Visit This US National Park For Incredible Views Of Black Bears

Although the U.S. National Park Service maintains more than 400 park units across the nation, some clearly stand out from the crowd. One national park in particular is at the top of many lists. It is considered to be one of the best national parks for freshwater fishing. However, it is also ranked as one of the most dangerous national parks in the U.S. It encompasses over half a million acres and takes in a portion of two states. It is the most visited national park in the United States, welcoming over 13 million visitors each year. Despite all those people entering the park, it is also considered the best destination for viewing black bears.

To that end, black bears are one of the reasons this park has so many visitors. Across North America, the black bear population has been growing in recent years. At the same time, bear viewing has been getting increasingly popular. Adventurers hoping to get a glimpse of these massive mammals should visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for incredible views of black bears.

While black bears are certainly one of the creatures to beware of when adventuring in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, they are also one of the park's biggest draws. But, the National Park Service's map of parks with bears shows a plethora of bear-viewing destinations. So, what makes the Great Smoky Mountains National Park the best of these?

For starters, it is a bear-friendly habitat. Black bears can and do inhabit every portion and every elevation of the park, meaning its 816 square miles is among the largest areas of protected bear territory. This is not only good for bears, but also for those hoping to see them. Since every inch of the park is bear habitat, there is no need for visitors to make a grueling trek to a certain elevation or part of the park. They have a good chance of seeing one wherever they happen to be within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Secondly, there are a lot of black bears living in the park. Estimates vary from 1,500 to nearly 2,000. Regardless of the exact number, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains a higher concentration of black bears than any other national park. Finally, while black bears can vary in color from muted brown to black, the bears within the GSMNP are dark black, which makes them stunningly contrast against mountains and forest. This is particularly good for photographic purposes.

While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the best place to see bears in their natural habitat, there are some steps visitors can take to increase their chances of success. Additionally, there are precautions they should follow to avoid negative encounters, such as a bluff charge or being attacked by a bear.

As far as viewing tips, try to visit during summer, which is when you are most likely to run into a bear. Bears are also fairly active during spring and fall, but are least active during winter. Within the GSMNP, it is also important to position yourself in fairly open areas, as so much of the park is densely wooded. Cades Cove and Cataloochee are two such areas. Additionally, those who wish to view from their vehicle have a good chance of seeing bears while driving the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

While viewing bears can be exhilarating, not every encounter goes well. The NPS states over 300 negative bear encounters are reported each year. There are steps people can take to prevent bad interactions. To begin with, whenever viewing bears, at the GSMNP or elsewhere, it is important to maintain a safe distance. In the national park, it is actually prohibited to approach bears or any other wildlife closer than 50 yards. Feeding, touching, and harassing them is prohibited as well. This will protect both the bear and viewer, as these are the types of behaviors that can incite an attack.