Top Places for Wildlife Viewing in the Smoky Mountains

Everyone puts fun into their vacation, but few can say they experience wildlife in person unless they spend time in the Smokies. Since the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a thriving habitat filled with a multitude of animal and plant species, there’s no better place to surround yourself with nature. Those who want to see habitants of the Smokies need to look no further than these three top places for wildlife viewing in the Smoky Mountains.
Cades Cove
This is one of the best places to catch sight of deer, birds, elk and the occasional bear. Cades Cove is mainly made up of valleys surrounded by mountains, so animals can enjoy the sunshine of the open fields and the safety of the tree-covered hills. Look closely, and you might even see a bear sitting atop a branch. Many visitors have gotten great photos of bears from below, but, just remember, don’t get too close.
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Named after the fast-flowing stream running through the area, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a winding mountain road. The six mile trail is filled with views of mountain streams, old forests and historic buildings. The slow drive encourages drivers to take time to really enjoy the view without the rush of traffic and other drivers. Since speeds are so low, motorists catch more glimpses of wildlife, especially in winter when the trees are without leaves.
Cataloochee
This is the best place to see elk in the Smoky Mountains. Wildlife viewing here is just one of the amazing things to do. There are historic buildings along with hills and valleys to explore. There are tons of wildflowers in the area in spring, so be sure to check out the fauna and vegetation while exploring.
If you haven’t gotten enough nature viewing in your system by the time you visit these three places to see wildlife in the Smoky Mountains, Alpine Chalet Rentals invites you to stay in one of our Gatlinburg chalets, where you can enjoy mountain views and wildlife viewing from the comfort of your own covered porch. Call us today at (800) 235-2661 to find a cabin with spectacular views, perfect for spotting wildlife any time of year.