Mynatt Park: A (Mostly) Missed Gatlinburg Destination
If you’re wondering about the headline, it’s meant for the average tourist visiting Gatlinburg—including us. Yes, we’ve not taken the time to visit this pristine area. OK, so I’m just describing it based on what we’ve seen from videos and pictures of Mynatt Park. I’ve always heard of it, but vacation plans have never involved roaming the grounds. Here’s some of what I’ve learned of another of Gatlinburg’s wonders.
Its location is best described as a side trip before reaching the lush greenery of The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Here’s a link to get you more acquainted with how to reach it. Sure, a deep drive into The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is soothing for the soul, but maybe this grand park can do the same.
It has everything you should expect from a park and more. Kids and adults will be happy to spend time in a place that has a peaceful creek, basketball hoops, tennis courts, plus the smaller pickleball ones, playground, and of course it wouldn’t be the Smokies without walking trails. For events, a nice pavilion seating 64 also adds convenience. By most accounts, the bathrooms are generally cleanlier that the average park, so that’s a bonus.
The most tasteful aspect of the park should be a focal point during anyone’s visit. This is the newly constructed Wildfire Memorial. This is a case of better late than never, as it has been received as something long overdue. I’m sure the images don’t do it justice. I have included a few YouTube videos to give you a sneak peak of what will meet your eyes when you enter. The second video shows how they’ve made it ADA accessible as well. Subscribe to their channels for perspectives from a 30-year local and recent transplants from Kentucky.
I know many people want to see bears when they come to the Smoky Mountains, but you’ll need to be vigilant in this area, and please follow the proper safety rules, if you see one…or a few. Do NOT approach just to get your idea of a good picture. Not smart and not worth the safety of you and others, including the bears.
As I mentioned, we haven’t been to Mynatt Park in Gatlinburg, but I don’t think it’ll be much longer before we do. If you enjoyed this post, I would appreciate you subscribing to read about much more related to Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountain world! Thanks!