Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Life Is A Picnic – Part Two
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on September 19, 2023
Is it just us, or has the weather recently taken a slight turn toward being more fall-like? It's been great to enjoy some milder temperatures and the release of the stranglehold that high humidity has had on this region for the past month or so. This recent change in meteorological fortune has made the idea of spending time outside a lot more tolerable than it was just a couple of weeks ago, and as we usher in autumn this week, it's time to start thinking about fall picnicking.
Last week, we broached the subject with our suggestions for several locations in the national park that are ideal for spreading out a picnic blanket or bellying up to a picnic table to enjoy an outdoor snack or feast. This week, we're back with more recommendations for picnic spots in the Smokies. Many are located within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while others lie outside that realm. But the bottom line is that any of them would be a fine place to celebrate being outdoors with friends, family and, of course, food.
Greenbrier
In our opinion, the Greenbrier section of the national park is one of the region's overlooked gems. It has great hiking, camping and, as you've probably already guessed, picnicking. This picnic area is open all year long and has 12 sites for visitors to enjoy. Either before or after your al-fresco meal, consider taking a hike on Hen Wallow Falls Trail, which leads you to a majestic cascade of water. Or consider Porter's Creek Trail, an easy trek that's good for younger hikers and also provides gorgeous views of clear river waters and wildflowers. The Greenbrier area of the park is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg and often isn't as congested as other, more well-known picnic areas.
Deep Creek
This picnic area is located on the North Carolina side of the national park, but we're including it just in case your travels take you in that direction. Specifically, the picnic grounds are just three miles from Bryson City. Deep Creek is open year 'round and features a pavilion and 10 individual picnic sites. It's a scenic location, surrounded by mountain streams, wildflowers and trees. While you're there, in addition to the actual picnic, consider a hike on the Deep Creek Trail. It's less than a mile in length but offers up views of Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls.
Gatlinburg
We'll take you out of the national park now to introduce you to three different picnic locations in the city of Gatlinburg.
Herbert Holt Park is open all year long and has lots of picnic sites with tables and grills in the heart of the city. Conveniently situated near traffic light #1, it's a good choice for families that might not want to commit to a longer trip in to the national park. There are other amenities here that might also appeal to parents with younger children, including a playground, a walking trail and public restrooms. There's even a trout fishing stream, so you might consider bringing your gear and cooking up a fresh catch while you're on site.
Mills Park is about 10 minutes east of downtown, near the Gatlinburg Community Center, but it also has a picnic area, complete with picnic tables located near a stream and a covered pavilion that's adjacent to the playground. And that's not all. While you're there, why not enjoy the disc golf course, basketball court, horseshoe pits and skate park, just to mention a few of the other amenities? This picnic area is open year 'round.
Mynatt Park, which is also accessible all year long, has nine picnic tables with grills in its picnic area. It's not far from downtown Gatlinburg and also offers a playground, ballfields, basketball court, tennis courts, fishable streams and a covered pavilion.
And when you're picnicking adventure is over, remember that ziplining Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is still an option here at Smoky Mountain Ziplines. Give us a call today to reserve your fall canopy tour!
