Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas on the East Coast. There are many ways to experience the park, and one of the most rewarding is to rent a nearby cabin and set out early to search for the park’s amazing wildlife. However, spotting the black bears and elk that the park is famous for can be tricky unless you know where to go. Here are four locations that are excellent for viewing wildlife.

4 Places to Spot Smoky Mountain Wildlife

1. Cades Cove

While most of the national park is dense and forested, Cades Cove is a rare open valley landscape. That makes it easier to spot the white-tailed deer that come to feed in the valley around dusk and dawn. It’s also a good place to try to see a black bear. The 11-mile one-way loop around the valley gives you a unique opportunity to look for bears from the safety of your car. 

2. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Roaring Fork is a 5.5-mile one-way loop that winds you past mountain streams and log cabins, right through waterfall country. The road is famously home to wild turkeys, which can be spotted around sunrise and sunset. It’s also a popular spot among black bears because of all the excellent berry foraging along the side of the road. 

3. Elkmont

For two weeks every year, Elkmont becomes an otherworldly breeding ground for synchronous fireflies. Synchronous fireflies are just one of nineteen firefly species in the park, but they are the only kind that can synchronize their flashing patterns. It makes for a gorgeous display. However, if you’re planning on visiting, note that the park issues permits by lottery for the short mating seasons. You’ll also want to reserve your cabin rental far in advance.

4. Cataloochee

Located on the North Carolina side of the park, Cataloochee Valley is a famous elk-viewing spot. It’s just a short day trip from most lodging on the Tennessee side of the park. Elk used to be native to the park, but their population dwindled as a result of hunting. A program to reintroduce the elk began in 2001; now there are over 200 elk in the park. 

American Patriot Getaways offers a variety of pet-friendly and group cabin vacation rentals through the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg region. Whether you’re looking for a log cabin or a luxury cabin, you’ll find your ideal lodging in their wide selection of options. Their Pigeon Forge rentals offer gorgeous secluded cabins off the beaten path and rustic cabins with a view of the amazing Smoky Mountains. For family summer fun with easy water access, ask about their Gatlinburg options. Call (800) 204-5169 for more information or visit their website.