The scenery was beautiful, and we were lucky enough to be able to spot two different mama bears with their three cubs apiece! Use a telefoto lens, binoculars, or a spotting scope to view bears. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you. For avid bear watchers and lovers of the mountains, the ever-popular Cades C. Cades Cove. Cades Cove. Even horseback riding through Cades Cove Riding Stables is an option to soak in the wild side of the Smoky Mountains. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! If you are planning a trip to the Smokies, you may be wondering when the best time to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is. This California National Park With Towering Redwoods Also Has Some of the Most Beautiful Wildflowers in the U.S. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. Because it's a single-lane road, be prepared to stop frequentlythe slow pace makes it easy to enjoy the amazing mountain landscapes, wildflower meadows, and diverse wildlife. Bear sightings are most common in early morning and late evening when the bears are most active, so if you are wanting to catch a glimpse of a wild bear, the best times are as follows: Late afternoon about 2 hours before sunset. Keep your eyes on the trees. Go in the morning(6 a.m. to 10 a.m.) or late afternoon(3 - 7 p.m.). You'll likely work up an appetite after venturing through the meadows of Cades Cove. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. But the scenery was lovely & peaceful, and the view from the Overlook was gorgeous! They have a family of black bears that includes Minnie, BJ, Holly and Chief, and they are part of this zoo encounter in all but the winter months, when they hibernate. You can learn more about hibernation here. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Learn the best times to visit Cades Cove if you want to avoid traffic, want to see wildlife, or take some stunning photos of the area! And, after a long day of taking in the black-eyed Susan, you'll appreciate the opportunity to unwind with its variety of locally sourced culinary dishes and nightly fire pits. Other bear safety tip scan be found here: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/black-bears.htm. Best place to see black bears. From mid-May to late September (exact dates are on the Great Smoky Mountain website) car are not able to enter the one way loop on Wednesday and Saturday until 10AM so people can bike/hike the loop. The best time to visit Buenos Aires is in the spring (September to November) or during the fall (March to May). In July and August, the visitor center opens at 9 am and closes at 7 pm. According to the National Park Service, the best time to try and see them is May through August, giving you plenty of time to catch a glimpse. This is in the spring and summer months, and keep in mind that in winter the bears are hibernating so you wont see any bears in mid-to late December through about March. You can read more about the Three Bears General Store here. Ive only made this drive a couple of times and havent been in a while but its definitely very neat and if you are a photographer you can get some good pics of nature and your family. There is an 11-mile scenic route that has become a main attraction; its a great way to experience the Smokies, and the drive has earned a great reputation as a hub for black bears. How Many Bears Live in the Smoky Mountains? Yes, the scenery was beautiful. The winter months are slower, and you have the chance to see snow in Cades Cove, as long as the roads are safe, which is a spectacular sight to see! One things for sure: whether you see a black bear or not, the experience of exploring Cades Cove alone is well worth the trip. Short and Sweet: the best time to visit Montreal is early summer and early fall. Dont want to lug your bike to the mountains? We stopped there and took lots of family pictures.Before we saw any bears, though, we had come across one "Park Volunteer" who seemed a little put out to answer any questions. The scenic driving tour through the Cades Cove Loop takes approximately two to four hours depending on traffic. Daily Hours Cades Cove is open year round and daily, weather permitting. The site also provides charcoal grills to smoke some delicious eats. We have seen bears on several occasions, both in Cades Cove and also while hiking in the National Park. Cades Cove is home to some of the absolute best parts of Smoky Mountains including historic cabins, sprawling meadows, deer, elk, and the park favorite - black bears. We met folks that absolutely love the Cades Loop and do it every year. Go horseback riding at the Cades Cove Stables. On our first trip back to Cades Cove since it reopened we saw many black bears, deer, and turkeys. Oh my. Cades Cove Sightseeing Bus Tour from Pigeon Forge 35 Bus Tours from C$103.71 per adult Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour 2 Full-day Tours from C$17.96 per group (up to 8) Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove Self-Driving Bundle Tours 12 Adventure Tours from C$23.49 per group (up to 4) What time is the best time to visit Cades Cove? It closes at 8 pm from late April to early September and sunset on other dates. Use the bathroom and make your kids do so before! Back away slowly, give them their space, and never approach them for both your and their safety. The reason for this is somewhat of a mystery except for the fact that bears are not interested in being seen by humans. You can zip around and hope to spot a bear or two, or you can stop and take your time at the many landmarks along the way, a drive that could stretch to 4, 5, even 6 hours if youd like. