United States
Tennessee (TN)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Chimneys Picnic Area

Chimneys Picnic Area, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Address, Chimneys Picnic Area Reviews: 5/5

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Chimneys Picnic Area

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Chimneys Picnic Area
5
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#3 of 104 things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
339 reviews
Excellent
292
Very good
41
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
melissa w
Cincinnati, OH1,030 contributions
Awesome spot to stop and visit even if you're not picnicking
I ended up in Chimneys Picnic Area because my husband and I were going to hike the Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail (our legs needed a break...the trail was disappointing after the massive hikes we'd already completed). The picnic area though was absolutely beautiful. Great sites to hang out for the day including picnic tables and grills. We were there Memorial Day weekend and at the trail head around 9am and people were already staking out spots for the day. So I would recommend going very early to get the prime spots along the stream.
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TYPSUKR
Arlington, VA723 contributions
Superb Picnicking Experience
We had packed a picnic lunch for the day (around 12:30 on a Thursday), and we turned out to make good decision, because we were quite happy with this picnic area. We didn't have any trouble getting a spot, and there were plenty more available. Each spot has its own parking space right next to the table, so you don't have to haul your stuff very far at all. Each space has a charcoal grill (which we didn't use), and there were dumpsters spaced throughout for bear-proof food disposal. There were also bathroom facilities if you needed them. The setting itself was also quite nice, as there was a lot of shade, and there was a rushing creek nearby that was peaceful to listen to.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1966Airstream
Illinois265 contributions
Love to eat a picnic lunch here
We have always loved to eat a picnic lunch at the Chimneys Picnic Area since our sons were little. Even now, just the two of us, we still like to picnic there. It is crowded and if you want a spot by the stream, you will have to get there early. But even if you picnic away from the stream, it is still a nice quiet place to have a picnic lunch.
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris O
Greeneville34 contributions
Best of the Smokies!
Family
This area has been a family favorite for four decades now. It can be 90+ degrees in Gatlinburg, but it will be cool and 70’s at this picnic area. The mountain stream is COLD year round, and people of all ages love to climb on the rocks. Be sure to bring some towels and some water shoes, if you need them. While not a secret, and always well-populated with picnickers, it’s still amazing how many people have never been or heard of this place. And that okay, because it remains a treasure of the Smokies!
Written June 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nicole W
Chester Gap, VA28 contributions
Great for families!
We were driving in GSMNP and it was a rainy morning, so we couldn't see much at the overlooks. I was afraid to hike due to slippery conditions. But this stop at Chimneys Picnic Area was perfect. They had picnic tables, plenty of parking, bathrooms, and easy access to the river where it was fun to watch the water along the huge rocks. There is a short walking trail there too. The weather finally cleared up around noon, so we were able to drive to other walking trails later.
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LexiV
Cleveland, OH823 contributions
Leisurely Lunch Spot
This was a great place for a picnic. You basically have your own individualized parking spot near your picnic table. There were a lot of people, but everything is spread out so it didn't seem crowded. After we ate and cleaned up using the bear safe trash cans, the kids went to play in the water. Dogs are allowed in picnic areas, so it was great that this was a larger area to wander around in. There are bathrooms, but you must be wearing a mask to enter them. I would love to picnic here again.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mzament
Ephrata, PA21 contributions
Perfect picnic area! Bring suits/water shoes!
What a perfect picnic spot! We hiked Alum Cave in the morning then backtracked a bit to Chimneys for lunch. We went around the loop and found an open spot that had nice rock stair steps down to the water. Our girls LOVED climbing all over the big boulders in the roaring creek! (Had we remembered to stick bathing suits in, they would've ended up in the water too!) Glad we had our Keens on at least! We still wanted to grill and simply brought charcoal and hot dogs - we could have stayed there all day long!!! (By the time we then left to go to Clingman's Dome mid-afternoon, it was fogged in, but we were ok with that because we were glad we took as much time at this picnic stop as we did!)
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
globetrotter
Miami Beach, FL30 contributions
cove hardwood trail is open and beautiful
Writing this as an FYI! As of 4/14/2021, Cove Hardwood nature trail and the picnic area _are_ open despite what my iphone said.

Cove Hardwood is like stepping into a fairyland. It's only 0.9 miles, but it requires lots of stair climbing (the stairs/trail is well-maintained) and takes at least an hour to truly appreciate.

Have fun and say hello to the fairies for me.
Written April 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Therighttobeararns
Huntsville, AL32 contributions
Best picnic spot around.
Couples
The Smokey Mountain NP was crowded, but there was room. We were simply looking for a place to eat the sandwiches that we got from Old Dad’s (second building on left when you get to G’burg). There are bathrooms and tables. We saw many professional picnickers. Several groups looked like they intended to spend the day there. People young and old were playing in the bolder filled creek.
Don’t leave food around... BEARS
Years ago my wife remembers watching a bear go through someone’s cooler and was eating eggs.
Written June 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AworldAwayFromHome
50 contributions
Beautiful picnic area surrounded by waterfalls and white water river
We just drove through but were amazed at the beauty of this picnic area. When we pulled in we though, "Oh shoot! It's just a picnic area- nothing exciting." But we ended up spending 15 minutes walking around to see the waterfalls and river. It was really lovely. I would be a little nervous with small children near the river but this picnic grounds is truly surrounded by beauty.
Written May 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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