Excellent Picnic Locations 2023-24 Edition

 

above:  our picnic backpack was a souvenir from a trip in the past. 

Excellent Picnic Locations  2023-24 Edition

Dana Koogler 

November 17, 2023

  Back in June 2017 I wrote a blog entry suggesting great spots for picnics.  It has been well read. 

I have read back over it for inspiration myself finding it useful to me as a reminder.    I considered how many  places we've had picnics since then. I decided it would be fun to update that topic.   We have had  lots of new families move into the area.   It might be helpful to them.   I appreciate this more as a grandparent these days.   I have a little bit of Pinterest Woman in me. I like planning and putting on fun events for my sweet husband or friends and family.     I count these events as some of my most treasured memories.    

   Before I forget to share this I am putting it up near the top of this article.  I was looking into parks and picnic spots in Knoxville since it was close by.   I saw photos of Walker Springs Park. It looked beautiful so I wanted to go.   I'm not sure why, but I just had this feeling that I needed to investigate that a little more.  Something wasn't sitting well with me.   I am glad I checked because Walker Springs Park is to be avoided!    It has been the site of numerous car clouting incidents, assaults on both women and men.    Joggers getting attacked.  One lady had her car broken into and decided to just jog there and leave the car at home since it wasn't far from her apartment.   She had a scary close call with an attacker.   There are too many other places to go to take a risk like that.   

     I have included links to information about the state parks and areas mentioned.  I apologize up front for not using the official state park website links. I would have except this is one of those times when the websites are not working.   I got an "

403 Forbidden

" on each and every one, every time I tried.  This is why when I include info from state of TN websites I just copy the text to the blog entry and then include the link. I don't want to plagiarize, but I know how often these sites are down for the count.  

      Cumberland Mountain State Park

      One place we like to camp and always have a good time is Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville, TN.    It has beautiful scenery. It has a rich history.   I've never heard of any crime there.

It is convenient being in Crossville.  It is an hour and fifteen minutes from my home in Blount County. It is uncrowded.  Recreational opportunities include hiking, swimming in season, fishing with a valid Tennessee license,  boat rentals, kayaks, pedal boats for rental during season.   You can bring your own canoe or kayak and launch it for $6 dock fee.    The kids can run around and play on the grass or playgrounds.   There are spots along Byrd Creek below the dam where kids can play in the creek.  

You could make a visit to the Homesteads Tower & Museum nearby. It is inexpensive at just a few dollars per person.  

•   Parking-Ample
• Handicapped Accessible--Yes
• Restrooms-- Yes
• Trashcans--Yes
• Pavilions-- Yes
• Grills--Yes
• Shade-- Yes
• It has spots for picnicking that offer comparative solitude
• It is a safe, secure, pleasant atmosphere
• Tables-- Yes
• Playgrounds--Yes
• Recreational Opportunities-- Yes.  

  Below are some photos of the picnic area and park.  It is an outstanding place for Autumn scenery and foliage viewing.  

Above: a look at the pretty Fall colors and Byrd Lake and the bridge/dam. 

Alvin York State Park

     Pall Mall, Tennessee is home to the Alvin York State Park.   It is where Sgt. York was born and raised and lived out the rest of his full life.   It is a beautiful state park and you couldn't find a nicer spot for a picnic.      It has beautiful scenery, rich history, is uncrowded, and there is plenty to do there.

 

Parking-Ample

Handicapped accessible--Yes

Restrooms--Yes

Trash cans--Yes

Pavilions--Yes

Shade-- Yes

Tables--Yes 

Grills--Yes

Benches for sitting

It is in a safe, secure, pleasant atmosphere. I know of no crime reported there.

It is more of a family spot, but being uncrowded could be a couples or romantic picnic, but does not provide much privacy or seclusion. 