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. This is also a great time to take pictures in the Cove. Early morning (6 10 a.m.) and late afternoon ( 3 7 p.m.) are the best times for bear viewing in Cades Cove. Enjoy viewing the bears from the two level observation facility. Now that you know the best times to visit Cades Cove, find out what the weather in Cades Cove is like throughout the year so you can be prepared for your visit! A dollar or two helps us more than you know and is ALWAYS much appreciated!PayPal https://paypal.me/questcapsuleFollow us on Social Media! The park has worked hard to educate people on this matter and thus there are more bears living in the park than ever before. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. The 11-mile loop road circumnavigates the large meadow giving your family incredible views of the creatures inhabiting the area. Though, if you cant muster up the strength at dawn, give dusk a try as the late afternoon and evening hours present another great opportunity to catch sight of a black bear. You may also encounter turkey, foxes, ground hogs, racoons, river otters, owls, salamanders, a variety of small birds, and more! To ensure you see a bear when you are on your vacation, check out one of these great bear encounters where you can view live bears in a safe environment. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. All around Tennessee towns and parks sell t-shirts and hoodies with black bears on them, mugs with a charismatic bear on it. Marietta, Georgia 2 Votes Keep in mind that bears hibernate in the dead of winter. Here, visitors find some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Though, if traveling slow isnt your game, choose to go on a weekday as the cove tends to become more crowded on the weekends. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. Approximately 1,500 black bears live in the park; this is the largest population ever recorded in the Smokies. Find out where to see bears in Gatlinburg for 2023. Here's how to plan a trip right now. By the time you get to where the bear was sighted, it has gone away. DONT DO THIS. As a bonus, from early May to late September, only cyclists and hikers are allowed on the loop until 10:00 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday, giving people a chance to hear, feel, and experience nature in the Smokies. One of our favorite spots in Cades Cove is the Pearl Harbor Tree. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 3. It's definitely worth a visit and you get to see amazing historic buildings as well. In addition to bears, Cades Cove is a great place to see wild turkey, deer, raccoons, and groundhogs. There's something truly magical about the nature here. Mountains. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We finally got a real answer out of her -- the Overlook and near Abram's Falls -- which was why we made sure to go to both of those places.Be sure to stop by the gift shop on the way out. 1. I highly recommend this visit to travelers. Learn more. Chillicothe, Ohio When is the best time of year to see wildlife such as bears in particular at Cades Cove? August starts to get pretty hot and the chance of rain increases this month. Free shipping for many products! These hours are reduced a bit in September and October, opening at 9 am and closing at 6:30 pm. Sunny skies, lush greenery, dense meadows, impulsive showers, rushing waters, grazing wildlife, foraging bearssummertime at Cades Cove, one of the most visited sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is beautiful to say the least. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. This is a really neat place to go and you can get tickets to their multiple attractions or just the wildlife encounter. So pack accordingly. No matter the time of year that you visit, Cades Cove is always beautiful and each trip is unique! Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains sits just an hour's drive from Cades Cove and offers a unique accommodation choice. Just use common sense and be respectful when viewing these beautiful animals! They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Preferred Foods: Nuts, acorns, fruit, insects, succulent greens. Though not widely known, black bears are actually pretty decent swimmers, so dont be afraid to check out the nearby waters from a distance. The tree serves as a reminder of what happened in 1941 and to honor those who died. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. It can really vary based on how available food is but generally black bears will go into hibernation sometime around September October and remain dormant through April. 9 Amazing Animals That Live On Mountains (With Pictures), Smoky Mountains Wildlife (12 Species With Pictures), these basic guidelines for bear encounters, List of Tennessee State Animals and Plants, 10 Types of Turtles in Michigan (With Pictures), 22 Types of Turtles in Alabama (Pictures), 9 Types of Turtles in Minnesota (Pictures), 14 Types of Turtles in Texas (With Pictures), 13 Types of Turtles in North Carolina (Pictures). Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. Look for bears in route to Cades Cove as well. An approximately 11-mile one-way loop road surrounds the valley. If you want to be sure to see a black bear, this is one of the places to go. Traffic Issues at Cades Cove Cades Cove's popularity comes with a price. Lets just say this was a BUST for my family. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail If a bear just leisurely approaches you at your campsite or while you are out hiking, you should scare it off with loud noises like Get out of here bear! Something like that. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Corelle recommends using their pre-2005 dishes as decorative pieces due to concerns for high levels of Lead. Now that you know about the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, keep in mind that bears and all the other wildlife in the park are unpredictable and it is always important to keep safety in mind when wildlife viewing! First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. They have an amazing 5000 square foot habitat with a pond and waterfall, and each bear has an individual den. Remember, many Black bears live in the area, so be mindful. $7 for a hamburger!). Keep your distance from cubs, as the mama bear will be close by and may see you as a threat to her young. Its common knowledge that black bears can be seen all over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains National Park, we were excited to see one right out in the creek outside of our hotel room. