Gatlinburg, Tennessee is known for its thriving tourist industry, attracting millions of visitors annually.

One of the main attractions is the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States.

It’s home to an array of wildlife, including black bears, which are one of the most popular animals to spot in Gatlinburg.

Best Places to See Bears in Gatlinburg

Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a highlight of any trip to Gatlinburg.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to see bears in Gatlinburg.

  1. Cades Cove
  2. Roaring Fork Motor Trail
  3. Little River Road
  4. Newfound Gap Road
  5. Clingmans Dome Road
  6. Anakeesta
  7. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort

Cades Cove

Best Places to See Bears in Gatlinburg

Cades Cove is a popular area within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering a scenic driving loop that takes visitors through historic sites and stunning landscapes.

It’s also a great spot for black bear sightings.

The park recommends visiting Cades Cove early in the morning or late in the afternoon to increase your chances of spotting bears.

Be sure to bring binoculars or a spotting scope to better see the bears from a distance.

Keep in mind that the park’s guidelines require a minimum of 50 yards of distance between humans and bears.

If you happen to see a bear in Cades Cove, make sure to stay in your car and don’t approach or feed them.

Roaring Fork Motor Trail

Best Places to See Bears in Gatlinburg

Roaring Fork Motor Trail is another popular spot for black bear sightings in Gatlinburg.

This narrow, winding road is located just minutes away from downtown Gatlinburg, offering visitors an easy way to access bear territory.

The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a popular location for bear researchers as well, who can often be seen observing bears from a distance.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a pair of binoculars to better see the bears without getting too close.

Keep in mind that parking in designated areas along the trail and staying in your vehicle is essential to avoid disturbing the bear’s habitat.

Little River Road

Best Places to See Bears in Gatlinburg

Little River Road is another great spot for black bear sightings in Gatlinburg.

This winding road is a scenic drive that traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Visitors can spot bears along the river and in the surrounding forested areas.

The park recommends taking the Cucumber Gap Trail off Little River Road and watching for bears along the way.

This trail is a popular hike, but visitors must still keep a 50-yard minimum distance from bears.

Newfound Gap Road

Best Places to See Bears in Gatlinburg

Newfound Gap Road offers visitors breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains, and it’s also a great place to spot bears.

This scenic drive takes travelers through the Appalachian Mountains, with many opportunities to pull over and enjoy the views.

While driving, keep an eye out for bears foraging for food along the roadside.

Like the other areas of the park, the park guidelines mandate a 50-yard minimum distance between humans and bears.

Clingmans Dome Road

Best Places to See Bears in Gatlinburg

Clingmans Dome Road is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering visitors stunning panoramic views and a peaceful spot to observe bears in their natural habitat.

The nearby trailhead and observation tower provide visitors with a vantage point to observe bears from afar.

Remember to bring binoculars or a spotting scope to see the bears without having to get too close.

Always follow the park guidelines regarding keeping a safe distance and giving the bears space.

Anakeesta

Best Places to See Bears in Gatlinburg

Anakeesta is a popular attraction in Gatlinburg that offers visitors the opportunity to take a gondola ride up to a mountaintop with stunning views of the surrounding area. It’s also home to black bears.

Visitors can observe the bears from the safety of the gondola or from the elevated view areas on the mountaintop.

Anakeesta provides visitors with a unique experience to observe the bears safely while still enjoying the beauty of the surrounding area.

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort

Best Places to See Bears in Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort offers visitors a chance to observe black bears.

A chairlift takes visitors to the top of the mountain, where they can see black bears in their natural habitat from an elevated position.

Visitors should remember to keep a safe distance from the bears and to always follow the park guidelines.

The Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort provides visitors with an exciting opportunity to observe bears in their habitat while enjoying mountain views.


Bear sightings are one of the highlights of a trip to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you’re driving along one of the scenic routes or visiting a popular attraction, Gatlinburg offers many opportunities to observe black bears in their natural habitat.

Remember to bring binoculars or a spotting scope for better views, and most importantly, respect the bears and give them the space they need to thrive.



ABOUT THE AUTHORS

travelfun365

Gian and Jack are traveling the world for over 10 years and they WANT to share their tips with other. The blog TravelFun365.com is created to inspire people to travel more discovering all the best places around the world.

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