While not ideal, Zoo Knoxville offers the black bears a more friendly enclosure with some room to run and play. Although it's not a scenic hike trail, this visitor center frequently has wild turkey flocks outside of it! White-tailed deer are another mammal youre likely to see in the Smokies. Drop a comment below! Click Here. It's also been penned the "Salamander Capital of the World" because of the . Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over 800 square miles and is one of the most pristine natural areas in the East. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. I'm R.J. In Arizona, Cicero stages similar nightwatch parties for the few synchronous . Salamanders are likely to be seen near water, especially waterfalls because of the dark, moist environment. Before the national park was established, elk thrived in the area. Here are . Prior to beginning, the staff at Tremont will give you a quick lesson on how to gently catch the butterflies and add the tagging stickers. Start asking locals on whether or not there are mountain lions in the area. Nearly 30,000 people flock to the Great Smoky Mountains each year to watch the park's fireflies light up in sync. Elk are large animals--larger than black bears--and can be dangerous. It's up to YOU to protect the park's wildlife. Gatlinburg has a long tradition of artists who practice mountain crafts. This 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is known for its frequent animal sightings. Because the deciduous trees have lost their foliage, it is simpler to spot during the winter. Whenever you see visitors pulling off to the side, it usually means an animal has been spotted. 6 of the Best Places to Spot Smoky Mountain Wildflowers Explore the Great Smoky Mountains to See Birds and Wildlife The number of birds and the diversity of species can change with the seasons. Currently, theres no proof of an active mountain lion population in the Smokies, but this is a hot topic among some folks. Apart from the scenic, backroad drive, Cades Cove offers plentiful hiking opportunities. Read Also: Fishing in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge: Your complete guide. Well, without further ado, heres a list! Stay at least 50 yards away at all times. Like Cades Cove, the open area makes it easier to spot the wildlife. The black bear is the largest predator in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (photo by Cynthia Kidwell/shutterstock.com). With over 150 hike trails, there are so many options when it comes to where to visit. ). Especially if you have kids, they tend to notice small things adults may otherwise miss. Every year there is a viewing event held in Elkmont, this firefly-watching event is extremely popular, so make sure to get tickets in advance! When you spend time in Cades Cove, you can take the auto tour around the 11 mile loop road, go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains or enjoy a picnic while you watch the wildlife. There are hundreds of bird species, including owls, eagles, wrens, and finches. John Gullion 10/19/2022 1 GSMNP The black bear is the largest predator in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (photo by Cynthia Kidwell/shutterstock.com) Animals Firefly Display Fishing Auto Touring - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Theres nothing quite like seeing animals up close in their natural habitat. Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also part of the Carnivora order, we have the Canidae family. All of the kids programing includes props for a more hands-on experience. Clingmans Dome. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. There are 65 types of mammals in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but it's hard see all of them on your visit. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail This 5.5-mile loop road is one of the top places to spot Smoky Mountain wildlife. 2. An animal that approaches you does not want make friends with you! To any travelers who may see a bear, remember to keep some distance and keep trail safety tips in mind. This makes it accessible for families traveling with small children, and those with physical limitations. The park is open every day and is $8 for adults, and $5 for kids 12 and under. Simply turn over stones and logs in wet places near creeks throughout the park to see these fascinating creatures. The best place to see Smoky Mountains wildlife is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Cades Cove Loop, a part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a must-see for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Cades Cove is one of the best places for bear-spotting in the park, but most visitors only see it from the road, slogging through slow-moving lines of cars full of tourists. Here is where and when to spot your favorite Smoky Mountain wildlife: There are all kinds of animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, from small reptiles to large mammals. 2023 East TN Family Fun | All Rights Reserved, 7 Epic Pigeon Forge Christmas Lights Displays That Are Dripping With Holiday Magic, 10 FREE Printable Smoky Mountain Coloring Pages. Its North Carolinas answer to Cades Cove. The elk pictured in the middle of the road below wouldnt budge for an hour. