If you love the wild side of nature, the Smokies won’t let you down! In fact, there are very few places that compare to the range of animals you’ll find roaming the area. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, black bears, wild turkeys, elk, countless birds, salamanders, and more make their home. So, where should you head in the park to give yourself the best chance of seeing some of these fascinating animals? Here are 5 of the best places to see wildlife in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Cades Cove
Cades Cove is easily one of the best places to see wildlife in the Smoky Mountains. It’s a large, open valley that offers clear views across wide fields and meadows, making it easy to spot animals just doing their thing. Early mornings and evenings are the sweet spot. You might see everything from white-tailed deer grazing to wild turkeys strutting around the edges of the woods, and even black bears wandering through. The 11-mile loop road means you can cruise along slowly, stopping when something catches your eye.
2. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Not only is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail one of the top scenic drives around, it’s also one of the best places to spot wildlife in the Smoky Mountains. This one-way drive through dense forests, follows along a mountain stream and passes by old cabins and other structures. Bears often are traveling through the area, deer like hanging out by the road, and smaller animals and birds show up near the streams.
3. Kuwohi Road
Kuwohi is a high-elevation hotspot for wildlife in the Smoky Mountains. As the highest point in the state of Tennessee, the diversity of animals here is incredible. The road to get to Kuwohi is lined with Spruce-Fir forests, a habitat ideal for seeing bears, deer, birds, and every once in a while bobcats. Early mornings and evenings, when animals are most active, is typically the best time to see wildlife in this area.
4. Abrams Creek
The Abrams Creek region runs through a quiet, tucked-away part of the national park. The road along the creek tends to see little traffic, so the animals in this area seem to relax a bit more. You can usually spot deer, racoons, and every now and then, a black bear near the water. The creek attracts all sorts of wildlife, especially when it’s warm out, and you may even see a river otter. If you’re patient, this peaceful spot really pays off.
5. Cataloochee Valley
On the North Carolina side of the national park, you’ll find Cataloochee Valley, a real gem for wildlife lovers. This area is known for its high population of elk. In fact, it’s the only region in the park where elk can be found. Since this is a remote, quieter area of the park, you get a more immersive experience with the animals. Outside of elk, you may see deer, black bears, and endless species of birds.
Wildlife in the Smoky Mountains in Your Own Back Yard
These aren’t the only places where you can spot wildlife in the Smoky Mountains. Visitors often see animals when they stay in one of our cabins tucked away in the woods! Explore our Smoky Mountain cabins today to find a great place to stay on your trip, where you may just catch a glimpse of the fascinating wildlife in the area!
