Best places to picnic outside the National Park

Sure, the GSMNP picnic areas are great, but what if you want a change of scenery? We’ve got just the places for you to explore

There’s a place on Wears Valley Road that runs between Pigeon Forge and Townsend through (you guessed it) Wears Valley. And it may be the worst designated picnic spot in the world.
It’s not far past Bigfoot Philly Cheesesteaks. That said, it is not affiliated with that establishment at all.

In a major turn of the road sits a sad collection of three picnic tables. Each table is protected by a collection of large boulder-sized rocks that are placed there – I suppose – to keep cars from driving off into the picnic tables. But why are they there? I can’t imagine. In a region full of spectacular views, the scenery surrounding these picnic tables is suboptimal.

The chief feature seems to be a lopsided power pole and a lot of trees. Across the sizeable pull off and the road, is a rock wall where the mountain was sheered away. It is not – under any stretch of the imagination – a pretty spot. Cove Creek does run down below the picnic area. So, I presume there is good wading, fishing or swimming there. However, the overgrown and unattended grass and overall aesthetic has stopped me from ever – in my more than 30 years in the area stopping there to check it out.

Thankfully, there are far better places to picnic in the region both inside and outside the national park. Since we’ve already told you about picnic spots inside the National Park, we thought we might share some of our favorite spots outside the boundaries.
Great places to picnic outside the National Park.

1. Max Patch, Pisgah National Forest, NC

Max Patch is a magical place with fantastic views on the North Carolina side of the Tennessee-Carolina state line in the Pisgah National Forest. It is a mountain bald – essentially a mountaintop meadow. Max Patch is known for its wildflowers and panoramic views, 4,629 feet above sea level. Popular with hikers, it is on the Appalachian Trail. The wide-open spaces of Max Patch make for the perfect place to put down a blanket and enjoy a picnic as the splendor of the mountains spread out as far as the eye can see.

With issues affecting I-40 between North Carolina and Tennessee, it is a little harder to access. But you can drive to it either from the North Carolina side or from the Del Rio community of Cocke County. You should know, however, if you try the drive from Del Rio on Round Mountain Road it is challenging. A rural mountain road with a variety of switchbacks, you’ll travel through extremely remote parts of the mountain.

I made it fine in a rear-wheel-drive Ford Focus. However, there were some moments I questioned my decision making, chiefly when I crossed Rattlesnake Branch which – one assumes – was named that for a reason. Also, there were times smaller roads split off and I wasn’t 100 percent sure which road I should take. Ultimately, we made it, and it was worth it. But it was touch and go. Also, there was a feral donkey. Approaching from the North Carolina side – if possible – is better.

2. Oconaluftee Islands Park, Cherokee, NC

Located in the heart of scenic Cherokee, North Carolina, the Oconaluftee Islands Park is a community gathering point great for picnics, parties, wading, swimming and more. The river is wide but mostly shallow as it passes the island – which is accessible via footbridge. There are picnic tables and a gazebo onsite. There’s also plenty of room to spread out a blanket, put down some chairs and have a good old-fashioned picnic. It’s the perfect spot for a summer afternoon of fun in the mountains. Best of all, other than the cost of your picnic lunch – it is absolutely free.

3. Panther Creek State Park, Morristown, TN

Located in Hamblen County near Morristown, Panther Creek State Park is one of the overlooked jewels of Tennessee’s state park system. The picnic area atop Ore Mine Hill – next to the Stancil Ford scenic overlook – is great for picnics and or cookouts. There are plenty of tables and grill spaces available. The view from atop the Hill – I would call it a mountain – is spectacular, especially in the summer when Cherokee Lake is full.

You can hike down to the lake from the top of the hill, but it’s a pretty serious endeavor. I recommend driving around if you want lake access. In addition to the fantastic picnic area, the park has camping, trails, a disc golf course – one of four in the county. The park will also have a conference center soon.

4. Veterans Overlook, Clinch Mountain, TN

Located on Highway 25E, which works its way up into Kentucky, the Veterans Overlook atop Clinch Mountain overlooks the Tennessee Valley and the Cherokee Lake Reservoir below. The site has a memorial honoring Grainger County veterans and veterans of all wars. It also offers fantastic views that reach back all the way to the Smokies.

This is a perfect stopping point on your way up to Cumberland Gap National Park. Veterans Overlook isn’t what you’d call a traditional picnic spot. But there’s a low rock wall – presumably there for keeping tourists from accidentally rolling down the mountain – which is the perfect height for sitting and enjoying the world-class view. There’s also a grassy area over at one end where you could – in theory – spread out a little but the views won’t be as good.

5. The orchards, Hendersonville, NC

Speaking of great views, it’s hard to beat the Hendersonville orchards in the fall. Hendersonville is the perfect climate for apple, berry and grape growing. Therefore, several agribusinesses have popped up over the years. We like Grandad’s or Stepp’s but there are others from which you can choose. But there is nothing better than finding a nice quiet spot – which can be hard on fall weekends as these places are popular – and enjoying the mountains of Western North Carolina with a warm, freshly made apple fritter, pie or some cold cider.

Have you visited any of the areas listed above? Do you have your own favorite? Let us know in the comments!