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. Its always best to snap your photos from the safety of your car. In addition to miles of forested area at this location, the park service has created large expanses of open fields along the loop. Common animals seen are white-tailed deer, chipmunks and squirrels, and birds like the wild turkey and red-tailed hawk. Leave them be. Think again! A Trail Guide for Disabled Hikers - The New York Times Your email address will not be published. None of the large animals in Great Smoky Mountains National Park hibernate in the winter. Visitors pass through an idyllic valley encircled by impressive peaks on this 11-mile scenic trip. Visitors need to keep at least 25 yards between themselves and the elk. The Cataloochee Valley lies on the east side of the Smokies, in North Carolina. An auto tour of the park offers a variety of experiences, including panoramic views, tumbling mountain streams, weathered historic buildings, and mature hardwood forests stretching to the horizon. Thankfully during those colder months, you will still be able to see elk, coyotes, bobcats, and more. I hope you find my blog useful in helping plan your next trip, and I hope my photos inspire you to get outside and see all the natural beauty in this world! Sara Vozel here. Wildlife viewing is just one of the many fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains! Read Also: Bobcat vs mountain lion: Are there wildcats in the Smoky Mountains? 1. They are most commonly present in the morning or on cloudy days. The Smoky Mountains offer some wonderful ways to cool off in the summer. I saw a female elk running across Allens Creek Road, Waynesville, mid day, late September. Home; Cabins. As their name suggests, they synchronously light up in order to attract a mate. Apart from having a higher chance of seeing wildlife early in the morning, the one-way road gets crowded mid-day and in the afternoon. Elk are now frequently seen in the park. Theres also an enclosed aviary where you can watch the beautiful bobcats and birds of prey. RVs, motorhomes, and trailers won't fit on it because it is too narrow. The morning mist hangs low in the valley and makes for some extraordinary photo ops! From popular attractions in town to scenic destinations in the national park, there are so many spots where you can enjoy the different native species. It is illegal to get. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Discover some of the best places to spot wildlife in the Smoky Mountains, including Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. 10 Best Places To See Wildlife In The Great Smoky Mountains - MSN Want to get listed and grow your business? This makes them the perfect destination for wildlife viewing! There is plenty of wildlife to see along this 5.5-mile loop route in the Smoky Mountains. Wild turkeys travel in flocks, so if you happen to spot one, youll most likely spot an entire group. The Oconaluftee Visitors Center is one of the best places to snap photos of wild elk. Instead use binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras with telephoto lenses to enjoy wildlife. One question I get constantly is where are the best places to see wildlife in the Smoky Mountains?. Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Youll likely not see them in the evenings, as they roost in the trees. Will YOU Be Responsible For An Animal's Death? From the 60 species that live here year-round to the 120+ that migrate in the summer, this location is truly a birder's paradise. ): Thousands have lived without love, not one without water. -H. Auden, Think Im overdue for another Caribbean excursion , I love this lil spring so much. To the delight of animal lovers near and far, the Smokies have several great spots for viewing wildlife. This is a great spot to see elk, deer, turkey and other wildlife. With a diverse animal population, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect place for animal lovers. There is now a $20 fee per parking pass. Another perk of waking up at the crack of dawn? The best-known species within this park however is the synchronous firefly. This area is where the most dense population of black bears live. Its also been penned the Salamander Capital of the World because of the 30 salamander species that call the Smokies home. RVs, motorhomes, and trailers won't fit on it because it is too narrow. One of my favorite things about national parks is that it offers a refuge for wildlife. In addition, feeding, touching, teasing, frightening, or intentionally disturbing wildlife is prohibited. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you head out in the morning, there will be fewer cars to compete with, and youll improve your chances of seeing wildlife. One of our favorite hiking memories happened on the Schoolhouse Gap Trail, where we encountered several large groups of Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies. to any bear in the national park. And its unlikely that you would be bitten by one. 5 of the Best Places to See Smoky Mountain Wildlife It offers scenic drives, plenty of hikes, and, of course, abundant wildlife. @2017 - PenciDesign. Want to get listed and grow your business? Drive this 5.5-mile loop and youll see not only several of the areas waterfalls, but you can also catch a glimpse of bald eagles, deer, turkeys, and maybe even black bears. The key element to keeping park guests and wildlife safe is to keep a safe distance. However, elk didn't always used to call this valley home. Even if 99% of visitors resist the temptation to feed wildlife, it still means that each year approximately 100,000 people endanger the park's animals by giving them food. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Navigation. The Wildlife Encounter at Ober Gatlinburg is a privately funded, municipally sponsored zoo. There are many different wildlife species within the 522,419 acres of this land, including elk, black bears, fireflies, turkeys, and more. White-tailed deer are commonly seen, as well as sightings of black bears, coyotes, turkey, groundhogs, raccoons and skunks. Its a free gift for a newletter subscribers. The Roaring Fork Motor NatureTrail also offers gorgeous views of rushing mountain streams, an old-growth forest, and a number of historic buildings. