directions to Greenbrier from Gatlinburg: Turn left at traffic light 3 in Gatlinburg onto Hwy 321N. Follow 321N about seven miles to the entrance to Greenbrier on the right.
4. The Chimneys - Once a popular campground, the Chimneys picnic area is well known locally as a place to see bears at sunset. Its 89 picnic sites are often not enough for all the visitors to this incredibly popular picnic area. I have often spent twenty minutes or more circling the area in search of a soon-to-be empty table. But if you can locate a table, the Chimneys is an excellent place to picnic and spend a bit of time rock-hopping and playing in the west prong of the Little Pigeon River. The rest facilities are permanent and easy to access. Just make sure you don't leave food laying around your picnic site since bears are frequently seen at the Chimneys picnic area at dusk. If you do see a bear at the Chimneys or any other location in the park, stay as far away as possible. Do not attempt to feed the bears or get close to them. It may seem elementary to make those statements, but I've heard too many stories of close encounters with these wonderful (and usually non-aggressive) creatures.
Directions to the Chimneys: From Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg take US-441 into the park past the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Continue on 441 about five miles until you reach the entrance to the Chimneys picnic area on the right. The picnic area is before the trailhead to the Chimney Tops trail.
These picnic areas are all open year round . In addition you can
reserve a pavilion for larger gatherings at Metcalf Bottoms by calling 877/444-6777, or online at http://www.recreation.gov.
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