Greenbrier is a pleasant day-use area located on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. Greenbrier Cove, located where the Middle Prong runs into the Pigeon River, was a population center before the park was formed. Swimming and fishing are popular pursuits here today.
Greenbrier is accessible from Highway 321, which runs from Cosby [1] to Gatlinburg [2]. It is possible to get here without driving through Pigeon Forge [3] or Gatlinburg, a plus for many visitors.
It is a 3.2-mile drive along the Little Pigeon from Highway 321 to Greenbrier Cove. At the cove, the road forks. Turn left along the Middle Prong to find the trailheads for the Old Settlers Trail and the Ramsey Cascades Trail [4]. Turn right for picnic areas and a one-mile trail that leads you to historic homesteads and a cemetery.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/tennessee/great-smoky-mountains/gateways-the-smokies/cosby
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/tennessee/great-smoky-mountains/gateways-the-smokies/gatlinburg
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/tennessee/great-smoky-mountains/gateways-the-smokies/pigeon-forge
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/tennessee/great-smoky-mountains/recreation/hiking/day-hikes/waterfall-hikes