Best Spots for Wildlife Viewing in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, nestled at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing. The park's diverse ecosystem is home to a vast array of animals, making it a fantastic destination for nature lovers. Here's a guide to the best spots for wildlife viewing in and around Gatlinburg, complete with local insights and tips to enhance your experience.

Cades Cove

• Overview: Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's an excellent spot for viewing a wide range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, turkeys, and many other species.
• Interesting Facts: The loop road that circles the cove provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing from your vehicle, and the area's rich history is evident in the preserved homesteads and churches dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Visitor Tips: Arrive early in the morning or later in the day for the best wildlife viewing opportunities and fewer crowds. The loop is a one-way road and can take 2-4 hours to explore, especially if you take time to stop and enjoy the scenery.
• Directions: From Gatlinburg, take the main parkway south through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Follow the signs to Cades Cove, which is about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive, depending on traffic.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

• Overview: This is a lesser-known gem compared to Cades Cove but equally fascinating for wildlife enthusiasts. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a one-way loop road that offers a closer look at the Smoky Mountains' natural beauty, including streams, old-growth forest, and a variety of wildlife.
• Interesting Facts: The trail is home to many species of animals, including black bears, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. It also provides access to trailheads for several hikes, where you can further explore the area's wildlife.
• Visitor Tips: The road is narrow and winding, so take it slow and keep your eyes peeled for animals, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The trail is closed in winter, so plan your visit between spring and fall.
• Directions: Roaring Fork is accessible via the Historic Nature Trail Road at traffic light #8 in Gatlinburg. The drive to the entrance of the motor trail is about 15 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg.

Newfound Gap Road

• Overview: Connecting Gatlinburg, TN, to Cherokee, NC, Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) traverses the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This route offers stunning panoramic views and diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush forests to subalpine conditions at higher elevations, making it a hotspot for viewing wildlife.
• Interesting Facts: At an elevation of 5,046 feet, Newfound Gap itself is a great place to see elk, especially in the early morning or late evening. The road also offers access to several trails and viewpoints where visitors can spot various wildlife.
• Visitor Tips: Keep your distance from wildlife, especially bears and elk. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to observe animals safely. Remember, it's illegal and dangerous to approach or feed wildlife in the national park.
• Directions: Newfound Gap Road starts in Gatlinburg and heads south through the national park. The drive to Newfound Gap takes approximately 30 minutes without stops, but allow several hours to fully enjoy the views and wildlife.

Conclusion

Gatlinburg and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing. Whether you're driving through Cades Cove, exploring the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, or traversing Newfound Gap Road, you're sure to encounter the rich biodiversity that makes this area so special. Remember to respect wildlife, keep a safe distance, and preserve the natural beauty of these habitats for future generations to enjoy.