Recreation opportunities--Fishing, hiking, swimming, touring the mill, nearby country store, visitor center, Tour Alvin York birthplace and home, nearby Alvin York Sunday School building is now abandoned, but can be visited, sandy beach area, basketball goals, 

Below are some photos of  the grounds and facilities

Above: picnic table near the mill dam on the Wolf River under some shade trees

Below: one of the pavilions

Below: a nice new playground. There are also other sets of swings nearby

   Below: a look at the Alvin York Grist Mill 

Below: the beautiful blue Wolf River

Frozen Head State Park

  Located in Morgan County, Tennessee out past the new Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary Frozen Head State Park is one of our family's favorites!  It is about an hour drive from my house.  It is beautiful in any season. It is another example of a state park with rich history.  It has lots to do there. I have seen it at times where it is busy, but only now and then.  Nine times out of ten it is uncrowded and is always more laid back then fighting the traffic and crowds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.    The scenery is gorgeous and I have no reports of crimes there.   

Parking-Yes, abundant

Handicapped accessible--Yes

Restrooms--Yes

Trash cans--Yes

Pavilions--Yes

Shade--Yes 

Tables--Yes

Grills--Yes

Playground--Yes, multiple play sets

Visitor Center-- Yes 

It has numerous scattered spots for picnics that offer some privacy as uncrowded as it is. 

I consider it a family environment, but would be a nice spot for a romantic picnic as well.

Recreation opportunities-- fishing with a valid license,  hiking,  biking, volleyball, playgrounds, creeks to play in.  

Below is a video from one of our most fun trips to Frozen Head. It was Summer and the kids played in the waterfall and the creek.   They played Barky Boats.   

 

Below: Grandson Gabe goes down the slide. 

Below: Bridge near the picnic area and playground. It is very pretty. The stream here is perfect for splashing around in for little kids.  Our kids like to look for critters like crayfish, minnows, salamanders, turtles, frogs, and garter snakes.

Cherohala Skyway

  The Cherohala Skyway is a scenic auto road that runs from Tellico Plains on its western end to Robbinsville, NC on the eastern end.   It has opportunities for hiking, photography, motorcycle riding, bike riding, auto touring, bird watching, botanizing, leaf peeping and many other hobbies.   

It has eight picnic spots along it.    If you click the heading above it is a link that will open a map. It is the entire length of the Skyway from end to end.  It shows where the spots are and what facilities are there.    I will touch on one or two that are the best and what to expect in season.  

 Parking-usually plenty at each

Handicapped accessible-- Spirit Ridge is ADA compliant and I think maybe Stratton Ridge is. 

Restrooms-- Stratton Ridge, Spirit Ridge, Turkey Creek,  Though the map claims Hooper Bald is restroom equipped when last I was there it was NOT.  I need to stop by there and see if they have fixed that.  Turkey Creek's restrooms are gender neutral and sometimes not well kept. 

Trash cans-- Brushy Ridge and picnic sites all have waste receptacles 

Pavilions-- none

Grills-- none

Tables-- Yes

Shade-- Brushy Ridge -some

Views Brushy Ridge is my favorite but all have views 

Scenery-- Brushy Ridge is a good overlook and picnic spot in any season, but Autumn is best in my opinion.   If you are going to picnic at Hooper Bald picnic area it can be cold and damp even in June.   Take a jacket. Be prepared for fog, misty rain, even when it isn't calling for any.

Best times for Hooper Bald picnics are July, August, September, and first two weeks of October.

During the second and third weeks of June the native azaleas bloom on Hooper Bald making it a very easy hike to see them at only 1 mile round trip.  Gregory Bald in the Smokies is 10 miles round trip by the shortest route.  

Scenery is beautiful at all of them

Recreation opportunities-- Hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing sometimes,   leaf peeping

Atmosphere-- nice at all of them, but don't count on privacy during weekends.  Good family atmosphere.  

Security--I don't know of any outright car clouting incidents. (Vandalism or thefts) but don't leave your valuables in sight in the car. Don't leave it unlocked even if you are nearby.

I had a very scary encounter at Fall Branch Falls while solo hiking.  I know of another man who had a similar experience while hiking with his wife at Stratton Bald.  I have never felt scared or heard of any bad encounters right near the road.  Just be aware of your surroundings.

