Menu
  • PLACES TO STAY
  • FAMOUS SHOPPING
  • DISCOUNT COUPONS
  • FAMILY FUN
  • OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
  • FOOD & DRINK
  • SPECIAL EVENTS
  • ROMANCE & WEDDINGS
wildlife viewing

Visitors Top Spots for Wildlife Viewing in the Great Smoky Mountains

Posted on March 5, 2021March 9, 2021

The Great Smoky Mountains offer pristine hiking trails, recreation, breathtaking scenery, and best of all –  some of the best wildlife viewing within easy reach for all visitors. Below we’ll outline three of the best spots in the Smokies to see wildlife.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is unique among nature trails because it’s designed to be viewed from the comfort of your car. This makes it accessible for families traveling with small children, and those with physical limitations. Drive this 5.5-mile loop and you’ll see not only several of the area’s waterfalls, but you can also catch a glimpse of bald eagles, deer, turkeys, and maybe even black bears. If you head out in the morning, there will be fewer cars to compete with, and you’ll improve your chances of seeing wildlife.

The Best Place to Seek Out Wildlife: Cades Cove

Cades Cove is often cited as the best place to seek out wildlife in the Smokies because of its huge open meadows. Much of the park is densely wooded which can make spotting local birds and deer tricky, but here you’re almost guaranteed to catch a glimpse. Drive this 11-mile loop (or better yet bike it in the summers on Wednesdays when it’s closed to car traffic) to see whitetail deer, woodpeckers, bears, or otters. To increase your luck of seeing wildlife, try to be as quiet as you can and never approach them too closely. Your best chance of seeing black bears is in the morning or early evening hours.

Wildlife Encounter at Ober Gatlinburg

If you’ve tried your luck at the park and didn’t see all you wanted to, there’s always the Wildlife Encounter at Ober Gatlinburg to fill your needs. This zoo offers visitors a chance to see the native wildlife up close in their natural habitats. Check out river otters from their underwater viewing area; see skunks, turtles, snakes, and raccoons in their Nocturnal exhibit; or, say hello to their resident black bear family including Minnie and BJ and their cubs, Holly and Chief. The park is open every day and is $8 for adults, and $5 for kids 12 and under.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • 3 Scenic Drives in the Great Smoky Mountains
  • Guide to Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains with Kids Under 5
  • Top 10 Free Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains
  • A Couples Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Sevierville
  • Visit the Great Smoky Mountains on a Budget

Archives

  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020

Categories

© Copyright 2020. Sevierville Chamber of Commerce | Sevierville Convention & Visitors Bureau