Few Gatlinburg area tourists know about Mynatt Park, and that’s the way locals like it. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, this stunning little pocket of greenery is the place to go. The park offers plenty to keep visitors busy, but also numerous opportunities for enjoying a more relaxed approach to life.
Out-of-towners typically visit Mynatt Park on their way to or from Roaring Fork Road. It makes for a nice picnic spot after a satisfying hike on the nearby nature trail. However, the site is also worthy of a trip in its own right; regulars appreciate the opportunity to relax by the creek, free of obligations or scheduling concerns.
If you’re in town for a family reunion or visiting with a large group of friends, consider reserving the park’s covered pavilion for an afternoon. It’s the perfect place to host a summer cookout. Otherwise, if the pavilion’s not busy, feel free to picnic there on your own. For an especially nostalgic picnic experience, pack a blanket and basket, and enjoy a peaceful lunch by the creek. You’ll find the sights and sounds rejuvenating.
Visiting with children? Let them run off a bit of excess energy at Mynatt Park’s playground. Kept in pristine condition, the playground offers safe, yet exciting opportunities for energetic children to goof off and make new friends. As a parent or caretaker, you can relax on a shaded bench and watch your kids have a blast. Children also enjoy playing in the creek that runs through the park — and they’re allowed to fish there as well.
Burn off a little steam of your own by traversing Mynatt Park’s well-maintained paths. Don’t hesitate to take pictures by the whimsical wooden bridge — a popular site for local wedding photographers.
Athletic enthusiasts appreciate the park for its ample outdoor facilities, which are rarely crowded. If you stop by at the right time, you can watch a pickup or youth league baseball game at Mynatt’s fields. Otherwise, feel free to shoot hoops at the basketball court or show off your skills on the tennis court.
Bathrooms are a top concern when visiting any public park, but the facilities at Mynatt Park are notoriously clean and carefully maintained.
Insider Tip:
As with many recreational areas in the Gatlinburg area, there’s always a good chance of seeing bears at Mynatt Park. It is therefore imperative that you picnic responsibly. Clean up thoroughly after you’re finished eating and bring all leftovers home with you. Be considerate of the park’s other human visitors, and it will remain a safe place to relax for tourists and locals alike.