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's . Top 6 Historical Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, How to See Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Wildlife in the National Park, Top 10 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before You Go. The behavior of all the animals in the Smoky Mountains is unpredictable. If any hikers catch the waterfall at the right time, the mist from the cascading water and sunlight creates the famous rainbow glare effect. . In the Felidae family, you will find bobcats. Here's how: Resist the temptation to share your sandwich with a bear! Well, thats another kettle of fish altogether. Wouldn't it be nice to have the opportunity to see animals up close and personal? Animals that have been fed by visitors have had to be euthanized in the park. While bears arent true hibernators, they do sleep for the vast majority of the colder months. Black bears and other popular animals tend to blend into the forest trees, so these open spaces create a unique viewing experience unmatched by any other location in the park. Some people like to sit quietly beside a trail to see what wildlife will come out of hiding. One of the best places to spot a bear is along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Subscribeto ournewsletterand we will instantly deliver the best area discounts to your inbox. At the highest point in Tennessee is an observation tower called Clingmans Dome. The narrow, winding road of Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail encourages motorists to travel at a leisurely pace and sometimes yields sightings of bear and other wildlife. This works out for the better if youre a photographer whos okay with long walks, since youll have a higher chance of seeing wildlife without vehicle traffic in the valley! This 5.5-mile loop road is one of the top places to spot Smoky Mountain wildlife. Species of salamanders include the green salamander, three-lined salamander and the famous Eastern Hellbender salamander. Within this remote section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit a pioneer community, a campground, and beautiful hiking trails. Bears love playing around in the trees, and if youre lucky, youll get to see some black bear cubs! Here are the top 7 animals in the Smoky Mountains you could see on your trip: 1. Your best chance of seeing black bears is in the morning or early evening hours. Fortunately, there are only two types of snakes in the area that are venomous, which are the Northern Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake. Viewing wildlife in the Smokies can be challenging because most of the park is covered by dense forest. They are most active at this time because its when they typically feed. We encourage visitors to the Smoky Mountains to exercise responsible stewardship and follow the principles of Leave No Trace. The park is open 24 hours per day, allowing you to get an early . The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. The Best Places To See Wildlife In The U.S. | Outdoorsy.com Please note that during the winter this route is closed. Happy Birthday to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The Cove Hardwood Nature Trail is nearly a mile long and is one of the best places to spot wildflowers in the spring. That being said, people dont seem to bother them and they are known for causing traffic jams. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. So, its important to keep your eyes peeled at all times. She's also a sucker for a good adventure. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. The best part by far is the live bear habitat that features black bears that were rescued from a nearby hunting farm. We all know that Cades Cove is a great place to see these creatures, but there are plenty of other hot spots for wildlife throughout the Smokies as well. To help you plan for your trip, here are 4 of the best places to see Smoky Mountain wildlife. Here are some of the common types of wildlife you will see in the Smoky Mountains: According to the National Park Service (NPS), the Smokies is home to 67 native fish species. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. At the bottom of this page, youll also find a free Smoky Mountain animals coloring book! Great Smoky Mountains: 10 Best Places to See Wildlife - TheTravel If an animal begins to approach you, carefully move away from it to the safety of your vehicle. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. Because many animals are most active at night, it can be advantageous to look for wildlife during morning and evening. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Erica is a long-time resident of East TN and the founder of East TN Family Fun. Passes are limited and distributed via a lottery system. The permit lottery can be purchased here at Recreation.gov. They are most active early in the morning or late in the evening. One of the best ways to spot animals in the Cove is to people-watch. Keep your distance, as elk are huge and their massive antlers can do some serious damage if you get too close. We recommend our users to update the browser. Almost every post promising wildlife in the Smokies offers a cheeky reference to some commercial business that might have a couple of bears for public viewing. Sevierville, TN 37876. It was home to settlers before being obtained by the National Park Service. There are about 65 species of mammals in the Smoky Mountains. I hope that by sharing these experiences with you it makes this big world seem like a slightly smaller place. There is no bad time of day for spotting bears in Cades Cove. Monarch tagging is one of the most unique and popular annual events in the Smoky Mountains. