Good place to picnic?

[UGAFan0829]

I was just thinking of maybe doing a special picnic with the DH when we go to Gatlinburg in August, and I was wondering if anyone knew of a good place. I know there are several places in the park that has picnic areas, but I'm just looking for a good place to throw a blanket down on the ground and picnic there. Maybe somewhere close to a waterfall, or somewhere secluded and romantic?? :D

[WebmasterTim]

I think Cades Cove would be a good place to have a picnic. I have seen people take a blanket and picnic lunch out into the fields there. There is one place in particular with a large oak tree out in the field by itself.

Another place that is secluded is the Roaring Forks motor trail in Gatlinburg. It has a few waterfalls that you can hike to and some along the road also.

Abrams Falls is also in Cades Cove

Abrams Falls Trail in the Smoky Mountains



http://www.smokymtnmall.com/mall/gifs/abramsfallsa.jpg
Photo courtesy of Rich Stevenson (http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/)
Abrams Falls are located on the "peaceful side of the Smokies" in Cades Cove off of Cades Cove Loop Rd. Abrams Falls Trail head is at the north west end of Cades Cove Rd., about halfway into the 11 mile loop.
Rated moderate, this 5 mile round trip hike features a spectacular 20 foot waterfall with a large 100 foot pool at the base, a favorite for swimming during the summer months.
Follow U.S. 321 to the "Y". Turn onto Laurel Creek Road and continue straight until you reach Cades Cove Loop Rd. Travel 4.9 miles on Cades Cove Loop Rd., cross Abrams Creek and turn right onto a gravel road. Travel another 1/2 mile to the parking area. This is stop #10 on the Cades Cove loop tour.


At the junction of Mill Creek and Abrams Creek cross the first of 3 foot bridges. To the right, after crossing the foot bridge, the trail leads to the Elijah Oliver Place, the house of Elijah Oliver, the son of John Oliver who was the first white settler in Cades Cove in 1818. The trail climbs to the top of Arbutus Ridge before switching back to the right and descending down towards Wilson Creek.
After crossing the foot bridge over Wilson Creek, you'll see another foot bridge on the left. Take the short side trail on the left up to the top of Abrams Falls.
The rocks at the falls can be very dangerous due to the moss and water. Proceed carefully!

http://www.smokymtnmall.com/mall/gifs/abramsfalls2a.jpg
Photo courtesy of Rich Stevenson (http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/)

http://www.smokymtnmall.com/mall/gifs/abramsfalls1a.jpg
Photo courtesy of Rich Stevenson (http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/)
Abrams Falls Trail parallels Abrams Creek most of the hike, however you will hike along 3 ridges with an elevation gain of 1750 feet to the falls.
During May and June, mountain laurel, rhododendron, hemlocks, wildflowers and pine trees line the trail and waterfall.
Abrams Falls Trail continues another strenuous 1.8 miles to the trail's ends at Abrams Creek Ford. From there it connects with the Hannah Mountain Trail on the left, the Hatcher Mountain Trail on the right and the Little Bottoms Trail.
If you choose to return to Cades Cove, retrace your steps on the Abrams Falls Trail, completing the 5 mile hike.


The Hannah Mountain trail winds 1.9 miles to Rabbit Creek Trail. The Hatcher Mountain Trail is 2.8 miles to Cooper Road Trail and Beard Cane Creek Trail. The Little Bottoms Trail continues 2.3 miles to the Abrams Creek Campground. For this moderate day hike, it is recommended to carry a knapsack, bottled water and a light snack.
Never drink water from the streams without boiling it first or adding Iodine pills to purify the water. Even the clearest stream can contain harmful bacteria.
Esper's Smoky Mountain Mall would like to thank Rich Stevenson for the use of his beautiful photography.
http://www.smokymtnmall.com/mall/gifs/abramsfalls3a.jpg
Photo courtesy of Rich Stevenson (http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/)

[nursebettynbama]

We picnic next to the river at Greenbrier Park.(up 321 at traffic light 3 in Gat)
It is very quiet, not much traffic. The river flowing over the rocks sound so soothing.

[stacyb]

The chimneys!!!!

[WV VStar]

There is a park on Airport Road in G'burg that is a good picnic place, but not necessarily private. A word of caution if you picnic in the park... be aware of "visitors" wanting to share your food. We were in Cades Cove a couple of years ago when a bear decided to join a couple on their picnic blanket. Needless to say, the couple decided he looked like he wanted the food more than they did and left the area quicker than they had planned. There are several places to "get away privately" if you look for them.