Below are a few photos of Brushy Ridge Overlook and some others to show what the Skyway has to offer. 

Above:   our recent anniversary picnic/cookout at Brushy Ridge Overlook.   

Below:  I even broke out the good smelling Fall candles!

Above: Shute Cove picnic area is also nice.

Below: view from Brushy Ridge

Below:  Huckleberry Knob view in Autumn

Above: Hiking out Hooper Bald as a family in June for my daughter and grandkids to see the azaleas for their first time ever. 

Below is one final shot of Hooper Bald during azalea bloom

Look Rock Picnic Area

   We love Look Rock and Foothills Parkway because they are close by the house.  They are convenient and beautiful.    We are blessed to live where we do and we are aware of it.    We have some fine recreational facilities in our back yard.    We love to travel, but the driving gets tiresome.   It is sometimes nice to just enjoy nature without having to work hard to get there.   I have not camped at Look Rock Campground yet, but I sure hope to.  The scenery is lovely any time of year, but especially in Spring and Fall.   

Parking-- Yes-ample.  

Handicapped accessible-- Yes 

Restrooms--Yes

Trash cans--Yes

Pavilions--None

Shade-- Yes

Views-- Yes

Scenery-- Yes, beautiful all four seasons. 

Recreation opportunities--hiking, bike riding, auto touring, Spring wildflowers, Fall colors, Watching the sunset, photography. 

My grandkids take their bikes and Hover board up there to ride when it is not busy. We've never found it busy. 

Tables--Yes

Grills--Yes

 Atmosphere--Family friendly.  Never crowded. You may have it to yourself, but folks use it to walk for exercise even when it is gated off so it is not particularly secluded. 

  Security--I know of only one minor incident of vandalism to park property on Foothills Parkway some time back. It was a racial slur and I don't what ever came of it.   I am unaware of any car clouting incidents.   There have been two occurrences of violent crime in the area in 22 years.  One involved Michael Hearon's disappearance from Happy Valley.  The other was the murder of Sandy Jeffers in about 2003.  I do not feel unsafe going there with my friends, family or solo.   

Above: Peak Autumn colors at Look Rock Picnic Area 

Above: Mimi and Gabe aka Drew Cary  at Look Rock Picnic area. I'm not sure what game they were playing, but they were having fun.  She is bossing him around which is staying in character. 

Below: Drew Carey and on the right.. Mimi

Above: picnic tables, level spots, and grills.  Plenty of shade and sunny spots too. 

Above: Peak foliage colors on Foothills Parkway near Look Rock

Above:  Make the short hike out to Look Rock Tower for the views and some exercise. You can hike there from the picnic area, campground, or make the hike shorter and hike from the parking area directly across from it.  

Below:  A view from Look Rock Tower toward Maryville. 

Towee Creek

   Towee Creek picnic area is small but appealing.  I did not even know it existed until several years back we decided for Father's Day we'd do a Whole Family Paddle on the Hiwassee River.

I set about trying to find a spot we could have a cookout afterwards.   I looked up picnic areas on Google Maps and lo and behold... up pops this little spot.  It looked like it would be very convenient so we'd give it a try. I had several larger area spots picked out as a back up.

It is one of the most fun picnics we've had.   

Parking--Yes.  ample

Handicapped accessible-- Somewhat, but not ADA compliant

Restrooms--Yes vault toilets 

Trash cans--Yes

Pavilions--No

Shade --Yes

Views--No

Scenery--Lovely in Summer. Sits by both the crystal clear Towee Creek and the Hiwassee River

Solitude/privacy--No.  Especially not on weekends

Atmosphere-- Family friendly, quiet, peaceful, 

Tables--Yes, but limited to three

Grills --Yes-- One

Security--It is not far from civilization. Unreliable phone signal here, but some spotty coverage.

          No known reports of crime or break-ins.  

Recreation opportunities--Nearby hiking, John Muir Trail just up the gravel road, boating, fishing with a valid TN license, swimming, creek play, 

Added Bonus-- Reliance Fly & Tackle-- is a wonderful general store and campground  2 miles down Powerhouse Road. You pass it on the right on your way to Towee Creek picnic area.