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge among Oklahoma's best hiking trails Animal sightings are less frequent over the summer during the middle of the day when the heat is high. Tremont also offer tons of other animal encounters thorughout the year, including searching for salamanders and other anphibans. Black Bears Source: @wattswildlifephoto Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. This includes elk, coyote, bobcats, and more. The parks omnivorous black bears eat about 85% fruits and nuts, with meat providing the remaining 15%, which makes berry patches an extremely important resource as they prepare for hibernation. Deer are in wide abundance in the Smokies. From here you can take a chair lift high from Anakeesta and look down on the lush, green winding roads, dotted with cabins and hotels with their own worthy views. Excess runoff from pesticides and fertilizers, coupled with over pumping of the spring water at its source causes nitrification, leading to algal blooms. Elk, on the other hand, were reintroduced to the park 20 years ago. Guinevere is a travel blogger with over 2 years of experience who, when shes not writing, road trips across North America with her partner and cats. 2. Its open to foot traffic and bike traffic only on hump day. 1. There were once red wolves and gray wolves, but efforts to reintroduce them were unsuccessful. Hiking The Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. Also be sure to check out the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located on U.S. 441 on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. This wildlife viewing spot is best for black bears, deer, turkey, owls, and other birds. All available programs are listed in the free Smokies Guide newspaper, which can be found at any visitors center. Of the mammals, well start with the Mustelidae family, which contains the largest family within the Carnivora order. Introducing Smoky Mountain Stories: Discover Hidden Treasures of the Smokies, 5 Promotional Nights Your Kids Will Love at a Tennessee Smokies Baseball Game, Top 5 Unique Places to Eat in Sevierville TN You Have to Try, Popular Gatlinburg Attraction Announces Rebrand: Gatlinburg SkyPark, Live Like a Local: 4 Hidden Gems in Gatlinburg Recommended by Locals. During the warmer months, pigs and chickens are kept at the farm, as they would have been in the 1800s. If you do see any animals while driving, pull onto the shoulder to void blocking traffic. It is important that families remember a few safety tips while viewing wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Be sure to check out our area resources page to learn more about all the best places to eat, shop, and be entertained while youre visiting. What used to be a Cherokee hunting ground is now a short valley road with a church and a campground, and a favorite place to graze among elk. Top 3 Ways to Avoid the Peak Crowds at the Great Smoky Mountains However, there are open areas in the Smoky Mountains that offer great opportunities for seeing wildlife! Lauren Brand is also the home to plenty of black bears. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=3108d1b0-63fc-4616-9fcb-0add6b6278fa&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "3108d1b0-63fc-4616-9fcb-0add6b6278fa" }).render("5212e74440ae48d78157447a3a77ab51"); }); We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. The Smokies are home to a wide variety of wildlife, and you can see them all for yourself when you visit! Please read the important safety information at What Do I Do If I See A Bear? I dislike those places. Don't worry if you don't have time to visit Cades Cove during your vacation, though. Bird species include warblers, wild turkey, sparrows and wrens. Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park, but there aren't many fully accessible trails. Where to See Bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Backpacker Learn how your comment data is processed. Alternatives to Cades Cove: Top 4 Places to See Wildlife in the Smoky Watch for any modification in an animal's behavior that indicates that you have approached too closely. Elk - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Heres even more national park birding hotspots. Just keep in mind that some of these animals hibernate during the winter months. How cool is that? Youll find all kinds of fish, turtles, and snakes in and around water. The gap is the lowest drivable pass through the park and the Newfound Gap Road climbs dramatically to within a half mile of Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies. Will YOU Be Responsible For An Animal's Death? You can also visit without a permit if you go a few days before or after these dates. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Roaring Fork is a common area where visitors spot black bears. There are great fishing opportunities near Gatlinburg, but it can also be a challenge. My favorite national park to visit on the east coast lies along the southern stretch of Appalachian mountains, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Top 8 Animals in the Smoky Mountains and Where to Find Them - Rafting Most birds and squirrels are in the woods. Programs are offered at all park visitors centers and rotate seasonally. Similar to elk, deer are usually active early in the morning or late in the evening. Explore ten beautiful national places in The Great Smoky Mountains to see wildlife. The Cataloochee Valley lies on the east side of the Smokies, in North Carolina. Top Places to See Wildlife Animals in the Smoky Mountains To see this jaw-dropping display of lights, youll want to go around the end of May, beginning of June. Where and When to Spot Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Wildlife There are also birds of prey including owls and hawks. Because a majority of the national park is covered by dense forest, spotting animals can pose a challenge for visitors. What is rut? Its pretty common to spot a variety of wild animals in the thin forest areas along the sides of the road. The museum is located just behind the Ocanoluftee Visitors Center. Keep an ear out for their mating call, a deep, loud yodel. Clingmans Dome is 6,643 feet in elevation, and the colors from the sunset linger for a long time. These are the best RV parks in every state. While bears can be seen all throughout the day, the best time for viewing most animals is at dawn and dusk. In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider coming in the early morning or evening hours. With that out of the way, one of the most common questions visitors to the Smokies ask is, Where can I see wild animals in the Smoky Mountains?.