Picnic table and grill along Deep Creek in the Deep Creek Picnic Area, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

See the Deep Creek Region web page for an interactive location map.

The Deep Creek Picnic Area is located on the other side of Deep Creek from the Deep Creek Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are 58 sites available along an oval loop road, many of which are next to the creek. It is one of the few picnic areas that is open year-round. Parking is done in common lots and you must carry your supplies to the tables, which aren’t very far away, maybe 50 feet on average. Parking lots are spread out around the loop.

Tables at the Deep Creek Picnic Area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are accessed from a common parking lot

Tables at each site are situated on level pads, and each has its own grill. Most sites have one table for individual families, but there are some with two tables for larger groups. Tables cannot be moved, so there is no way to string together multiple tables for a Pilgrim-style picnic.

If you are looking to host a family reunion, corporate party, or other large event for up to 70 people, there is a picnic pavilion that you can rent on West Deep Creek Road, which is separate from the main picnic area. Stay straight past the main picnic area entrance and the pavilion is up on the right. To make a reservation either call (877) 444-6777 or go online to Recreation.gov. Anyone can use the pavilion if it is not rented, but if a group with reservations shows up, you must leave immediately.