Picnic table pads at the Cosby Picnic Area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
See the Cosby Region web page for an interactive location map.
The Cosby Picnic Area is located within the Cosby Campground complex just before coming to the campground. This 35-site picnic area is typically open from early April through the end of October. The exact opening and closing dates change each year, so be sure to check the National Park Service’s Picnicking web page for the latest schedule.
Picnic table at Cosby Picnic Area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Parking is done in a common lot, and you must carry your supplies either down or up a moderate hill to the tables, depending on which side of the parking lot you are on. The distance to the tables ranges from right next to the parking lot to up to 100 yards away.
Most of the tables are on the downhill side of the parking lot. On the uphill side is the restroom building, and there are six picnicking spots located along the paved path to the building, including one wheelchair-accessible table. The path is on a slight hill, but with a little help any of these tables can be used as wheelchair-accessible tables. There are two more tables behind the restroom.
Picnic tables along the path to the Cosby Picnic Area restroom, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Regardless of hilly terrain, the picnic tables are situated on level pads. Most pads have single tables, but a few have multiple tables or one double-wide table for larger families or small groups (the most I saw was three tables grouped together). Each site has its own grill. All tables are taken on a first come, first served basis.
Double-wide picnic table at Cosby Picnic Area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Group of three tables at the Cosby Picnic Area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tables at the Cosby Picnic area cannot be moved, so there is no way to string together multiple tables for a Pilgrim-style picnic. For those wanting to host a family reunion, corporate picnic, or other large gathering, a covered pavilion with multiple picnic tables and two grills is available for rent for a fee. To make a reservation, either call (877) 444-6777 or go online to Recreation.gov. Anyone can use the pavilion if it is not reserved, but if a group with a reservation shows up, you must leave immediately.
Pavilion at the Cosby Picnic Area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Last updated on February 9, 2025
