Open year-round at sunrise. Closes at 8 PM from late-April to early-September, sunset on other dates.

Cades Cove Picnic Area—elevation 1,943 feet (~592 meters)—is at the entrance/exit to a historic valley known for wildlife sightings, hiking trails, historic buildings, open pastures, and more. The picnic area has 81 sites that sit between Abrams Creek and Green Branch Creek.

Tips for a Great Picnic

• Black bears reside in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and can die as a result of access to human food and trash. Promptly dispose of garbage in bear-proof trash cans. If you see a bear, do not approach it.
• Provided grills are for charcoal fires. Wood fires are not permitted.
• A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park.
• Pets are permitted in picnic areas but cannot be left unattended. All pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are allowed on the Oconaluftee River Trail and Gatlinburg Trail but not permitted on any other trails.