In fact, there are around 1,500 black bears within the boundaries of the national park, and Cades Cove is the best place to catch a glimpse of this magnificent animal. Really enjoyed seeing the horses and the churches. Learn more about Cades Cove hours before you go! Late April to October is peak visiting time for the area. over a year ago Answer 4 answers Reviewed this attraction BonnieLee. Another one of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is along Newfound Gap Road, which is also known as Highway 441. Even horseback riding through Cades Cove Riding Stables is an option to soak in the wild side of the Smoky Mountains. Though travelers can find a whopping 1,500 flowering plants inside the national park more than in any other American national park black-eyed Susans remain the draw to Cades Cove. Learn more. What Causes Pinholes In Pottery Glaze And How To Prevent Them - Pottery Crafters, Spazierstock mit Hundekopfgriff, 20. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail gift shop we visited out of all the places we went to on our Smoky Mountain vacation. Additionally, if a park ranger catches you, you can receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months. We were all very pleased we stopped in. Most of the time bears will flee when they encounter humans, however in the national park these bears are protected and are probably pretty bold. Spring has officially sprung in the Great Smoky Mountains. Go horseback riding at the Cades Cove Stables. Is that a dog in the meadow? Want to get listed and grow your business? If you see a bear on the trail, back away slowly and give the bear plenty of room to move off the trail. #GreatSmokyMountains #Bear, 3. While we cant guarantee that you will see a bear on your trip, we can say that your chances are pretty good if you go to the right place and time of day (especially early morning or late evening in the spring and summer months). To ensure you see a bear when you are on your vacation, check out one of these great bear encounters where you can view live bears in a safe environment. Why? Learn the best times to visit Cades Cove if you want to avoid traffic, want to see wildlife, or take some stunning photos of the area! 425 4346 Santiago Islands, Shariside, AK 38830-1874, Hobby: Baseball, Wood carving, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Lacemaking, Parkour, Drawing. Glaze Drying Times: How Long Should Glaze Dry Before Firing? Having determined when they are probably laying hibernating and making themselves scarce you can assume that the best time to spot a black bear is going to be in the spring, summer or early fall. Promptly dispose of garbage in the bear-proof trash cans; if you see a bear, do not approach it. $7 for a hamburger!). Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park and ski resort in Gatlinburg, and they have a wildlife encounter where you can see black bears, river otters, birds of prey, and more. Bears are spotted walking around Gatlinburg from time to time. This is also a great time to take pictures in the Cove. In the 20th Episode of Quest Capsule, we visit one of our favorite places in the Great Smokies, Cades Cove! Jh., dunkel gebeiztes Hartholz, Griffstck aus Bein, Metallzwingen am bergang vom Knauf und an der Stockspitze, Knauf als hechelnder Hundekopf verschnitzt mit eingesetzten Glasaugen, Metallzwinge unterhalb des Knaufs, Church Place, Milborne Port, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3 bed terraced house for sale - 375,000, Best septic tank treatments for rural homeowners | AGDAILY, Free Antique Identification Tips | LoveToKnow, Elevated Arsenic and Lead Concentrations in Natural Healing Clay Applied Topically as a Treatment for Ulcerative Dermatitis in Mice, The Best Places to See Bears in Gatlinburg. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. The best time to see black bears is in the summer monthsspecifically May- Early September in a typical year. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. The best opportunities for seeing bears are in late spring and early fall in the mornings from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and again in the early evenings from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. There's no guarantee that you'll see bears, but if you do, don't approach them. The park has worked hard to educate people on this matter and thus there are more bears living in the park than ever before. This scenic 33 mile route travels through some of the highest elevations of the national park, so there are plenty of gorgeous mountain overlooks to enjoy too! Each tent offers luxe, souped-up king-size beds with plush linens and even ensuite bathrooms with hot showers. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you. Late April to October is peak visiting time for the area. I usually travel during the week instead of weekends. Dont forget to grab a tour booklet at the entrance packed with information on the restored structures from the 1800s, nature trails, and local wildlife before you set off in pursuit of black bears at Cades Cove! This Little-known Valley in California Has Stunning Springtime Wildflowers and a Chic, Revamped Motel. Oh my. Absolutely not. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. I think if you are sensible about bear encounters, keep your distance, and follow the guidelines in the link above, it is not something you would ever have to seriously worry about. Feeding the black bears in Cades Cove can be tragic, for both bear and human. Major attractions include the Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo, Lookout . The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. How Many Bears Live in the Smoky Mountains? wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 3 Things to Do if You Encounter Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains, 4 Interesting Facts About Salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains, Top 3 Safety Tips About Viewing the Smoky Mountain Wildlife, Top 3 Reasons Why You Can See Salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park During the Winter, Top 6 Historical Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, How to See Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Wildlife in the National Park, Top 10 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before You Go. Best. