Veta K
January 11, 2020
This section of the GSMNP is close to home, so we love a quick trip to enjoy our beautiful mountains. The children love playing in Little River, and we enjoy large family gatherings at the picnic pavilion.
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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: Oldest First
JUDY D
January 13, 2020
Great area for a family reunion.
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Don C
January 15, 2020
Great place, shame the restrooms were closed but I understand that however, when a ranger comes up and expects you to be out of their way two hours before your reserved period ends you just have to wonder if there is a lot of coordination in the scheduling. Fortunately we were planning on leaving early anyway but it could have gotten ugly, and might have had not my bride pulled out our printed reservation, took the ranger back a bit. Everyone was very friendly after that, helps to carry paperwork if the government is going to be involved.
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Christy T
September 7, 2020
This place is wonderful for family/friend gatherings. It is across the parking lot from the water so being right next to the water would be the ONLY thing that would make it absolutely perfect! We had my daughter’s 5th birthday party here and had a blast! Thank you!
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Susan C
May 15, 2021
The pavillion was clean, no problem parking, and the bathrooms were convenient.
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James T
June 6, 2021
ENJOYED A REUNION OUTING WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT METCALF BOTTOMS. THE SMOKIES WERE FANTASTIC AND THE SITE VERY CLEAN.
WE HAVE BEEN USING THE PAVILION FOR TEN YEARS ARE SO AND NEVER GET TIRED OF VISITING METCALF.
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Ginger Y
June 23, 2021
What an amazing day! Plenty of room for everyone in the pavilion. Great family time, cooking, corn hole and the creek....what a wonderful time!
(I'm guessing the locals know this 🤪). Highly recommend a quick trip to Metcalf Bottoms!!
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Linda H
August 26, 2021
There was nothing showing I had reserved the pavilion. There were other people who came to use it and luckily I had gotten there early so that our stuff was already there. So, it would have been nice to have seen a reserved sign with name on it.
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Thomas S
August 29, 2021
Great
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Joan M
September 17, 2021
It would be nice if there was a posted list of reservations. Also a lot of people walk straight through the shelter to go to the bathroom. The path needs to go around
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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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