They sell fishing licenses, tackle, bait, convenience items such as groceries, charcoal, lighter fluid.

They also have cabin rentals.   They pulled our fat from the fire on our picnic.  Our propane grill failed to work suddenly leaving us with raw burgers.   God is great. Someone left behind a brand new grill at our table  before we arrived.  Looked like it had been used exactly once.  Reliance Fly & Tackle had charcoal for it and lighter fluid.   It took longer than anticipated, but it saved the day! I'll never forget it.     This is one of those spots I hesitate to even share because the memories were so special I want to hoard it up for me and mine.  That isn't right though. 

Back up plans in case this spot is already taken should include Quinn Springs Picnic area and 

Hiwassee River Picnic Area.

Below is the little red covered bridge at Reliance Fly & Tackle. It is charming and so is the store.

Below:  our family gathering. We paddled the Hiwassee and then grilled out and spent the afternoon recuperating.. It was awesome even if the paddling did make me cry at one point.  That river is not to be trifled with! 

Below is a photo of the picnic area shot from the creek.  It illustrates better the size of it and how things are situated. Vault toilets are 25 yards further up the road just across from the picnic area.

Below:  Michael and Tessa, my grandkids playing and swimming in Towee Creek with two new friends!  

Below: One final picture of our get together taken from across the road.  This is one cool spot!

Fields of the Wood

  Fields of the Wood is a sort of religious theme park for lack of a better term.  It was created by the Church of God of Prophecy.  They are a charismatic Christian church.  I have grown to love this place over the years.  Maybe as my faith increased and my Christian walk deepened I placed more value on it.   I have not as yet got to have my picnic there, but Lord willing.. I shall one day! 

  It is beautiful and tranquil.   They are located just a few miles west of Murphy, North Carolina.

It operates on a donation basis. There is a box for donations on premises.   You won't find another place like this anywhere I promise. It is worth a stop especially if you are a Christian. 

 

Parking-- Yes, abundant

Handicapped accessible-- Yes. to the restrooms, lower and upper picnic grounds, and many of the attractions.   

Restrooms-- Yes

Trash cans--Yes

Pavilions-- Yes

Shade --Yes

Views--Grandstand from the top of the Ten Commandments and up on the hill of Flags and the Cross., up on the prayer hill.  

Scenery- Incredible views of the mountains, a park setting with manicured and landscaped grounds. Well cared for.   

Solitude/privacy--Possibly.   It is more a family atmosphere, but this place is never crowded. 

Depending upon where you go to have your picnic you may well have it to yourself!  Especially up on top the hill at the Ten Commandments

Atmosphere-- Peaceful, pleasant, family and Christian oriented.  

Tables--Yes

Grills --No

Security.  Gated. Open sun rise to dusk.   No known crime here.  

Recreation opportunities--Hiking, two paths up the hill, walks,  creek to play in for kids,

fountain, room for kids to run around in safety,   Nearby hiking opportunities.  Panthertop Lookout Tower, North Shoal Creek Falls,  Murphy River Walk,  

Bonus-- for a Christian this would be a good prayer walk and place of meditation and quiet Bible study.   A good place to renew your spirit and recharge your batteries.  Heading up the hill on steps opposite the Ten Commandments is a prayer walk with scripture and suggestions for things to pray over.  At the summit is an altar of sorts to place your prayers written down on paper and leave them.   

They also have a visitor center and gift shop and burger cafe with snacks. It is not open all the time.

You can check  their website on the link above for hours and call them for seasonal times. 

 I can hardly wait to go back here and have a picnic.  It just appeals to me. 

Below: Grandson Gabriel sits at the picnic table on the high mountain that has the Ten Commandments.  You can walk up or drive up.   This is where I want to try out. It is quite a view!

Below: a view of the grounds from where Gabe sits

Below:  view of the mountains from the same spot

Below: Gabe running around near the cross of flags

Below: another vantage point of the grounds from up high.  

