If you love nature or are hoping to see amazing animals, the Smokies are hard to beat! Thick forests, winding streams, breathtaking views, and all sorts of animals in the Smoky Mountains make the region a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Wildlife watching is one of the best outdoor activities you can take part in and it can easily become the highlight of your trip. So, where should you go to give yourself the best chance of seeing fascinating creatures? Here are 5 of the top places to spot Smoky Mountain wildlife:
1. Cades Cove
Cades Cove is probably the most well-known area for seeing Smoky Mountain wildlife. It’s a vast, open valley surrounded by mountains and dotted with old cabins and churches. Visitors often see white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and if you’re lucky, black bears! Plan to arrive first thing in the morning or later in the evening when animals tend to be more active. Drive or bike the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop, taking your time and enjoying both the views and the wildlife.
2. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Gorgeous scenery meets animal sightings along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This 5.5-mile loop meanders through lush forests of towering trees, along rushing streams, and past historic structures. Those who drive this loop often report seeing Smoky Mountain wildlife like deer, birds, and black bears. Because it’s a heavily forested area, this road stays cool even in the summer.
3. Little River Road
Little River Road traces the national park’s northern edge and draws both photographers and animal lovers. Deer are commonly spotted near the road, and it’s one of the best areas around for birdwatching. You may see everything from woodpeckers to warblers and sometimes even owls. Early morning is an ideal time to visit, when the fog drifts through the river valley, turning everything into a misty dream.
4. Elkmont
The only thing as popular as the incredible history in Elkmont is the Smoky Mountain wildlife. It used to be a logging town, and now it’s a quiet area with trails and the remnants of old structures tucked into the woods. Black bears, white-tailed deer, salamanders, and fireflies make their home here. The trails are typically less crowded than other options, so you have a better chance of seeing animals without all the people around.
5. Abrams Falls Trail
The Abrams Falls Trail is like a 2-for-1 deal. You get both Smoky Mountain wildlife and a picturesque waterfall all together! This 5-mile roundtrip trail in the Cades Cove area winds through the woods and along streams where deer, turkeys, and small mammals can be seen. The 20-foot-tall Abrams Falls is truly a sight to behold and something you’ll definitely want to get some photos of. The steady roar of the waterfall makes your wildlife watching experience feel even more magical.
Smoky Mountain Wildlife in Your Backyard
These are some of the top places to see Smoky Mountain wildlife when you make your trip to the area. Another great place to see animals is in the areas immediately surrounding your Eagles Ridge cabin! Browse our Pigeon Forge cabins today to find a place to stay with incredible amenities, and, if you’re lucky, opportunities to see wildlife without having to go anywhere!
