Where To See Black Bears In The Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, TN

Where To See Bears In Gatlinburg

There are many things to see in the Smoky Mountains, but one of the most beloved things to see in the national park are the black bears.

Black bears are seen as the mascots of The Smokies and many hope to get a glimpse of one of the (roughly) 1,900 bears in the Smoky Mountains.

Are you looking to get a glimpse of a black bear? We have gathered up everything you need to know about where to see bears in Gatlinburg, TN.

Cades Cove

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is one of the best places to see bears in the wild in Gatlinburg.

One of the things that make Cades Cove a great viewing spot for bears (and wildlife in particular) is because it is full of wide open spaces, which make wildlife viewing easier. The best way to experience Cades Cove is by driving the 11-mile loop road.

Cades Cove is a great place to see bears in the wild open spaces in Gatlinburg.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

See the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and their black bear inhabitants on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Enjoy the Smoky Mountains (and keep an eye out for bears) on this 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road. You’ll see mountain streams, woodland, and historic buildings on this nature trail.

The best time to see bears on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is during the early morning and the evening.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a great way to catch a glimpse of bears in the forest.

Ober Mountain Wildlife Encounter

See a family of bears at Ober Mountain Wildlife Encounter.

Located in the ski park, Ober Mountain, witnesses a two generational family of bears. See mother Peanuts, father BJ, and their two grown adult kids, Holly and Chief.

Ober Mountain Wildlife Encounter also has other exhibits of racoons, river otters, bobcats, owls, flying squirrels, skunks, and snakes as well.

Ober Mountain Wildlife Encounter is a wonderful way to see a family dynamic of bears.

Where To See Bears In The Great Smoky Mountains

No matter which area of Gatlinburg you go looking for bears, you’ll have a wonderful experience looking for these beloved Gatlinburg animals.

We hope that your list of the best places to see bears in Gatlinburg will help you have the experience of seeing a black bear on your next trip to The Smokies.

Great Smoky Mountain Guides

Going to visit the Great Smoky Mountains? Get more out of your visit with our guides:

• Great Smoky Mountain National Park Guide
• The Best Campgrounds In The Great Smoky Mountains, TN
• Cades Cove Guide