Picnic in the Park

There are scores of restaurants just outside the main entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but not a single restaurant within its boundary, unless you count the dining hall at LeConte Lodge, but you must be a lodge guest to eat there. And, there is the deli located in the Cades Cove Campground Store where you can buy a $$$$ hamburger.

However, you can find very lovely places all over the park to eat; you just have to BYO, bring your own. You can eat in your vehicle, on the trail, or at any of the park’s picnic areas scattered around the park. Most of them have a nearby stream which provides air conditioning, serenity, pleasant views, and a place for the kids to play.

Picnic in the Cove

One of the nicest picnic areas is in Cades Cove. It can be seen on the left from Laurel Creek Road after you enter the Cove and just before the entrance to the loop road. It is open year-round and has 81 picnic sites which are sufficient most of the year but crowded at times, especially in the summer. The ground is relatively level in the Cove's picnic area making it easier to walk and carry food to and from the tables. You will find the restrooms conveniently located, but they are park restrooms. The stream at Cades Cove Picnic Area is nice because it is a rather small stream, usually providing a safe place for children, but they do need supervision.