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. Traffic! Its one of the most popular spots for bear sightings. June 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Bring binoculars! However, this adorable black bear everyone was pushing gave people the impression that they were approachable, and people began trying to get up close and feed the bears. Black Bears. A fed bear is a dead bear, because they will become reliant on humans for food and will eventually be killed. I avoid the summer months and October because of the crowds. The narrow, winding road of Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail encourages motorists to travel at a leisurely pace and sometimes yields sightings of bear and other wildlife. Along the loop, visitors can expect to see historic buildings, wildlife, hiking trails, and more. But follow some of the tips below and youll greatly increase your chances. There are several food items that can be found up there. Enjoy viewing the bears from the two level observation facility. For us its been far more exciting to see bears in the wild, although there is always some risk associated with this. Cades Cove is home to some of the absolute best parts of Smoky Mountains including historic cabins, sprawling meadows, deer, elk, and the park favorite - black bears. Look for bears in route to Cades Cove as well. Open areas like Cataloochee and Cades Cove offer some of the best opportunities to see white-tailed deer, elk, black bear, raccoon, turkeys, woodchucks, and other animals. Common throughout the area, your best chance of seeing these guys is in the open fields. I like going early in the day but I have seen bears at all hours there. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! Go in the morning(6 a.m. to 10 a.m.) or late afternoon(3 - 7 p.m.). My only complaint is that I didn't get to see a bear, but that's the bear's fault, not Cades Cove. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here are 6 secret spots in Cades Cove you have to explore. Late spring and early fall are particularly good times to visit if you're looking for bears. The entire loop takes anywhere between two and four hours to drive through. It can really vary based on how available food is but generally black bears will go into hibernation sometime around September - October and remain dormant through April. Here's how to plan a trip right now. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. Late spring and early fall are particularly good times to visit if youre looking for bears. The Smokies are a wonderful place to see the American black bear because the park is one of the largest protected habitats where these wonderful creatures can live in the wild. Go in the morning (6 a.m. to 10 a.m.) or late afternoon (3 7 p.m.). This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Offers may be subject to change without notice. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Sunny skies, lush greenery, dense meadows, impulsive showers, rushing waters, grazing wildlife, foraging bearssummertime at Cades Cove, one of the most visited sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is beautiful to say the least. November, January, February, and March are the slowest months of the year, with the exception of December picking back up. The loop is, like life, whatever you make of it. Black-eyed Susans are the main draw for travelers making their way to Cades Cove every year, each hoping to see that blanket of golden blooms. You can learn more about hibernation here. Explore the historic buildings! However, this also means humans are less likely to see black bears. The drive was slow but enjoyable. You'll likely work up an appetite after venturing through the meadows of Cades Cove. Location: 1001 Parkway, Suite 2, Gatlinburg, You can read more about Ober Gatlinburgs Wildlife Encounter here. The drive was slow but enjoyable. Its in a quieter and more remote part of the park, so bears like to forage in this area. Its just not a good combo. Ranked #25 of 105 Attractions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park lablvr201. We arrived about 9:30am, and it was fairly busy. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. One of our favorite spots in Cades Cove is the Pearl Harbor Tree. In the late afternoon. Bring binoculars! Keep your eyes on the trees. Cades Cove was definitely a highlight of our trip. Going to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in hopes of seeing bears is the first step, coming to Cades Cove with the right attitude, and good old-fashioned patience is the next.We've been coming to Cades Cove for years and love it every time. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. If a bear makes a move towards you or makes loud noises or swats the ground, it is demanding more space. Plus, you might want to know when the best time to see wildlife is so you know when to visit. Best Time To Visit Buenos Aires. Keep in mind that bears hibernate in the dead of winter. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. Located half-way around the loop road in the Cable Mill historic area Open daily except Christmas Restrooms Bookstore Camping Cades Cove Campground Open year round 159 sites Tents and RVs up to 35 feet Call (877) 444-6777 or visit https://www.recreation.gov to reserve a site. