Picnicking is an American tradition, and no trip to the Smokies is complete without one. Please remember to dispose of all garbage and NEVER feed the bears! The Park contains several designated picnic areas with tables and grills.
Picnicking Area
Location
Features
Big Creek
State 32 from Cosby
Small, quiet campground and creek
Cades Cove
Little River Road
Great start-off for the 11-mile Loop
Chimneys
Newfound Gap Road
Large picnic area on banks of Little Pigeon River
Deep Creek
Hwy. 19 from Cherokee
Covered amphitheater with several waterfall hikes nearby
Greenbrier
Hwy. 321 from Gatlinburg
Open & sheltered picnic areas in a perfect setting
Heintooga
Balsam Mountain Road
Highest picnic area in park offering great views
Metcalf Bottoms
Little River Road
Shady picnic tables in the cozy woods or along the river
Mountain roads take travelers off the beaten path for an unforgettable auto tour through some of the Smokies' most interesting places.
Road
One-way
Mileage
Driving Time
Location
Road Condition
Balsam Mountain Road
9
30 min.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Two-way, paved
Cades Cove Loop
11
1 hour
Cades Cove Historic District
One-way, paved
Cataloochee
6
30 min.
I-40 at U.S. 276
Two-way, dead end
Cherokee Orchard Road
3.5
15 min.
Gatlinburg to Roaring Fork
Two-way, paved
Foothills Parkway East
6
15 min.
Hwy. 321, Cosby
Two-way, paved
Foothills Parkway West
18
30 min.
U.S. 32_1N to U.S. 129
Two-way, paved
Heintooga Ridge
14
1 hour
Balsam Mountain Road
Two-way, paved
Lakeview Drive
6
20 min.
Bryson City, NC
Two-way, dead end
Parson Branch
8
1 hour
Cades Cove
One-way, unpaved
Rich Mountain Road
7
1 hour
Cades Cove
One-way, unpaved
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
5
1 hour
Cherokee Orchard Road
One-way, paved
Swimming in a cool mountain stream on a muggy summer day is an experience like no other. Always use caution and common sense and never swim alone.
Area
Location
Features
Big Creek
State 32 from Cosby
Quiet, peaceful area with a refreshing creek
Deep Creek
Hwy. 19 from Cherokee
Great for tubing - bring your own or rent one
Greenbrier
Hwy. 321 from Gatlinburg
Just pick any spot on the gorgeous middle prong of the Little Pigeon River
Metcalf Bottoms
Little River Road
Wade in and skip rocks across this calm, wide area of the river
The Sinks
Little River Road
The Smokies' deepest swimmin' hole
Townsend 'Wye'
Little River Road & Laurel Creek Road intersection
Broad, placid stretch of river with grassy banks for sunbathing
