7 Best Places to See Bears in Gatlinburg

Bears are large mammals found throughout North America, South America, and Eurasia. One of the best places in the United States to see bears is Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg is a mountain resort city located in Sevier County, Tennessee. This is a holiday destination for many people in and outside the United States.

In this article, we will look at the 7 best places to see bears in Gatlinburg.

The 7 Best Places to See Bears in Gatlinburg

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

When you mentioned Gatlinburg, the first place that comes to mind is Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This national park is a popular vacation resort in the United States. If I wanted to see bears while still enjoying my vacation or free time, this is the best place to be.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 1,500 black bears. This makes it common to spot one while hiking or driving through.

Bears are most active in the early morning and late evening, so those are the best times to look out for them. You can also see females with newly born cubs in late March or early April when they come out of their winter dens.

Hiking Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains

If you are passionate about hiking, try trails like Laurel Falls, Alum Cave, and the famous Cades Cove loop. These trails offer views of the environment and a higher chance of encountering a bear.

Driving Routes

If you would prefer to stay in the car, you can go through the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This trail provides an excellent opportunity for spotting bears while driving through.

You should also be aware that buses, trailers, and motorhomes might not be allowed on this trail.

2. Cades Cove

Cades Cove is another great place to see bears in Gatlinburg. This destination is one of the most popular in the Smokies.

Cades Cove is iconic for its well-preserved scenic mountain views and different wildlife species.

Black bears are found throughout Cades Cove. The lack of trees and bushes makes it easier to spot bears as they move along.

The 11-Mile Loop

The best part about Cades Cove is the 11-mile loop road. This road allows you to drive through forests, meadows, and historic homesteads, with plenty of opportunities to spot bears grazing or climbing trees.

If you plan to get out of your car for a better view of a bear, make sure to stay at least 150 feet away for your safety.

3. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

As I have mentioned earlier, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This 5.5-mile one-way loop is a great spot for bear sightings in Gatlinburg. The berries and nuts in the area attract lots of bears.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is also minutes away from Chalet Village, a popular place to relax in Gatlinburg.

Along the Roaring Fork trail, you will find plenty of opportunities to spot bears from the safety of your car. The places to look are usually near the creeks and streams where bears.

4. Ober Gatlinburg

Another place to see bears is Ober Gatlinburg, which is now known as Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area. This is a popular ski area and amusement park located in Gatlinburg.

At Ober Gatlinburg, visitors are allowed to see black bears up close in a safe, controlled environment. You are guaranteed to sight bear without the wild chase in Ober Gatlinburg.

Aside from black bears, there are many other native native animals that can be seen in the amusement park portion of Ober Mountain.

5. Gatlinburg Trail

If you plan to walk dogs and bicycle while sighting bears, the Gatlinburg Trail is one of two places to go.

This 1.9-mile trail begins at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and follows the river into downtown Gatlinburg.

Bears are often spotted along this trail, especially near the river where they come to drink and cool off. Although bear sightings are not always guaranteed, you never know when a bear might make an appearance.

6. Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is a mountain that is now known as Kuwohi. It is the highest mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This mountain stands at an elevation of 6,643 feet (2,025 m), making it the highest point in the state of Tennessee.

Clingmans Dome offers a stunning wide view and a unique opportunity for bear sightings.

One of the best places to be in Clingmans Dome is the observation tower. The view from the tower is an amazing experience.

At Clingmans Dome, bears are occasionally spotted along the drive or near the parking area.

7. Little River Road

Little River Road is at number 7 because it is the least known place to spot bears. This 18-mile road stretches from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to Townsend, following the Little River.

Little River Road has many stops you can make, such as Maloney Point, the Sinks, Meigs Falls, and others.

As you drive along Little River Road, keep an eye out for bears near the water.

Bear Safety Tips

Bears are wild animals that can be dangerous to humans and pets. Before embarking on your bear-spotting adventure, you should keep a few safety tips in mind.

Never approach a bear. It is recommended to use binoculars or a zoom lens to get a closer look.

Bears usually avoid humans, so make noise to alert them to your presence.

Do not attempt to feed them or leave garbage out in the open.

If you encounter a bear, stay calm and back away slowly. Do not run or make sudden movements.

Conclusion

Bears are like the kings in Gatlinburg, and they are well respected in their natural habitat. In this article, we have looked at the 7 best places to see bears in Gatlinburg.

In summary, the best places to see bears in Gatlinburg are the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Ober Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Trail, Clingmans Dome, and Little River Road.

FAQs

Where do you see the most bears in Gatlinburg?

The place to see the most bears in Gatlinburg is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Places like Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Cades Cove within the park are the best places to look.

What months are best to see bears in Gatlinburg?

The best months to see bears are in the spring and summer. In Gatlinburg, you can see bears between April and August.

What time of day do bears come out in Gatlinburg?

The best times to see bears are early morning and late evening, when they are most active.

Are bears dangerous in Gatlinburg?

Black bears are known to avoid humans, but they can be dangerous if they feel threatened. Always keep a safe distance and never feed the bears.