Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion
TWIN CREEKS PICNIC PAVILION
Part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Overview
Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion is the largest in the park, surrounded by the scenic forest of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in a secluded and private section of the Smokies, this pavilion is a popular place for group trips.Facilities
Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion can accommodate around 50 guests and offers a covered eating area, multiple grills, flush toilets and other modern amenities, making it an ideal location for a party or family get-together. The pavilion may be reserved for a full day.
Natural Features
World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park.At 1,900 feet, Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park preserves a rich cultural history of Southern Appalachia. From the pre-historic Paleo Indians to the early 19th century European settlers, the park strives to protect the historic structures, landscapes and artifacts that tell the stories of the people who once called these mountains home.
Recreation
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of which accessible near the picnic area.Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities.
Visitors can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
A one-way nature trail and scenic drive is accessible from the park, providing the type of views the Smokies are known for
Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, most visitors come to the Smokies hoping to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.
The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.
Nearby Attractions
Gatlinburg, a one of the Smokies' famous tourist towns, is located just over a mile from the picnic area, offering visitors tours, organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.Important Notices
Beginning March 1, 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.
- Bear Habitat!! All food and items used to store or prepare food, including coolers, MUST be stored in the trunk or cab of your vehicle/s at all times when not in use.
- Dispose of garbage promptly in bear-proof dumpsters.
- This rule is strictly enforced!
- 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. Check-in 7:00am and checkout time for the Pavillion is 12:00 midnight.
- 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
Available Activities
- Amphitheater - Amphitheater
- Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking - Hiking
- Fishing - Fishing
- Camping - Camping
- Historic Sites - Historic Sites
- Birding - Birding
Directions
<p>From downtown Gatlinburg Tennessee, Turn south at stoplight #8 in Gatlinburg. Follow Historic Nature Trail Road to 4-way junction at access road to Park Vista Hotel. Go straight and continue 1.4 miles into the Park. turn right at Twin Creeks sign.</p>
Cancellation Policy
<p>Customers who cancel a day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.</p>
Contact Information
Phone: 865-436-1261
Mailing address is: 107 Park Headquarters RoadGATLINBURG, TN 37738
