If you’re scheduling a road trip to Tennessee, stop by the beautiful sights in the Smoky Mountains! These mountain ranges immerse you and your family in the sights and sounds of nature as you hike through the paths and enjoy the brisk breeze of mountain air. Take your adventure through one of these top wildlife viewing spots in the Smoky Mountains for the perfect photo opportunity.
1. Cades Cove
Cades Cove is an iconic and beloved spot for wildlife viewing in the Smoky Mountains. This picturesque valley features abundant wildlife and historic charm to offer a rich experience for nature enthusiasts.
Explore Diverse Wildlife at Cades Cove
Cades Cove is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and coyotes. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to catch sight of these magnificent creatures.
The 11-mile loop road around the cove allows you to witness these animals in their natural habitat from the safety of your vehicle. For the best visibility, bring along a pair of binoculars for a closer look at turkey flocks roaming in the meadows or bears foraging by the forest edge.
Step Back in Time With Historical Cabins
Aside from wildlife, Cades Cove also features restored historical buildings such as primitive cabins, grist mills, and churches from the 19th century. Explore the rich history as you wait for wildlife to cross your path.
2. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
One of the Smoky Mountains’ hidden gems, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is accessible and fun for the whole family. It offers incredible vistas and is a favorite for spotting some of the area’s lively woodland creatures.
Spot Birds and Red Foxes by Babbling Brooks
This one-way loop trail runs alongside streams, waterfalls, and dense forests to create a perfect setting for bird-watchers and animal lovers. Keep your eyes peeled for red foxes darting through the undergrowth or woodpeckers perched on nearby tree trunks tapping away. Early risers often have the best chance of spotting elusive species here.
Breathe In Tranquility by the Streams
Aside from the wildlife wandering around the trail, the whispering streams and the serenity of Roaring Fork also enrich the visitor experience. Pause along designated spots to snap photos of cascading falls and keep an ear out for the melodic songs of warblers flitting through the area.
3. Kuwohi
At 6,643 feet, Kuwohi is the highest point in the area, which is the perfect spot for travelers to view wildlife in the Smoky Mountains. If you’re not afraid of trekking through this steep hiking trail, you’ll find all kinds of animals and plants around the area.
Elevate Your Views and Wildlife Sightings
Reach Kuwohi’s iconic observation tower through a short hike for panoramic views. Along the trail, you may encounter small mammals like squirrels and larger ones such as black bears. The forests around Kuwohi are also home to salamanders, making it an enticing spot for families looking for uncommon species.
Discover Plant Species Above the Clouds
The high elevations create a unique ecosystem filled with rare plants and moss-draped trees. These features attract species of insects and birds you won’t find at lower elevations. Explore the biodiversity that thrives in this cooler, mist-laden environment.
4. Cataloochee Valley
Cataloochee Valley is a hidden gem tucked into the eastern end of the park, known for its peaceful atmosphere and diverse wildlife. Get in your vehicle and plan a scenic picnic surrounded by the natural wildlife at Cataloochee Valley!
Witness Elk Roaming the Meadows
Reintroduced to the Smoky Mountains in 2001, elk now roam freely in the Cataloochee Valley. Spot these majestic creatures grazing in open fields during dawn or dusk. Hearing their distinctive bugling calls, especially in the fall mating season, is a soothing sound that creates an unforgettable experience for you and your family.
Relive History Among Rustic Structures
While waiting for wildlife to emerge, explore old barns, schoolhouses, and homes that reflect the Valley’s rich cultural past. These historic sites provide a peaceful retreat and photo-worthy moments for visitors.
5. Little River Road
Little River Road is a scenic drive that offers endless opportunities for wildlife spotting and breathtaking views. If you’re looking for aquatic life, Little River Road is the perfect opportunity to see these animals and fish in their natural habitat.
Spot Turtles by the Water
This route is perfect for observing aquatic wildlife. Look out for river turtles sunbathing on rocks and otters playfully swimming in the shallow waters. Birds of prey like osprey are also common sights as they fly above the river hunting for fish.
Discover Quiet Pull-Offs for Photography
The numerous pull-offs along Little River Road make it easy to park and snap stunning photos of the surrounding scenery. From scenic river bends to shaded woodlands, it’s a tranquil drive with plenty of surprises in store.
6. Newfound Gap
At the lowest elevation of the Smoky Mountains, Newfound Gap provides a mix of history, stunning landscapes, and a chance to spot wildlife in diverse habitats. Navigate through this path to experience all the sights of the mountain range in just an hour’s drive!
Traverse Diverse Ecosystems
Connecting lowland forests with higher-altitude ecosystems, the road to Newfound Gap introduces you to a wide range of wildlife. You can commonly find bears, deer, and turkeys along the trail, while higher elevations host unique bird species like juncos.
Immerse Yourself in Panoramic Vistas
The views at Newfound Gap are unforgettable for travelers visiting Tennessee for the first time. Stand at the overlook and scan the horizon for eagles soaring above the ridges. This area creates an inspiring and serene moment of connection with nature.
7. Greenbrier
Greenbrier is a lesser-known treasure in the Smoky Mountains that offers a quieter and more intimate wildlife experience compared to the other trails. To observe the wildlife without the hustle and bustle of travelers, head down to Greenbrier!
Explore Vibrant Streams for Trout
Fishermen and nature enthusiasts alike flock to Greenbrier for its clear, trout-filled streams. The area’s aquatic life makes it an interesting spot for both anglers and photographers.
Enjoy Solitude Among Lush Greenery
Greenbrier is often less busy than more popular areas in the park, which increases your chances of encountering undisturbed wildlife. Enjoy a peaceful picnic or stroll through fern-laden trails as you connect with nature.
Ready to find what awaits your family in the Smoky Mountains? While many of these places are accessible through hiking trails, the best way to access these scenic places is by taking a vehicle through the tough terrain.
Our team at RideOn Rentals offers UTV rentals in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to get you and your family around the Smoky Mountains quickly and safely. Book your rental for your next family trip and cruise around the Smoky Mountains today!
