Picnicking
Bring your picnic basket to one of our developed picnic areas scattered throughout the forest! Many locations have picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire grates or rings to enhance your time savoring your meal and the beauty of your surroundings.
Picnicking in the National Forest
- Always be mindful of wildlife, especially bears, and store food properly in bear-resistant containers or vehicles.
- Check for fire restrictions and permits before starting a campfire, as fire danger levels can vary.
- Be prepared to pack out all trash, as onsite garbage service may be limited or unavailable.
- Use picnic sites, swimming beaches and other day use areas only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Most picnic areas are closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Check information boards or signs for more information.
Search for Picnicking Opportunities
Tomahawk Pond Day Use Area
Site Open
Come spend the entire day at Tomahawk Pond! For a fun and relaxing angling experience, utilize one of the accessible platforms or treasure a simple picnic with family or friends. Birdwatchers should…
Trout Pond Recreation Area
Site Open
Trout Pond Recreation Area boasts two beautiful lakes: Rock Cliff Lake and Trout Pond. Relax on a sandy mountain beach or fish for stocked trout while kids splash in the cool waters of Rock Cliff…
Walnut Flats Campground
Site Open
This small, primitive campground is well suited for tent camping but also accommodates small recreation vehicles. It has shaded sites clustered around a grassy opening surrounded by forest. Flat Top…
Whitetop Station Visitor Center
Site Closed
Whitetop Station is a great starting point for an exciting bike ride down the Virginia Creeper Trail. Whitetop Station is a visitor center that shares the story of the local train history and…
Wolf Creek Day Use Area
Site Open
This site features a large covered group picnic shelter as well as several family picnic sites. A wheelchair accessible bridge crosses Wolf Creek and leads to the 2.4 mile Wolf Creek Loop Trails.
Wolf Gap Recreation Area
Site Open
Wolf Gap Recreation Area was once the site of a 1930’s African American Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. This recreation area has many hiking opportunities nearby. From here begin your hike to the…