Chimney Tops Picnic Area

Categories: Play, Kid-Friendly, Picnic Areas, Picnic Areas, Outdoor Fun, Fishing for Wild Trout, Swimming Holes, Easy Access/Roadside Picnics, Our Favorites, Great Smoky Mountains National Park... TN

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Highlights

Excellent picnic area great for the entire family
Choose from over one hundred picnic spots
Nice picnic tables with charcoal grills & nice parking areas for each
Restrooms on site
Prime location along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River
Swimming/wading & Fishing on-site

The Local Scoop

Chimney Tops Picnic Area is recommended to the entire family. This cozy picnic area is very large, can accommodate many and used to be a campground until the National Park Service converted it to picnics only. As you pull into the picnic area, stay to the right and work your way by a few info kiosks (information about the area's regulations/park info) and the restrooms on your right. The picnic area is comprised of loops with some intersecting each other.
We suggest trying to grab one of the picnic sites that are close to the river. This will allow you to wade around a little bit or even fish some, but still be able to see your picnic site. If you can't get a site close to the river, no worries. You really can't go wrong with this picnic area. We love it! It makes for a great "pit-stop" for those heading to and from Cherokee or Gatlinburg, even if it's just for a bathroom break or stretch.

The Local Directions

From downtown Cherokee, NC take U.S. Hwy-441 North towards Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 27.6 miles and access road for "Chimney Tops Picnic Area." Follow this access road into the shady and relaxing picnic area to find a spot that suits you and your family.