7 Best Picnic Areas in Pigeon Forge, TN

Biting into a homemade sandwich, munching on chips, enjoying fresh fruit, and savoring sweet treats is always better on a nice day in the great outdoors. Tomorrow is International Picnic Day on Tuesday, June 18, 2021! You know what that means? The weather is ripe for a picnic with family and friends in the scenic Great Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Cool breezes brush past while eating, laughing, and spending quality time with family and friends under the shade of a tree, pavilion, or covered deck. Birds chirp while pets relax on a blanket, and kids play while adults chat at a table and admire mountain, river, or tree-studded scenery. On a picnic in the Smokies, after everyone’s finished eating, you can go for a walk, explore the area, play downtown, or recharge at your cabin.

To help you plan the perfect picnic with loved ones on your Smoky Mountain vacation, we’ve gathered info on the 7 best picnic spots in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Pigeon Forge Picnic Areas
Check out some of the best places to picnic in downtown Pigeon Forge, where you can stick close to attractions, shops, and eateries.

1.Riverwalk Greenway
A paved 4-mile trail that runs along the Little Pigeon River and leads through The Island shopping and entertainment complex and to Patriot Park, the Riverwalk Trail offers many spots to pull off, toss down a blanket, and enjoy a riverside picnic.

After your picnic, continue your lovely walk together. Ducks like to hang out on the river, so remember to bring some duck feed. You can grab some at the Old Mill General Store in town or find quarter feeders along the riverbank.

2.Wear Farm City Park
Great for big groups, Wear Farm City Park offers 2 expansive pavilions with many picnic tables, a large charcoal grill, lights, and electrical outlets. You can make reservations if you need the whole space or meet up with another family for an outdoor meal.

Picnickers will love spending time with the kids at the 2 playgrounds, playing at the many sports fields, shooting hoops at the basketball court, and stretching their legs along the walking trail. There are also restrooms on the grounds for added convenience.

3.Patriot Park
Not far from The Old Mill Square and near the Little Pigeon River, Patriot Park is a wonderful place to stop for a picnic. There are plenty of spots on the grass to lay out a picnic blanket, or you can set up at the picnic tables under the pavilion.

Once you’re energized and ready to go, stroll around Patriot Park to find flags from all 50 states and branches of the military, a Patriot Missile, and a replica of the Liberty Bell. Stop for a photo op at the gazebo, then head into town to shop and play.

National Park Picnic Areas
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has some of the best and most beautiful places to picnic in the Smoky Mountains!

4.Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
With 122 picnic sites — each with a charcoal grill and a picnic table — plus a pavilion that seats 70, Metcalf Bottoms offers prime picnicking in the national park. There are 2 picnic areas next to the Little River, and bathrooms and water fountains are available.

While enjoying your picnic in the Smokies, you can cast a line into the river (just make sure you have a license). Afterwards, follow the Metcalf Bottoms Trail that leads to historic sites, including the Little Greenbrier School and the Walker Sisters’ Cabin.

5.Cades Cove Picnic Area
Cades Cove features a picnic area at the beginning of Cades Cove Loop Road, a popular scenic drive in the Smokies. There are 80 picnic tables with charcoal grills nestled between Abrams Creek and Green Branch, where you can dip your toes. Plus, you can grab food and supplies at the nearby camp store.

When you’ve finished your creekside picnic, hop into your car or onto your bicycle to explore the gorgeous valleys in Cades Cove. Mountain peaks, open fields, wildlife, and historic sites are what you’ll find. There are also a few hiking trails to explore — one leads to a waterfall!

6.Greenbrier Picnic Area
Another great place for a riverside picnic, the Greenbrier picnic area boasts 12 picnic pads — each with a picnic table and a charcoal grill. There’s also a picnic pavilion with a fireplace and tables that can seat up to 70 people not too far past the picnic area. Restrooms are pit-style but available if needed.

You’ll be along the Little Pigeon River, so bring your fishing gear (and fishing license) and water shoes to cool off. Historic hiking trails near the Greenbrier picnic area include Porters Creek Trail and Old Settlers Trail.

Picnic Area at Your Cabin Rental
One of the best places to picnic in the Smokies is at your cabin rental — privacy, bathrooms, a personal grill, outdoor tables, lounge areas, a hot tub, and stunning views of the mountains, river, or trees are just a few reasons why it’s our favorite spot!

7.Pigeon Forge TN Cabins
Choose a cabin rental with everything you need to host the perfect picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether you want mountain views, river or lakeside seating, or a picnic under the trees, Pigeon Forge TN Cabins has what you seek. Our cabins — pet-friendly, luxury, large group, and budget-friendly — range from 1-16 bedrooms to suit any vacation.

Many of our properties have picnic tables, spacious decks, outdoor sitting areas, and gas/charcoal grills. You won’t have to worry about finding the best picnic spot before someone else…because it’s all yours! Crowds won’t be an issue, and everyone can just relax without having to cram into the cars or pull kids away from the playground.

Between picnics, you can splash in the private pool, soak in the hot tub, watch movies in the theater, play games in the rec room, and nap on a king-size bed. Plus, every cabin has a fully equipped kitchen so you can prep homemade picnic dishes. Or you can enjoy leftovers from the Local Goat the night before. Bonus: you won’t have to pack it all up!

Rain ruining the party? Move everything into the dining area in minutes. Kids need to nap? Carry them inside with ease. Adults want to drink? Grab something from the fridge or wet bar inside. And in the evening, you can circle the firepit for summer s’mores and stories. The picnic fun never ends at a cabin in Pigeon Forge, TN!

Book your Pigeon Forge cabin online or at 1.866.513.7885 today!

What to pack for a Smoky Mountain Picnic