Part of the magic that exists in the Smoky Mountains is seeing local wildlife in their natural element! From horses roaming open fields to deer galloping over wire fences, and even the occasional bear moseying along, you never know what animal you might encounter in the Smokies. If you’re hoping to see some Smoky Mountain wildlife, you should know about some of the spots where they’re most often spotted. Here are 5 of the top places to see Smoky Mountain wildlife on your trip:
1. Cades Cove
One of the most popular places to see Smoky Mountain wildlife is without a doubt Cades Cove. This secluded valley located at the base of mountains is full of both open meadows and forests, making it one of the ultimate spots for wildlife activity. There’s a chance to see a variety of animals, from black bears to deer, horses, wild turkeys, coyotes, and more. The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road is a scenic drive and the ideal place to see animals without needing to hike.
2. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail isn’t just one of the most scenic drives in the Smokies; it’s also one of the best places to view Smoky Mountain wildlife! This 5.5-mile one-way road twists and turns through the Smokies forest, by rushing streams, historic cabins, and more. It’s a common place to see black bears, as well as deer, birds, salamanders, and numerous other creatures.
3. Hiking Trails
It’s not uncommon to come across Smoky Mountain wildlife while hiking in the area. You might see a deer dart across the trail or a salamander scurry across a rock. A popular trail to come across wildlife is the Alum Cave Trail, where you may spot black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of songbirds. Always remember to keep aware of your surroundings when hiking in the Smoky Mountains.
4. Kuwohi Road
The highest point in all of Tennessee is Kuwohi and the road that leads to its summit is a great place to spot Smoky Mountain wildlife! Formerly known as Clingmans Dome, Kuwohi is home to the Kuwohi Observation Tower, which is a great place to soak up panoramic views of the Smokies. It’s a mile roundtrip hike to the tower but the adventure starts before you start hiking. You’re likely to spot wildlife along the road as you drive up to Kuowhi.
5. Little River Road
There’s nothing little about the variety of animals you can see along Little River Road! Located between Gatlinburg and Townsend, this 18-mile road traverses alongside the Little River, passing overlooks, picnic areas, trailheads, and a waterfall along the journey. Some of the most commonly spotted Smoky Mountain wildlife along this road include black bears, deer, and turkeys.
Visit Tennessee Homemade Wines After Your Adventure
After a day of exploring the area and searching for Smoky Mountain wildlife, Tennessee Homemade Wines is the perfect place to unwind with a tasty wine in hand! Our Gatlinburg location is just a short drive from all of these top places to see area wildlife and we offer free tastings daily. You’ll find the most flavorful Southern sweet wines around and an awesome atmosphere that welcomes all. Before you stop by, make sure to take a look at all of our Tennessee wines to see what exactly we offer!
