The Number One Place to See Bears in Great Smoky National Park
When I checked into my campsite at Cades Cove, nestled in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, I had to ask the ranger (Here we go with making friends with park rangers!) where the best place to see bears from a safe distance is. He told me there was an 11-mile loop, also called Cades Cove, right down from where I was camping! He assured me that I would see bears.
Now, I was a bit skeptical because my luck with seeing black bears is not good. Every time I go to Colorado, my friend runs into them, but when I come, I feel like I am a human can of bear spray, and they stay away.
But…he was right!
Cades Cove is the number one place to see black bears. During my three days there, I saw over 12 bears, including many baby bears and a male bear trying to go after a mom and her cubs to kill the cubs! If you don’t know, male bears will try to kill the cubs to force the female bear back into heat.
Such gentlemen, right?
With this blog post, I will share some history of the loop, the best times to go, when to see wildlife, and what types are there!
Driving the Cades Cove Loop
As I mentioned above, this 11-mile, one-way loop road offers a picturesque journey through a lush valley surrounded by majestic mountains. It provides visitors with a glimpse into the diverse wildlife and rich history of the area. The valley was once home to a community of settlers, and many of their historic buildings have been preserved and restored. You can even pull over and explore places like the John Oliver Cabin, Primitive Baptist Church, and Cable Mill.
Wildlife Watching
This was truly the highlight! To be honest, I didn’t stop at the historic buildings above; I was on a mission to see wildlife, and boy, I was rewarded! The best times to go are early morning and late afternoon to spot animals such as white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and coyotes. When I went, it was always right before sunset.
You can bike, hike, or drive the loop, but there is one thing to note: the rangers will close down the road to cars after sunset.
Best Times to Visit
I was there mid-May, which was a great time to see wildlife. But here is a great breakdown for each season since this loop provides different experiences.
Spring (March to May): The valley comes alive with blooming wildflowers and lush greenery. Wildlife is also more active during this season.
Summer (June to August): While summer can be busy, it's a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. The weather is warm, and the days are long, providing plenty of daylight for exploration.
Fall (September to November): Fall is arguably the most popular time to visit Cades Cove. The autumn foliage transforms the valley into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. This is also a great time for wildlife viewing as animals prepare for winter.
Winter (December to February): Winter offers a quieter experience with fewer visitors. The landscape takes on a serene beauty, and you might even see snow-capped mountains. However, some facilities may be closed, and road conditions can be unpredictable.
Practical Tips
To make the most of your visit to Cades Cove, here are a few practical tips:
Arrive early: The loop can get crowded, especially during peak seasons. Arriving early in the morning will help you avoid the crowds and increase your chances of spotting wildlife. Also, please pull over while driving the loop to allow others to drive past you. One night, while I was out, it was a hot mess because people forgot to follow this rule, making it hard to drive the pass.
Respect wildlife: Give them space. Don’t get close to the bears. I know they look cute—especially cubs—but protect wildlife by allowing them to be wild. You will save their lives and your own!
Bring binoculars: Wildlife can often be seen from a distance, so having binoculars on hand will enhance your viewing experience.
Go at sunset: I am partial to this time since I went each night, but the sunsets are amazing!
Go even if it’s raining: Bears typically don’t like weather—but I saw a bear just chilling in a tree during a downpour!
Cades Cove Loop is such a gem to explore, even if you don’t camp at the campground. It was a nice way to take in the Smokies from a different perspective than hiking in the mountains! Let me know in the comments what you thought about Cades Cove, and tell me how many bears you saw!