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

Chimneys Picnic Area—elevation 2,739 feet (~835 meters)—sits along Highway 441/Newfound Gap Road next to the west prong of the Little Pigeon River. This popular picnic area includes 68 sites and features a short 0.8-mile loop trail with a steep ascent/descent. The area is heavily forested, offering consistent shade.

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 are not permitted on any other trails.