There is something special about packing a picnic, gathering your favorite people, and heading into the mountains for a relaxing day outside. In the summer, the Great Smoky Mountains offer the perfect setting, with shady trees, cool riverbanks, fresh mountain air, and beautiful views in every direction.
If you are staying in Sevierville, planning a picnic in the Smokies is easy. You can enjoy a quiet lunch beside the river, spend the afternoon exploring nearby trails, and end the day with a sweet treat or a hearty meal back in town. Whether you are planning a romantic picnic for two or a fun family outing, these simple tips will help you make the most of your day.
1. Choose the Right Picnic Spot Near Sevierville
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has several beautiful picnic areas that are easy to reach from Sevierville. Each one offers its own mix of scenery, shade, water access, and space to relax.
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
Metcalf Bottoms is one of the most popular picnic spots in the Smokies, and for good reason. Located along the Little River, this area has more than 100 picnic sites with tables and charcoal grills. It is a great place to enjoy lunch, wade in the water, and cool off on a warm summer afternoon.
After your meal, take a short walk on Metcalf Bottoms Trail to visit the historic Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse. It is an easy way to add a little history and adventure to your picnic day.
Chimneys Picnic Area
Chimneys Picnic Area is another beautiful choice. It is located along Newfound Gap Road and sits beside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. The sound of rushing water, large river rocks, and tall trees make it feel peaceful and tucked away.
This area is especially nice in the summer because the shade helps keep things cooler, even on warmer days.
Greenbrier Picnic Area
If you want a quieter spot, Greenbrier is a wonderful option. This peaceful area sits along the Little Pigeon River and feels a little more removed from the busiest parts of the park.
Greenbrier has picnic tables, a covered pavilion, and a scenic setting that makes it a great place to slow down and enjoy the mountains. It is also a convenient starting point if you plan to hike to Ramsey Cascades or explore Porters Creek.
2. Get Your Parking Tag Before You Go
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, but visitors do need a parking tag if they plan to park inside the park for more than 15 minutes.
You can purchase a daily, weekly, or annual parking tag before your trip, or you can buy one at select locations near the park. Taking care of this ahead of time makes your picnic day easier, so you can focus on finding the perfect table and enjoying the scenery.
3. Stay in Sevierville for an Easy Home Base
Sevierville makes a great home base for a Smoky Mountain picnic. You can enjoy quick access to the national park while still being close to restaurants, attractions, shopping, and comfortable places to stay.
If your family loves resort amenities, The Resort at Governor’s Crossing offers indoor and outdoor water features that are perfect after a warm day outside. The Lodge at Five Oaks is a charming place to stay with a classic mountain feel, while The Inn at Apple Valley offers a peaceful setting close to local favorites.
For RV travelers and campers, Sevierville has several great options. Riverside RV Park and Resort, Two Rivers Landing, Buddy Bear in the Smokies RV Campground and Cabins, Ripplin Waters RV Park and Campground, and Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort all offer convenient places to relax after a day in the mountains.
4. Let Local Restaurants Help with the Food
A great picnic does not have to mean spending your whole morning preparing food. Sevierville has plenty of local restaurants and sweet shops that can help you put together an easy and delicious picnic meal.
Pick up barbecue, Southern sides, fried chicken, sandwiches, fresh lemonade, or sweet tea before heading into the park. For dessert, stop by Apple Valley Creamery for baked goods or a sweet treat to take with you.
After your picnic, you can keep the day going with a stop at Buddy Dave’s for soft serve, Big Daddy’s Pizzeria for a casual meal, or Five Oaks Farm Kitchen for a hearty Southern supper.
5. Add a Family Friendly Attraction to Your Day
A picnic is a relaxing way to enjoy the mountains, but if you are traveling with kids, it can be helpful to add an activity before or after your meal.
Dig’n Zone Theme Park is a fun option for families, giving kids and adults the chance to operate real construction equipment in a safe and exciting setting. If you want to see the Smokies from a whole new perspective, Scenic Helicopter Tours offers unforgettable views of the mountains, rivers, and valleys from above.
Pairing a picnic with a nearby attraction can turn a simple lunch into a full day of family fun.
6. Be Smart About Bear Safety
The Great Smoky Mountains are home to black bears, and keeping them safe starts with responsible picnicking.
Always keep food close to you, and never leave coolers, bags, or picnic baskets unattended. Even a quick walk to the river can give wildlife a chance to get into your food.
When you are finished eating, throw away all trash, food scraps, wrappers, and containers in the designated bear safe trash bins. Keeping food away from wildlife helps protect both visitors and animals.
7. Pack a Few Comfort Items
A few simple items can make your picnic much more enjoyable.
- Bring aluminum foil if you plan to use one of the charcoal grills. It makes cooking and cleanup easier.
- Pack a few lightweight chairs so you can sit by the river after lunch.
- Bring sunscreen and bug spray, even if you plan to sit in the shade.
- If your kids will be splashing in the water, bring a waterproof bag for wet shoes, towels, and clothes.
These small extras can make the day feel easier, cleaner, and more comfortable.
Plan Your Smoky Mountain Picnic
A summer picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains is one of the simplest and most memorable ways to enjoy East Tennessee. With the right picnic spot, a few local treats, and a little preparation, you can spend the day relaxing by the river, exploring the park, and making memories with the people you love.
Pack your basket, grab your parking tag, and get ready for a peaceful summer day in the Smokies.