Susan C
July 17, 2024
The pavillon was clean and convenient. Easy access for parking and bathrooms. wonderful setting for our group of 40 to gather, visit and enjoy a covered dish dinner
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
Missing information?
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
Peggy B
July 10, 2024
Metcald Bottoms is a wonderful place to have family and group gatherings for picnics and activities offered. I'm local and our family has always gone to Metcalf bottoms for gatherings since I was a little girl in the 60s.
I rented the pavillian from 4;00 PM to 8:00 PM. one evening in June 2024. We were running a little late with fewer people than expected. A group of people (not my group) were there cooking and eating. I asked them if they had rented it and a male spoke up and said no. I told them I had rented it. They said nothing. I told them it was okay and that we would go to the tables by the river close by and to please inform anyone that showed up where we were. I think the Park Rangers in charge should check the ID and reservations to make sure the people using the pavillian are the actual people that paid to rent it.
Helpful
Leslie B
May 14, 2024
Nice covered area. If it has rained heavily, bring paper towels to wipe off some of the tables and benches that could become wet. Bathroom facilities are fairly close by.
Helpful
paul h
May 2, 2024
Site was clean, well maintained, and safe.
Restrooms were well maintained.
Wildflowers and Yellow Sallies on schedule.
Thank you, BambooBash24
Helpful
Ruth C
July 11, 2023
Great fun for family on 4th of July! Even though it rained we had plenty of room and a very good set up. We had made reservations at least 6 month ago. We were not on time and there were several people there when we arrived but we explained that we had reserved the shelter and had no problem. There is a reserved sign but it is quite small and a more noticeable sign with our name on it would have been helpful. The bathrooms were convenient but had a lot of traffic and got very messy towards the end of the day especially with the rain and muddy conditions. Parking in the morning was very limited but it all worked out. It’s a great place just be sure to reserve early!
Helpful
James T
June 11, 2023
OUR FAMILY REUNION WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!!! THE PLACE IS EXACTLY AS I REMEMBER FROM YEARS AGO. ITS BEAUTIFUL AND BROUGHT BACK
MANY MEMORIES FROM OUT CHILDHOOD. WE ARE 75 YEAR VISITORS AND CAMPERS IN THE SMOKIES
Helpful
Nancy D
May 23, 2023
Wonderful setting for picnic in GSMNP. Pavilion has plenty of parking. Also has restroom nearby. Our group hiked prior to picnic and saw lots of blooming mountain laurel. Got to watch workers restore the Walker Sisters cabin and tour the Greenbrier school as part of the hike.
Helpful
alan R
May 1, 2023
maybe have hook on post to hold garbage bag
Helpful
paul h
April 27, 2023
Well sited, equipped and maintained.
Helpful
Lucy H
August 26, 2022
The pavilion at Metcalf Bottoms was a very pleasant place to celebrate our 50th anniversary. We had a nice meal, people visited and played in the river.
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
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 7, 2026
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Message us
Replies within minutes
Explore Gatlinburg, TN
Population: 3,663
Nearby city: Knoxville, TN
Approx. 25 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 1,289 ft
Gatlinburg, TN
Weather & Conditions
Loading destination weather
From our Travel Guides
Managed by the National Park Service