Exploring the Wildlife Around Your Gatlinburg Cabin

The Smoky Mountains teem with wildlife, from gigantic elk to minuscule salamanders. Take time to enjoy the creatures around your Gatlinburg vacation cabin. Use these tips to spot wildlife easily! 

What animals should I look for?

Common sightings include white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and foxes. Less common are bobcats, coyotes, and black bears. Sixty-five mammal species live in East Tennessee’s mountains, and many of them wander the woods near cabins. 

From vivid scarlet tanagers to wild turkeys to rare long-eared owls, the diversity of birds is breathtaking.

Amphibians hold a special place here in “The Salamander Capital of the World”! Look for salamanders under rocks or leaves, and near streams. You might see a tiny, bright red salamander, or a foot-long “hellbender.”

How can I improve my chances of seeing wildlife near our cabin? 

You’re likelier to spot animals and birds if you try these ideas:

• Watch for wildlife in the early morning or late afternoon, when many animals forage.
• Use binoculars
• Try late-night wildlife watching. Animals including foxes, bobcats, and raccoons prefer the solitude of overnight hours.  
• Look in the trees, not just on the ground. You might spot squirrel dreys (nests) or even bears, who love to climb.
• Rent a cabin by a river or stream, to see animals drinking and using the waterway as a path.

What should I avoid doing?

Stay safe and keep animals safe, too: 

• Never feed any wild animal.
• Stay at least 150 feet from animals.
• Secure all garbage properly. Your cabin rental will include instructions about disposing of trash. Animals, including bears, will rip into garbage. 
• Never leave food in your car. Bears can smell food even if it's inside a locked vehicle.

Where else can I see wildlife? 

If you don’t spot many animals at your cabin, don’t worry! Try these locations: 

• Cades Cove: This beautiful valley is especially famed for wildlife sightings.
• Cataloochee: The area is home to two herds of stately elk.
• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Easy to access, this drive runs through a forest full of birds and animals.
• Ober Mountain: The amusement park features a wildlife encounter area with native animals. 

Stay in a Gatlinburg cabin and you’re always close to nature! Book your Smokies getaway now, and be sure to pack your binoculars.