Viewing wildlife in the Smokies requires patience as most of the park is covered by dense forest. It is the open areas of Cataloochee or Cades Cove that might offer better opportunities to see white-tailed deer, black bear, raccoon, turkeys, woodchucks, and other animals.

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail allows motorists to view at a leisurely pace for observing wildlife. Wildlife is more visible during winters as deciduous trees lose their leaves. Commonly you may spot bobcats, foxes, beavers, coyotes, skunks, raccoons, red wolves, river otters, squirrels, hare and even minks.

Since most animals are not so active in the day time it is best to go out early mornings and evenings.

Smoky Mountains greatest delight is seeing a bear. There is approximately one bear per square mile in the Great Smoky Mountain National park although they are rarely seen except in Cades Cove that allows you the best chance to see one. Bears are most likely to be seen from spring to fall since they semi-hibernate in winters.