Robert M
July 23, 2026
Liked the large grilles for cooking for large group. Was clean and convenient to restrooms and river.
Helpful
About Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion
Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this picnic pavilion creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Year-round
Year-round
Fishing
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 3 to Oct 25
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Pet friendly
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Grill
- BBQ
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Reviews
33 reviews
Summary
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion is praised for its cleanliness, large grills for cooking, and convenience for gatherings of up to 30 people. Many families appreciate reserving the space annually, enjoying the beautiful surroundings and accessibility to restrooms and the river. However, foot traffic from the nearby parking pass kiosk can detract from the privacy of events, and visitors should bring their own trash bags as garbage cans are not provided.
Based on guest feedback
4.7
Overall rating
Based on 33 reviews
5 stars
81.8% (27)
4 stars
15.2% (5)
3 stars
0.0% (0)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
3.0% (1)
Showing 33 reviews
Sort by: Newest First
Tywanna U
July 4, 2026
We reserve Metcalf every year for our family pic nic. We have done this for several years. The area is amazing and it's always good to have the pavilion. I reserve the entire day so no rush, however if we don't get there early we end up asking people to leave as they didn't realize they needed to reserve. The kiosk for parking passes was put right next to the pavilion so be prepared for constant foot traffic by your event.
Helpful
Tami B
July 1, 2026
Great
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Leslie B
April 28, 2026
This is an excellent area for a large gathering.
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John B
April 22, 2026
Great experience, like grills clean, parking permits should be included or pay one fee for pavilion
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Nancy D
September 29, 2025
The pavilion was perfect for a group picnic of 30 people. We had an older group member fall. He hit his head and had cuts and bruising. We were able to locate an EMT ranger, who was nearby, to render aid. Joanna gave him a great field exam. We really appreciated her quick response and efforts. We got to enjoy the rest of our day in the Park.
Helpful
Phylliss P
September 20, 2025
Clean and ready to go. We love Metcalf bottoms. Great place to get away from it all.
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Fredrick P
August 16, 2025
A beautiful area. It is heavily used and the paths were designed such that we had people walking through our private gathering in the pavilion to get to the parking pass vending machine so it wasn’t quite as personal of event as we wanted. Bring your own trash bags as there are no garbage cans at the pavilion.
Helpful
James T
June 8, 2025
SITE WAS VERY CLEAN AND WELL KEPT. WE HAD AN EXCELLENT TIME WITH
FAMILY AND HOPE TO DO IT NEXT YEAR AGAIN
Helpful
Leslie B
May 5, 2025
Nice covered Pavillion that can seat a large gathering. Ample parking (and parking pass kiosk is right next to the Pavillion)
Helpful
Location & Directions for Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion
Mailing Address Is 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 United States
Elevation: 511 ft
Highway access
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion is accessible via US Route 441, which is approximately 5 miles away. This route connects to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and leads towards Gatlinburg.
Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The closest entrance is: Townsend Entrance
Approximate drive: 4.6 mi · 8 min
Near Yosemite National Park
The closest entrance is: Arch Rock Entrance
Approximate drive: 19.6 mi · 34 min
Policies & Rules
General
- A valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Having a picnic pavilion reservation does not exempt you from the parking tag requirement.
- Over the last 10 years, an average of 339 negative human-bear encounters have been reported each year; many more go unreported. Visitors should be aware that high bear activity can occur in any area, and that your safety is not guaranteed. To increase your odds for a safe visit, please follow best practices for living and recreating in bear habitat. Stay alert and be prepared to react appropriately during possible encounters, and always report any unusual bear interactions as soon as possible.
- Caution: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. All food and equipment used to prepare and store food must be kept in a sealed vehicle or camping unit of solid, non-pliable material AT ALL TIMES when not in use. All scented items, as well as all water containers MUST be stored. Dispose of garbage promptly in dumpsters provided. Unattended or improperly stored coolers, food and/or scented items may be impounded by park staff. Violators are subject to fines.
- Dispose of garbage promptly in bear-proof dumpsters. This rule is strictly enforced!
- This is a Day-use area. There is no overnight camping allowed.
- Potable water is available at restrooms but not at the pavilion.
- Alcohol is allowed at designated picnic areas.
- There are BBQ grills for charcoal fires. Wood fires are not allowed.
- Decorations are allowed, provided they do not damage the structure (i.e. no staples) and are cleaned up on departure. Directional signs leading to the site are prohibited.
- Commercial activity (for example, sales) is prohibited.
- Weddings and wedding receptions require a separate permit in addition to the pavilion reservation; check the park website for Wedding and Special Event Permits
- Keep your confirmation notice with you in the event of a conflict with a non-reservation party.
- A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
- Pets are permitted but cannot be left unattended. All pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on trails.
- For additional park information call 865-436-1200 or visit www.nps.gov/grsm
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Last updated: October 7, 2026
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