What is the best month to see bears in Cades Cove?
Late spring and early fall are particularly good times to visit if you’re looking for bears. Early morning (6 – 10 a.m.) and late afternoon ( 3 – 7 p.m.) are the best times for bear viewing in Cades Cove. In addition to bears, Cades Cove is a great place to see wild turkey, deer, raccoons, and groundhogs.
Where is the best place to see bears in the Smokies?
Cades Cove
Every year, thousands of vacationers see black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, mostly on the Tennessee side. According to numerous sources, the best place to see black bears is in Cades Cove, a few miles from Gatlinburg and Townsend, Tennessee.
How many black bears are in Cades Cove?
1,500 black bears
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.
What time is the best time to visit Cades Cove?
Late April to October is peak visiting time for the area. In spring you can expect to see beautiful spring flowers everywhere, and during the fall the mountains come alive with changing leaf colors. While you may not like traffic, fall is one of the best times to visit Cade Cove!
What time of day are bears most active in the Smoky Mountains?
Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Mating usually takes place in July. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather.
Is Cades Cove worth seeing?
Also, Cades Cove has so many wonderful activities to offer you and your family that it will be definitely worth the drive. Cades Cove is the most popular spot within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and it is something that you and your family are not going to want to miss out on.
Are there grizzly bears in Gatlinburg Tennessee?
Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,500 bears live in the park. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile.
What time of day are black bears most active in fall?
Daily Activity Period: Most bears become active a half-hour before sunrise, take a nap or two during the day, and bed down for the night an hour or two after sunset. However, some bears are active at night to possibly avoid people or other bears. Preferred Foods: Nuts, acorns, fruit, insects, succulent greens.
Is bear spray necessary in the Smoky Mountains?
Bear spray is legal for self defense in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Although you probably won’t need to use it, the peace of mind and security of knowing you have it on your hip so you can enjoy your hiking, camping or swimming is priceless.