Tag: black bears

Smoky Mountains September 16, 2026

Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains: Where to See Them & How to Stay Safe

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to approximately 1,900 black bears — about two per square mile — one of the densest populations in the eastern United States. The odds of seeing one during a multi-day visit are genuinely high, and knowing where to look, when to go, and what to do when you find one makes all the difference between a memorable wildlife moment and a stressful one. Here's the complete guide to black bears in the Smokies.

Local Attractions August 14, 2026

Black Bear & Berry Jam Festival 2027: Dates, Food & Wildlife at Ober Mountain

Ober Mountain's Black Bear & Berry Jam Festival returns for its second year in mid-to-late July 2027 — three Friday–Sunday weekends of berry-inspired food and drinks, live music on the outdoor soundstage, local artisan vendors, and wildlife programming from Ober's resident wildlife biologists, including guided tours of the Wildlife Habitat where resident black bears, red wolves, and river otters live. At 3,300 feet, it's 15 degrees cooler than the Parkway below — and one of the most distinctive mid-summer events in Gatlinburg. Here's what to know.