greenbrier picnic area

About six miles out 321 from Gatlinburg is the entrance for the Greenbrier section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Look for the dark brown Park sign on the right, just before crossing a bridge over the Little Pigeon River. The somewhat narrow and bumpy road leads 3 miles along the river to a developed picnic area (open all year); a couple miles further in takes you to the trailheads for Ramsey Cascades (tallest cascades in the Smokies) and Porters Creek (known for its wildflowers).On an overcast December weekday afternoon, we passed only one person jogging along the road, two cars parked by a trailhead, and a closed-up ranger station/house. We were the only folks in the picnic area, and quite frankly, it became one of only two areas within the GSMNP boundaries (in over 40 visits over the decades) that has provided a "creep" factor. Yes, the picnic area was spotless, with raised platforms with tables and grills; the pit restrooms were clean (and the women's actually had a faint but nice smell); it's by the river; and if you're looking for privacy, this might be your choice. But... The sign on the picnic area's bulletin boardwhile listed special events for 2013 (our visit being in December 2014). The "wow" of the area is nothing compared to the picnic areas of Cades Cove or Chimney Tops. And, while I, too, appreciate losing the hoardes of loud adults and hollering children, this was just a bit too unpopulated for my sense of safety. Perhaps someone with a less intense imagination would think differently.Some of the river access provides opportunities for (carefully) jumping boulders, skipping stones, fishing, and maybe a dip in the cold waters. We've previously hiked Porters Creek and recommend that, and hope to hike Ramsey, as well, but would do so in spring or fall. We would also picnic here, just not in the off-season. As an aside, Hungry Bear BBQ, near the Greenbrier entrance on 321, is a good choice for picnic fixin's.

If you want to go into the park but not be in a line of traffic this is a great spot. The drive up to the picnic area itself is a part of the fun and is beautiful; there a a few cut outs for parking if you want to stop and take pictures, wade in stream or fish for trout. The picnic area is tidy, has charcoal grills and pit toilets which were clean. You can keep driving further for a trail access, we did not do this though so can't give you input.

Good place to stop and have a picnic before heading into the park. There are plenty of picnic tables and grill areas, many right next to a babbling creek which reallys sets the mood for a day in the national park.

We had always wanted to take the Greenbrier entrance so this trip we did. It is a very narrow road -hard to pass another vehicle. Pretty quiet and secluded areas to stop and enjoy water. We went to the picnic area and there were a couple of people there, not crowded at all. The covered pavilion is a bit further and there was a lot of people there. The road is very rough - do not take your nice clean car there! Mostly gravel roads. We had an SUV and still was a rough ride. Best bet is to rent a jeep. We did stop and get in water a bit. Very cold even in August. Rocks are very slippery and dangerous. Probably will not go back.

We didn't hike here, but read that the Greenbrier "swimming hole" was one of the 10 best swimming holes in Gatlinburg. The swimming hole is directly off to the left of the gravel road. If you get to the Ranger's Station, you've gone too far. There is a beautiful water cascade down some rocks, then an area where the water is more calm. We didn't let our kids go in too far because there was a small currant from the waterfall. The water was refreshing and fun to wade in. Our boys looked for rocks, skipped rocks on the water, and played here for about an hour. It was one of our favorite activities of the week. We will definitely visit this area again.

There are probably a dozen hiking options within 2 miles of the picnic area on the same access road. Just look for the trail signs and parking areas. The picnic area and at least one other parking area have restroom facilities. There are plenty of opportunities to play in the water too.

I asked the ranger at Sugarlands Visitor Center to recommend a trail that had wildflowers. He suggested the Porter Creek trail. To get to the trail, we took hwy 321 several miles past Gatlinburg. There is a small brown sign on 321 that says Greenbrier. This gravel road is very narrow and goes past the Greenbrier ranger station, a picnic area with a restroom and a fork in the road that leads to the Ramsey Cascades. Straight ahead is a road that loops aound leading to a parking area. The road ends at a barrier. The small parking lot is full so there are cars parked in open areas on the loop road. We walked a road/trail for several miles and saw wild flowers, but enjoyed taking scenic photos of the river more.

Plan to use up the whole day for this hike! It goes thru so many different areas of forest and is about a 4-1/2 mile hike one way. It's usually not very crowded from the length of the trail. That's what keeps it nice! The cascades are something to see and enjoy a lunch at. Be sure and stay awhile there, don't get in a hurry, just enjoy it!

One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Make sure to take your camera... There are picnic areas as well... Stunning views, peace and tranquility... Will definitely be going back on future great smoky mountain trips.

I thought we were the only ones that found this place, I am sure the "locals" go there often. If you wait until there is a thunder or just rainstorm the night before, you'll be treated with fast moving water for great photos with the right camera. Try slow shutter speed on a tripod. After a nice dip in the stream, buy the rocks, you'll see, take the drive over the bridge, another nice spot, there is a peaceful picnic area under a nice canopy of trees. Restrooms are also back there. If you time in right, you will feel like the entire park is yours.

The walk along the river is just beautiful. You can easily leave the road and walk down to the river and walk on the large bolders to get right in the middle of the river and little waterfalls and it's so beautiful :)

My family grilled out for dinner here one night after hiking all day. Great spot and very well maintained. Love how close it is to the stream, so we went down while the coals were warming up. Will definitely make this place a tradition when we come back to town.

Every time we visit the smokies we come to the Greenbrier area it is my favorite place! There is alot of areas to swim in or just sit on a rock and enjoy the beauty of nature at its best it is so very relaxing. There is also some great hiking trails.

We visited the Smoky Mountains July 18-21, 2013. We planned ahead, and bought a cooler with a lunch to eat before we went on a hike. This is a nice picnic spot, with plenty of benches. There is a public bathroom, but no soap in it; so pack hand sanitizer!

This was our favorite family destination in the Smokies. Great spot for creeking, wading,skipping rocks and navel gazing :).We will definitely be back!