Hi There!

We will be going to the Smokey Mountains...Gatlinburg TN area. Wondering where is the most likely spot to spot black bears? We've been to the picnic area in the Smokeys before and have never been fortunate?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

I've heard of bear sightings in Cades Cove, but still you have to be lucky. As far as seeing colors next week, it still might be a little early for that.

Two secrets for seeing bears (and other wildlife):

1) Get as far away from crowds as you can. Bears don't like people (if they don't, the bears usually end up dead), so you have to get on trails to increase your odds. I'm glad to say that you are no longer likely to see wild bears from your car anywhere in the US.
2) Get out at dusk. Bears do most of their eating at dark. So try to get out and about as daylight is going away.

The combination of the above: away from people, during dark, and around bears can result in serious situations if you're not prepared. Be aware, know how to get back in less than perfect light, and be willing to say "Better luck next time" before it gets too dark for you to walk around safely.

All and all, however, seeing a bear is as much a matter of luck as it is good planning.

It really is a matter of luck, right place at right time. I was born in Smokies 47 years ago, have probably seen less than 10 in my life. Plus crowds on top of crowds when bears are sighted. Best places? 441 Cherokee to Gatlinburg, Newfound Gap Rd. area, Roaring Fork motor trail, and Cades Cove Loop. As bear population has increased over the years there may be a chance; good luck! Remember though bears are easily agitated by you being in their "space" and feeding is a big fine.

My last two trips to Cades Cove, once this past May and then a couple of years ago in November, we saw a mother bear and two babies. In May they were all in a tree and very easy to see. Just follow the crowd. If you see a bunch of cars pulled over, they probably have bears or deer in sight.