When you think of the Smokies, one of the first things that comes to mind is Smoky Mountain wildlife, specifically the image of the black bear. After all, park rangers have estimated that there are more than 1,600 bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! If you're wondering where to see bears in the Smoky Mountains without taking a hike, check out these places near Auntie Belham’s Cabin Rentals:
Where to See Bears in Pigeon Forge: Three Bears General Store
The last place you would ever expect to see bears is within a Pigeon Forge gift shop, but that is exactly what you will find at the Three Bears General Store! This shopper’s paradise was established in 1979 and features 40,000 square feet of souvenirs, Amish jams, and even moonshine water. The highlight of the store is a bear habitat where you can actually see AND feed black bears! The bear habitat is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while feeding times vary based on strict veterinarian guidelines. The admission and feeding cup are available for a nominal fee, so stop by for an up-close encounter with a bear that you will never forget!
Where to See a Gatlinburg Black Bear: Wildlife Encounter at Ober Mountain
One of the best places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains is at the Wildlife Encounter at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg. This privately funded zoo offers up-close viewing of native wildlife in a safe environment. Here you can see a family of black bears, BJ, Holly and Chief. While exploring the zoo, you can also see river otters, bobcats, foxes, flying squirrels, several different species of birds of prey, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and fish!
Best Place to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains: Cades Cove Scenic Loop Road
If you still want an opportunity to see bears in the wild and are wondering where to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, take a drive through Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is one of the best places in the park to see black bears. They love Cades Cove for its ecosystem, as well as the abundance and variety of food sources. The best times to spot bears in Cades Cove are early in the morning and late afternoon. An 11-mile loop circles the cove, offering you the opportunity to sightsee through the area at a leisurely pace. If you happen to spot a bear, remember to stay at least 150 feet away, as bears are wild animals that can be dangerous and unpredictable! For an up-close look at the bears, bring binoculars and maintain a safe distance at all times.
Bear Sightings at Your Smoky Mountain Cabin Rental
You may not even have to leave your cabin in order to see bears in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains! Many people have experienced a bear sighting from their cabin deck, but just remember never to approach them and most importantly, don’t leave your vehicle or trash bins unlocked!
Now that you know where to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, check out all of our Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge cabin rentals today to plan your vacation to the Smokies! We look forward to seeing you soon at Auntie Belham’s Cabin Rentals!