Hiwassee Dam 

  I feel sure the idea of having a picnic or cookout near a dam doesn't sound like a very good spot to some folks.   Different strokes for different folks, eh?  We did just that at the Hiwassee Dam near Murphy, North Carolina.  It was splendid!  We had several other families around and couples.  It was very laid back and the weather was perfect.   I am eager to do this again!

We spent the day exploring Apalachia Lake in the canoe and enjoying the Fall colors.

We wrapped up our day with a nice outdoor dinner.    We paddled up to several waterfalls that day!   I just learned a day ago about ANOTHER falls that we have not paddled to so we need to go back!      Waterfall on Moccasin Creek is a couple mile paddle from Hiwassee Dam.

    The scenery here was glorious.  Views of the mountains. Autumn colors.  The impressive and powerful dam.  It was peaceful and just an all around good vibe at this spot.  

Parking--Ample

Handicapped accessible--Yes

Restrooms--Yes

Trash cans--Yes

Pavilions-No

Shade--Yes

Views--yes. beautiful views of the lake and mountains

Scenery-- Forested, Autumn colors,  sparkling lake. 

Tables--Yes

Grills--Yes, a few.   

Security-- TVA patrols this regularly and it seems like a safe place to me.

I wouldn't hesitate to come here alone.  I know of not a single incident here.

Privacy/solitude-- Family friendly, but never crowded.  Quiet. 

Recreation opportunities-- boating, fishing with valid NC license, hiking,  auto touring.   Joe Brown Highway comes right through here and we always have a good time doing that drive.  Lots of history and rural beauty.  

Above:  a look at Hiwassee dam from the  base

Below: a look across the dam. You drive across it. 

Below: one of the other families picnicking besides us

Below: additional tables and picnic spots down at the base of the dam along the access road

Below: our little grill and picnic basket

Below: a view of Lake Apalachia from the canoe. Look at those colors! 

Below: another Fall foliage shot from Lake Apalachia 

Below: Shuler's Creek along Joe Brown Highway one of my all time favorite scenic drives. 

Below: We took a side road to Pointdexter Chapel off Joe Brown Highway and scenes like this are why! I think people are hungry for rural scenery and the countryside. 

      I hope those who read this find it helpful.   I write the kinds of things I can refer back to for inspiration and ideas.  They are reminders to me.    I write the sorts of articles I like to read and would have found especially helpful when we moved to Tennessee twenty-two years ago.   I find these sorts of articles by others useful and enjoyable even today!  

     One of the things that makes a picnic memorable is the time spent.   Towee Creek was a golden day of memories I treasure.   It is about more than just the eating.  My son-in-law's family.. the Lindsey's showed me how a GREAT picnic is supposed to go.  Many times on Mother's Day we'll go to Metcalf Bottoms after church and have a picnic that lasts all afternoon.  Heather and Jason sometimes go over and reserve a big, nice spot and hold it for us all.   These events are BIG and involve hammock lounging, corn hole games, kids and adults in the river playing,  eating like Elvis, and waiting awhile and eating some more!  These folks are a huge blessing to me.   I don't deserver it, but I'm blessed!    

     The point being... don't be afraid to be "Extra" when it comes to picnics.  I take nice table cloths,  candles, lawn chairs, hammocks, toys to play in the creek like nets, buckets, cups, balls,

snorkles and masks.   Make memories!  Stick around awhile.  The only thing we take with us when we leave this world is the love of our family and friends and the memories.   

Get out there and get plenty of it!  I sure plan to grab all the gusto I can.

Below is a video shot on Lake Apalachia. This was right before our Hiwassee Dam Picnic

**Edited to Add-- While looking up info links for this article I found a news piece that says Hiwassee Dam Recreation Area is to be expanded!  Wonderful news!  

Here is a link to the news article in the Cherokee Scout.

  

I have a list of places I hope to try and have never been yet:

• Hanging Dog Rec. Area Murphy NC
• Little TN River Greenway Franklin NC
• Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area in Andrews, NC

I will try to revisit this topic and add info and photos etc. as I am able.