If you are looking to spend the day in the Smoky Mountains, make sure you visit Cades Cove or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail for the best wildlife sightseeing in the Smokies! The animals in the Smoky Mountains can be found, without a doubt, at these two locations, so be sure to plan a day to do some wildlife sightseeing!
Cades Cove
If you are looking to see all of the animals in the Smoky Mountains, make sure you visit Cades Cove! Known for its large amount of wildlife, Cades Cove is the perfect destination for your day in the Smokies! If you are looking to see black bears, there is no better place to go! Always remember that black bears can be dangerous animals, so never get too close. Black bears are rarely seen in park areas other than Cades Cove. The best time to view the bears is early mornings. They can usually be spotted around their feeding places and streams. Then, at dusk, the bears typically come out for another feeding. During the summer months, bears are best spotted near fruit trees.
Also in Cades Cove, visitors may see foxes, coyotes and raccoons. Red and gray foxes tend to prefer the Cades Cove area, but their furs blend with their surroundings, so they are often not spotted. Coyotes and raccoons have also been dwelling in the Cades Cove area for many years.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
This trail stretches approximately five miles in length and passes through Roaring Fork, near Gatlinburg. The area allows visitors to drive through an older area of the park to enjoy the sights and old buildings. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail has mountain streams as well as old grist mills and preserved log cabins. On this trail, you will be able to see animals from a distance. Since you will be driving at a slow pace, you will be able to enjoy the sights surrounding your vehicle. It may be helpful for passengers to bring a pair of binoculars to get an up-close glimpse of the animals in the Smoky Mountains!
After spending the day looking at all of the animals in the Smoky Mountains, you can settle down in a room at Oak Tree Lodge! Equipped with all of the amenities you will need for a wonderful stay in the Smokies as well as an indoor and outdoor pool, Oak Tree Lodge offers excellent opportunities for relaxation. To book your stay, you can use our ‘Reserve Now’ page on our website or contact us 1-800-637-7002 to speak with one of our helpful staff members!
