North Carolina / Swain County / Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Collins Creek Picnic Pavilion

Closed — Closed seasonally for winter. Typically reopens in spring. A valid parking tag is required for vehicles parking more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

About

Collins Creek Picnic Pavilion is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at an elevation of 2,600 feet near the Oconaluftee River, approximately 8 miles north of Cherokee, North Carolina on Newfound Gap Road (US 441). This day-use facility features a large covered pavilion capable of hosting up to 70 guests, equipped with 15 picnic tables and four charcoal grills, making it ideal for group gatherings and family events. The pavilion is situated near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, which serves as the gateway to the North Carolina section of the Smokies. The surrounding area is part of the Oconaluftee Archaeological District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and offers rich cultural history dating back to the Cherokee nation. The area features picturesque mountain ranges, pristine streams, and seasonal displays of wildflowers in spring and vivid foliage in fall. Recreational opportunities abound, with nearby hiking trails including the 3.9-mile Smokemont Loop Trail, Bradley Fork Trail, and Newton Bald Trail. The Oconaluftee River provides excellent trout fishing opportunities, particularly downstream from the Bradley Fork confluence where large grassy meadows offer less crowded fishing spots. The nearby Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum showcase over 90 preserved historic log structures and tell the story of life in the Smoky Mountains. The site is accessible, though restrooms do not meet full accessibility standards.

Directions

Located 8 miles north of Cherokee, North Carolina on Newfound Gap Road (US Highway 441). The pavilion is near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the North Carolina section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Nearby Campgrounds