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Have you ever wondered how many bears are in the Smoky Mountains? And where can you go to see them? Those are two of the most popular questions folks have about black bears in the Smoky Mountains, so keep reading to learn more!
There are approximately 1,900 black bears that roam throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Since the national park is so large, 1,900 bears doesn’t seem like very many. Lots of people think that this will mean they don’t get a chance to really see the bears while they are spending time in the Smokies. This isn’t true, though! Believe it or not, there are approximately 2 black bears per square mile in the Great Smoky Mountains. So, there’s a good probability that you’ll see them when you visit.
There are a few spots that are best for seeing wildlife and black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Here’s where you should go:
Where to See the Smoky Mountain Black Bears
Of course, Cades Cove is known for the historical structures that bring the old history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to life. It's also one of the most common places to spot black bears in the Smoky Mountains! There are so many different things to do in Cades Cove when you visit, from driving the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop to taking a hike, seeing wildlife, enjoying a scenic picnic, and more.
Don’t worry if you don’t have time to visit Cades Cove during your vacation, though. You can see the black bears in the Smoky Mountains just about anywhere in the national park. They roam free, in their natural habitat, so you may get lucky and see one in the distance while you’re hiking, or while you’re driving along one of the scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. In fact, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is another of the best places to see bears.
Safety Tips for Seeing Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains
You have to remember that black bears are wild animals. While they may appear cute and cuddly, they have unpredictable behavior.
When you are in the national park, you don’t have to worry about black bears coming up and bothering you. They tend to stay away from people, but you have to remember not to bother them.
When you see a bear, stay extremely alert. Don’t approach the bear because the bear may think you’re too close, resulting in a quick change of behavior.
Even though it’s very unusual, if a bear begins following you, change your direction. If it continues to follow you, you should get aggressive by shouting and moving to higher ground. In these instances, it may be necessary to throw objects (like rocks or non-food items) at bears. If you throw food items, it will be attracted to you, so make sure you just use items in the national park like sticks and rocks. You should make yourself appear larger than the bear to scare it away.
Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains at Your Parkside Cabin
When you stay with us in a Parkside cabin, you might get lucky and come across a black bear! While it's not super common, some of our guests have reported seeing bears from our cabins. Typically, bears stay away from areas where there is a lot of human interaction (unless traces of food have been left outside over time). If you do see a bear, keep at least 50 yards away and never provide it with food.
We keep each of our properties safe, so you and your family can enjoy a relaxing vacation without the worry of wildlife in the area.
To learn more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains, take a look at the National Park Service website.
Is your family planning a vacation and hoping to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains? Take a look at our Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg cabins to find a memorable place to stay with all the amenities and space you need for a great trip!
