Bears in the Smoky Mountains and Other Animals You Can See in the Area
When you bring your young athlete and their teammates to the Smoky Mountains for a tournament at our state-of-the-art sports complex, not only will you all be able to enjoy our amazing facilities, but you can also check out some of the incredible natural beauty that the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer. One of the best ways to admire nature here in the Smokies while bonding as a team is to go see some of the incredible animals that call the area home. From the infamous Black Bears to lots of other creatures, we have put together some helpful information to help you make the most of your trip and see the amazing animals that live here in the Smokies:
Where can you see bears in the Smoky Mountains?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers many opportunities to see bears, as there are roughly two bears per square mile throughout the park. You can see bears in the Smoky Mountains by going hiking, taking certain scenic drives, and more. Some of the best spots to see bears in the Smoky Mountains are along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, where they love to climb in the surrounding trees, and at Cades Cove, where the wide open areas allow for lots of bear sightings!
What other animals can you see in the Smokies?
Aside from bears in the Smoky Mountains, the area is home to many other incredible creatures that can be seen during your visit. Among these animals are white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, over 240 species of birds, and 30 species of salamanders. In fact, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known as the “salamander capital of the world” because so many varieties of this reptile call the area home and some of them can only be found here!
Where are the best places to see animals in the Smoky Mountains?
Typically, you will have the most luck trying to see animals in the Smoky Mountains if you go to areas with more open sight lines, such as Cades Cove. This is a particularly popular spot to go for seeing animals, as they frequently travel through the area and there are lots of open spaces that make viewing the animals easy.
When are the best times for spotting wildlife in the Smokies?
Animals are typically most active during times of day when humans are not commonly nearby. If you want to give yourselves the best chance to see animals, try going out in the early morning or in the evening to look for wildlife. Just make sure to pay attention to park hours!
How do you safely view animals in the Smoky Mountains?
It is important to follow a number of safety steps when looking to spot wildlife in the Smoky Mountains, both for the protection of the animals and all human visitors. Always make sure to stay at least 50 yards away from wildlife and do not disturb their habitat in any way. It can be a good idea to bring binoculars or a telescope along so that you can still get a great view from a safe distance.
Now that you know more about bears in the Smoky Mountains and the other creatures that call the area home, you are ready to hit the trails with your athlete and their teammates the next time you come to the Smokies for a tournament at Rocky Top Sports World. Not only do our facilities have everything you need to host a successful tournament, but your team will have a great time bonding here in the Smoky Mountains when you come to visit. Find out more information about our facilities and plan a tournament today at Rocky Top Sports World.