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. We saw deer, but no bear! One of the main reasons Cades Cove is such a wonderful area to view bears is because there are more areas that are out in the open. There's something truly magical about the nature here. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. While getting up early may not be your cup of tea, the wee morning hours are when black bears come out for breakfast. Bear spray is legal for self defense in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Cades Cove. Its an 11 mile loop to circle the cove, you will see many other tourists driving through here in the busy season trying to catch a glimpse of black bears and other wildlife. Exploring the entire area takes about two to four hours, depending on how many stops you make. Besides the bears, we really love the underwater viewing area for the adorable river otters. The National Park estimates that there are about 1500 black bears living in the park, which roughly equates to a population density of 2 bears per square mile. So anytime other than winter is good. In fact, there are around 1,500 black bears within the boundaries of the national park, and Cades Cove is the best place to catch a glimpse of this magnificent animal. But, equally important as the blooms is Cades Cove's history as Cherokee land. Pro tip: If you are traveling with anyone with a Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license, you can also make a fishing trip out of the day. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. Just use common sense and be respectful when viewing these beautiful animals! Increase your distance, the bear will most likely do the same. The loop is an 11-mile paved one-way road that has breathtaking views of the mountains, wildflower meadows, and the park's diverse wildlife. We finally got a real answer out of her -- the Overlook and near Abram's Falls -- which was why we made sure to go to both of those places.Be sure to stop by the gift shop on the way out. March 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Dont want to lug your bike to the mountains? Early morning (6 - 10 a.m.) and late afternoon ( 3 - 7 p.m.) are the best times for bear viewing in Cades Cove. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. Sometimes you can get caught in a "bear jam" and cars will not move. Every year, thousands of vacationers see black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, mostly on the Tennessee side. Your email address will not be published. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. You can learn more about hibernation here. By the time you get to where the bear was sighted, it has gone away. A rarity to be sure, bobcats are nocturnal and roam Cades Cove in silence while stalking their prey, so if you catch a glimpse of these graceful animals, treasure it for all time. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. Choose a day that has a chance of rain in the forecast which typically clears out the park and gives you an opportunity to take some moody landscape shots in the morning fog. CADES COVE WILDLIFE. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Two years ago we saw no bears in Cades Cove. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. Cades Cove is one of the most beloved and popular destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Thank you for visiting! In general, anywhere in the park is a good place to see bears. Many bears have been spotted along Newfound Gap Road for years, especially in sections that are close to rivers and streams since bears like those areas for food. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. When is the worst time of year to see a Black Bear? Cades Cove: Bears - See 5,519 traveler reviews, 6,311 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. If you want to see black bears, you should visit Cades Cove sometime between late spring and early fall. Your email address will not be published. 9 Amazing Animals That Live On Mountains (With Pictures), Smoky Mountains Wildlife (12 Species With Pictures), these basic guidelines for bear encounters, List of Tennessee State Animals and Plants, 10 Types of Turtles in Michigan (With Pictures), 22 Types of Turtles in Alabama (Pictures), 9 Types of Turtles in Minnesota (Pictures), 14 Types of Turtles in Texas (With Pictures), 13 Types of Turtles in North Carolina (Pictures). Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Pro tip: make sure you begin your expedition on a full tank of gas since there are no gas stations in the area. Saw bear, horses and wild Turkeys. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for National Park Service Arrowhead Zippo Lighter W/Leather Sheath Smokey bear USFS at the best online prices at eBay! The Cades Cove Loop Road is a 11 mile long loop road that circles the cove and provides access to the attractions in Cades Cove. Sunny skies, lush greenery, dense meadows, impulsive showers, rushing waters, grazing wildlife, foraging bearssummertime at Cades Cove, one of the most visited sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is beautiful to say the least. They have an amazing 5000 square foot habitat with a pond and waterfall, and each bear has an individual den. So pack accordingly. 2. