Where to Picnic in the Tennessee Valley

Happy Spring! With the weather warming up and the flowers blooming, people are flocking to outdoor spaces. One fun (and relatively easy) outdoor activity is a picnic- read on for a short list of some good spaces in the Tennessee Valley area to enjoy nature and a meal with friends or family.

Big Spring Park

It may be busy, but it’s one of our top picks for a picnic spot! There’s plenty of shade, it’s a convenient location, and there are plenty of restaurants around. This could be a low-effort picnic, where you grab some sandwiches at the Cozy Cow or some coffee from Honest and enjoy watching the ducks.

Lake Guntersville

If you want to enjoy a picnic by the water, Lake Guntersville is where you want to be. There are plenty of areas around this lake to picnic, as well as a few food stops like KC’s BBQ. For an extensive list of picnic spots around Lake Guntersville, check out https://southernoutings.com/top-public-spots-for-enjoying-guntersville-lake/.

Green Mountain Nature Trail

If you want to be out in nature, but like to be a little more comfortable, try Green Mountain Nature Trail. With picnic tables, public restrooms, a waterfront view, and plenty of shade, this is a great spot to set up and eat. The only downside is little to no cell service, so be safe and take a friend!

Hays Nature Preserve

Hays Nature Preserve is another family-friendly area for a good picnic. There are tables, lots of space to run around, and even a playground! If you want to have a quieter picnic, just drive to the back of the park to find a few tables, some paths, and some beautiful views.

Rainbow Mountain

This is a nice combo space; while there are some challenging trails on Rainbow Mountain, there’s also a playground and a covered picnic space for anyone looking for a good place to rest. Also important: Port-A-Potties sit right nearby.