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. In general, anywhere in the park is a good place to see bears. Be sure to say hello and leave a comment!Facebook https://www.facebook.com/questcapsuleTwitter https://www.twitter.com/questcapsuleInstagram https://www.instagram.com/questcapsuleQuest Capsule - 2021================= Adorable Cades Cove bear cubs cross the road with mama bear. Top 4 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains Parking Pass, 4 Interesting Facts About The Cades Cove Loop, 3 Interesting Facts About Hyatt Lane in Cades Cove, Your Guide to Abrams Creek Fishing in Cades Cove, 3 Tips for Planning Your Spring Stay at The Cades Cove Campground, Top 4 Things You Need to Know About the Cades Cove Bike Rentals. Rent a few for the whole family at the Cades Cove Campground Store at only $7.50 per hour for adults and $4.50 per hour for kids. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Its worth it when you do see one. In addition, our knowledge about black bears continues to grow, thanks to professors and researchers at the University of Tennessee who have been studying the black bears of the Smokies since 1968. The weather is generally mild, with average temperatures around 22C (72F), and a mix of sunny and rainy days. The loop is an 11-mile paved one-way road that has breathtaking views of the mountains, wildflower meadows, and the park's diverse wildlife. Keep in mind that bears hibernate in the dead of winter. CADES COVE WILDLIFE. Spring has officially sprung in the Great Smoky Mountains. July 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Saw bear, horses and wild Turkeys. - See 5,518 traveler reviews, 6,311 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. Our familys favorite sighting was on the Laurel Falls Trail, where we saw a mother and two cubs further up the mountain (away from the trails), and that is not part of the Cades Cove Loop. They have a small concession stand inside as well, but the prices are exorbitant ($5.75 for a soft pretzel & cheese! If a bear stops what it is doing and watches you, you are too close. In addition to bears, Cades Cove is a great place to see wild turkey, deer, raccoons, and groundhogs. However, some bears are active at night to possibly avoid people or other bears. With temperatures ranging between the mid-70s and 80s, it is certainly cooler than most places in summer, making it a great location to take an early morning cycle or a leisurely evening drive. Bring binoculars! Late spring and early fall are particularly good times to visit if you're looking for bears. Late spring and early fall are particularly good times to visit if youre looking for bears. It truly helps and allows us to explore new, interesting places and the time and efforts involved in creating new vlog content for you to enjoy! These shoulder seasons have fewer tourists than summer, reasonably priced hotels, and the best weather and events of the year. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! The Cades Cove Loop Road is a 11 mile long loop road that circles the cove and provides access to the attractions in Cades Cove. There are several food items that can be found up there. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,500 bears live in the park. Spring has officially sprung in the Great Smoky Mountains. Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park and ski resort in Gatlinburg, and they have a wildlife encounter where you can see black bears, river otters, birds of prey, and more. This helps with congestion in the park and will help you get a better viewing experience. However, bears can be spotted in the mornings and throughout the afternoon, so dont become discouraged if traveling to the Cove late in the day doesnt fit your time schedule. If a bear makes a move towards you or makes loud noises or swats the ground, it is demanding more space. Learn more. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. Its in a quieter and more remote part of the park, so bears like to forage in this area. Even if stuck at the back of a Cades Cove bear jam.A CADES COVE State of Mind - SECRETS To Seeing Bears and ENJOYING Every Trip Around The Loop #cadescove #cadescovebears #cadescovetipsIf you enjoyed this content, please subscribe to our channel and join the Quest Capsule family. If youre looking for a great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, we recommend checking out Cades Cove or one of the other areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are 3 golden times to visit Cades Cove throughout the day: Wildlife can be spotted in Cades Cove throughout the entire year! Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. Want to get listed and grow your business? If you see a bear on the trail, back away slowly and give the bear plenty of room to move off the trail. The best opportunities for seeing bears are in late spring and early fall in the mornings from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and again in the early evenings from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. There's no guarantee that you'll see bears, but if you do, don't approach them. If youve never seen an elk in person youll be amazed at how large these majestic creatures are. Major attractions include the Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo, Lookout . Regardless if you get to see the elusive black bears or not, you will undoubtedly enjoy your time in the Smokies simply because of the other kinds of wildlife and all the wonderful natural beauty present there.
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