Open seasonally, mid-May to early-October, sunrise to sunset.

Heintooga Picnic Area—elevation 5,326 feet (~1,623 meters)—includes 41 sites sitting at the highest elevation of all park picnic areas. Flat Creek Trail and Balsam Mountain Nature Trail are nearby, in addition to Balsam Mountain Campground.

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.