Greenbrier Picnic Area: A Quiet Riverside Cove East of Gatlinburg

About

Greenbrier is a heavily forested cove in the northeast corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 20 minutes east of Gatlinburg, and its picnic area is one of the calmest in the park. The entrance road follows the river upstream to the picnic area, which sits right beside the water. For guests who want a peaceful lunch away from the busier corridors of the park, it is well worth the short trip.

The main picnic area has 12 sites set on gravel pads, with tables, benches and charcoal grills, plus a vault toilet. A separate Greenbrier Picnic Pavilion seats up to 70 and can be reserved through recreation.gov up to a year in advance, which suits family reunions and group gatherings. The cove is known for spring wildflowers, waterfalls, fishable streams, historic buildings and cemeteries, and several trailheads start nearby, including Porters Creek, farther up the road.

The picnic area is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. No water is available, so bring drinking water with you. Grills are for charcoal only; wood fires are not permitted. Leashed pets are welcome in the picnic area but not on the trails. The entrance road is only partly paved, so drive slowly. A park parking tag is required for stays longer than 15 minutes, and a Tennessee or North Carolina license is needed to fish.

Photo: National Park Service, Public domain (NPS)

Did You Know

• The Greenbrier Picnic Area has 12 sites and sits at an elevation of 1,635 feet (National Park Service).
• The Greenbrier Picnic Pavilion is at a separate site and seats 70 (National Park Service).
• Greenbrier is known for wildflowers, waterfalls, fishable streams and historic structures (National Park Service).
• The picnic area grills are for charcoal only, and wood fires are not allowed (National Park Service).