When you think of exotic wildlife, your mind may travel to faraway nature parks in Africa and South America — but there’s a world-class wildlife reserve here in Tennessee, in the Smoky Mountains. Elk, coyotes, black bears, and bobcats are just a few of the animals that can be found throughout the national park, along with the majestic avian species that migrate through the Appalachian region each year. Here’s a guide to where and how to locate each one.

Elk

Elk sightings are fairly common in the Cattaloochee Valley, near Maggie Valley, as a herd of the species was reintroduced to this part of the Smokies in the early 2000s. Roughly 200 elk populate the area today, so hawk-eyed visitors have periodically caught sightings of the creatures, especially in the morning and evening. 

Coyotes

Coyotes are among several canine species that inhabit the Cades Cove area of Smoky Mountain National Park, but due to their nocturnal schedules, it can be notoriously difficult to track these creatures down. Your best bet is to use your ears, rather than eyes, to seek them out; their shrill, piercing howls have been known to echo through Cades Cove.

Black Bears

Black bears inhabit so much of eastern Tennessee that they’re practically synonymous with the Smokies themselves. There’s no need to gravitate toward a specific valley or trail for a sighting (although Cades Cove and the Little River are known to attract larger groups) — it’s recently been estimated that there’s an average of two bears per square mile of the park.

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Fun Fact Friday: did you know that the black bear cubs you see in the summer and fall are being born right around now? After a female black bear goes into her winter den when the weather turns cooler in the late fall, she goes into a deep sleep rather than a true hibernation. It’s during this sleep, usually in January or February, that her cubs are born! Mama and cubs will emerge from their den between late March and early April. While we’re talking about bears, friendly reminder that no matter how cute they might look, it is NEVER safe to approach a bear. Remember to always give any wildlife at least 150 feet of distance so that you can safely enjoy the land they call home! Photo: Warren Bielenberg

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Bobcats

Bobcats are highly camouflaged, as well extremely shy and reclusive, so your chances of spotting one are close to zero. If you’re intent on giving it a try, however, previous sightings have often occurred near the bear and coyote sightings, around Cades Cove.

Birds

Warblers, thrushes, sapsuckers, cuckoos, owls, and peregrine falcons are just a handful of the birds known to migrate to areas like Grotto Falls, Alum Cave, Mount LeConte, and Clingman’s Dome. Read up on your avian of choice before picking your birding destination— different species are attracted to different elevations and climate throughout the park.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee isn’t just a fantastic place to eat and drink , celebrate the holidays , and ride roller coasters — it’s also a great destination to stock up on your favorite name-brand clothing, housewares, and appliances, at unbeatable prices. Here’s a guide to the town’s fantastic selection of outlet shops, from Osh’Kosh & Carter’s to Big Dog Sportswear to Tanger Outlets Sevierville.

Osh’Kosh & Carter’s Childrenswear

Visit the OshKosh & Carter’s outlet to stock up on children’s clothing. The Pigeon Forge Factory Outlets location features everything from graphic tees to the OshKosh signature overalls.

L’eggs-Hanes-Bali-Playtex

The local L’eggs-Hanes-Bali-Playtext outposts sells lingerie, hosiery, and shapewear by not just its namesake brands, but Champion, Maidenform, and others.

Big Dog Sportswear

The Pigeon Forge Big Dog Sportswear store is the only Big Dog location in the world. Peruse an extensive selection of tees, shorts, and fleeces bearing the signature dog-print logo.

Corningware Corelle & More

The Pigeon Forge Factory Outlets location of Corningware Corelle & More is the perfect place for cooking and dining supplies, with its extensive dishware, bakeware, and silverware supply.

The Candle Carvers

Scented candles, lighthouse candles, and hurricane lamps, as well as delicious fresh fudge, are for sale at charming Riverview Outlet Mall shop The Candle Carvers.

Handbag Superstore

The Factory Outlets’ resident handbag emporium houses totes, shoulder bags, and crossbody bags, along with wallets, clutches, and purse organizers.

Rack Room Shoes

Specializing in casual, athletic, and formal footwear, Rack Room Shoes is your one-stop shop for sneakers, sandals, boots, and flats.

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Weather or not, #Sperry boots are everyday faves.

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Country Music USA

CDs, box sets, music accessories, and instruments are available at this tribute to all things country.

Souvenir World

Commemorate your Pigeon Forge getaway with a Tennessee-inspired T-shirt or refrigerator magnet from the only souvenir outlet in the Smoky Mountain region.

There’s so much to discover in the Great Smoky Mountains — America’s most visited national park — and surrounding East Tennessee. Get to know the region using our below guide to its day-trip destinations, from the cascades of Deep Creek’s Three Waterfalls Loop to the coasters of Dollywood.

Upper Pigeon River

The Upper Pigeon River is the Smokies’ whitewater-rafting capital, with lush riverbanks and class three and four rapids. Through companies such as Smoky Mountain Rafting and Rafting in the Smokies, you can explore them on tours of up to six and a half miles, providing a more adventurous kind of day trip.

Cattaloochee Valley

Wildlife lovers can’t get enough of the Cattalloochee Valley, where the state re-introduced a herd of elk back in 2001. But this is also a popular destination among hikers and history enthusiasts, thanks to its horse camp, seven miles of nature trails, and nineteenth-century chapel.

Deep Creek

The Deep Creek area is known for boasting many of the Smokies’ pretties waterfalls, which can be accessed on routes like the Three Waterfalls Loop and Deep Creek-Indian Creek loop. It also houses one of the area’s best mountain-biking trails, so it’s another great choice for active travelers.

Off-Roading Trails

While your car can take you along main roads through the mountains, you’ll need an ATV or UTV to visit the backroads. For this reason, many people sign up for a drive with one of the area’s off-roading outfits, such as Smoky Mountain Adventure Tours. You can also rent vehicles independently through groups like Mtn Trax.

Old Mill District

It’s definitely worth a visit to the Old Mill District, centered around a nineteenth-century gristmill. With charming shops, a general store, and a central square, the National Register of Historic Places-designated landmark is a fascinating place to learn about the area’s pioneer history.

Record-Setting Bridges

One of Gatlinburg’s coolest day-trip spots is also one of its newest attractions: the 680-ft. SkyBridge, opened May 2019. If you’re looking to make a day just out of such unique and record-setting bridges, America’s longest swinging bridge is just 30 minutes away, in Sevierville.

Clingman’s Dome

For unbelievable views, you must visit Clingman’s Dome, which is among the highest mountains in the eastern U.S., and the highest in Tennessee. On a clear day, the lookout’s vistas sweep all the way over the surrounding coniferous rainforest and often more than 100 miles out.

*Note that the road to the lookout closes from December 1-March 31, and when weather conditions require.

Star of Knoxville

For a classic experience of not just Tennessee, but the American South, take a river cruise aboard the paddlewheeler The Star of Knoxville. Here, you can admire the tulips, dogwoods, or fall foliage along the banks, depending on the time of year, and sample hearty barbecue fare.