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. And seeing it all is rather inexpensive, as it costs just $5 for a daily parking tag at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a really neat place to go and you can get tickets to their multiple attractions or just the wildlife encounter. Do not use a camera flash or make loud noises. White-tailed deer are frequently seen, and black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animal sightings also are possible. Black bears love to climb. Watch Animals at a Safe Distance Animals in the Smoky Mountains are wild and should not interact with humans. What time is the best time to visit Cades Cove? However, bears can be spotted in the mornings and throughout the afternoon, so dont become discouraged if traveling to the Cove late in the day doesnt fit your time schedule. The Little River Road is an excellent place to see bears as the road runs parallel to the Little River for 18 miles, traveling between the Cades Cove park entrance in Townsend to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg. The valley, located in the picturesque Great Smoky. And, after a long day of taking in the black-eyed Susan, you'll appreciate the opportunity to unwind with its variety of locally sourced culinary dishes and nightly fire pits. Cades Cove. The road goes parallel to an old abandoned logging railroad track. Popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park Categories, Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN 37738-4102, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tourism, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Rentals, Restaurants near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide, All Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Pet Friendly Campgrounds, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Campgrounds, Attractions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, can we buy lunch etc at Cades Cove End of march, can we get lunch up there at a cafe etc, coming from New Zealand in march. As simple as this may be, it is probably the #1 tip as far as bear watching goes, so take your time, relax, breathe, and enjoy the journey. Specifically, it's found its way to the hidden valley of Cades Cove, Tennessee. May 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Be sure to say hello and leave a comment!Facebook https://www.facebook.com/questcapsuleTwitter https://www.twitter.com/questcapsuleInstagram https://www.instagram.com/questcapsuleQuest Capsule - 2021================= Its common knowledge that black bears can be seen all over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains National Park, we were excited to see one right out in the creek outside of our hotel room. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,500 bears live in the park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Things to Do, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN 37738-4102, 2 hour traffic jam with beautiful scenery, things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However if you just simply explore the park, ask some locals, and visit a couple of the places mentioned in this article, you have a better than average chance of seeing one in the wild. DONT DO THIS. However, the Cades Cove Loop Road only allows bicycle and foot traffic on Wednesdays through Sept. 30. more, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour. We stopped there and took lots of family pictures.Before we saw any bears, though, we had come across one "Park Volunteer" who seemed a little put out to answer any questions. But we see more wildlife in our backyard in the suburbs than we did on this loop (OK we saw 2 deer and lots of turkeys). And people lose sight that this is still a wild animal and can be aggressive and dangerous. If youre looking for a great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, we recommend checking out Cades Cove or one of the other areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While Cades Cove has much to offer year-round, black-bear sightings are why many tourists and locals pay a visit in summer, so weve prepared a list of top tips to help YOU spot a black bear! We hope you have a great time on your trip and get to see some amazing wildlife! This California National Park With Towering Redwoods Also Has Some of the Most Beautiful Wildflowers in the U.S. Cades Code Loop. We will be visiting Cades Cove the first week of January 2018. Approximately 1,500 black bears live in the park; this is the largest population ever recorded in the Smokies. In spring you can expect to see beautiful spring flowers everywhere, and during the fall the mountains come alive with changing leaf colors. 2023 Lil' Travel Folks Journey Theme by Restored 316. It closes at 8 pm from late April to early September and sunset on other dates. Rent a few for the whole family at the Cades Cove Campground Store at only $7.50 per hour for adults and $4.50 per hour for kids. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Now that you know about the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, keep in mind that bears and all the other wildlife in the park are unpredictable and it is always important to keep safety in mind when wildlife viewing! November 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. 12 Most Stunning National Parks in the U.S. I was staying at a Lodge just about a mile off of the Gatlinburg strip last month and saw a young male black bear right outside our room in the creek. At the gateway to the valley, there's a picnic area offering 81 sites between Abrams Creek and Green Branch Creek. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Never feed or touch a bear, no matter how tame it seems. Mountains. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. If you are looking to spot black bears, the best times are late afternoons. While keeping a watchful eye out for black bears at Cades Cove, other wildlife will surely find you along the way. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. Cades Cove is by no means the only place to see bears in the park. Regardless if you get to see the elusive black bears or not, you will undoubtedly enjoy your time in the Smokies simply because of the other kinds of wildlife and all the wonderful natural beauty present there. Early morning (6 - 10 a.m.) and late afternoon ( 3 - 7 p.m.) are the best times for bear viewing in Cades Cove. There is approximately one bear per square mile in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, but your best chance to see the black bears are at Cades Cove.
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