Open year-round from sunrise to sunset. (Restrooms only open from early-April through late-October.)

Deep Creek Picnic Area—elevation 1,815 feet (~553 meters)—has 58 sites and a pavilion available for reservation. These sites are proximal to many popular waterfall hikes and fishing spots (fishing license required).

Impromptu use of the pavilion is allowed only when it has not been reserved.

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.