Wildlife Viewing in Smokies or Blue Ridge Mtns/Pisgah better? (Asheville: stores, best)

[kate61880]

Which places along the Blue Ridge Parkway have the best animal viewing? I read about the Elk in the Great Smoky Mountains Park near Maggie Valley area, but was wondering how the Pisgah National Forest is up towards Asheville continuing up to Boone.

Thanks

Kate

[motordavid]

Birding is in almost all areas, imo. But, that takes patience and binocs and a good id book.
"Wildlife" is pretty broad...yes, there are elk there, esp in mornings and toward dusk.

There are bear, wild boar, bobcats, coyotes, woodchucks, turkey, et al...all roaming around
my neck of the mtn. But, they are only "there", with careful observation, and a lot of luck,
for viewing.
Don't know any sites that would really point you to "wildlife" locations, here in western NC.
GL, mD

[Catbirds]

You can see animals safely in a natural habitat at Grandfather Mtn. Otherwise, just luck. Some animals only come out at night in the wild.

[kate61880]

My husband and I like to go hiking so I was wondering about spotting animals in the wild. I know it is luck most of the time, I just thought maybe some areas had a larger population of wildlife than others or some areas are known for seeing certain animals.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by kate61880

My husband and I like to go hiking so I was wondering about spotting animals in the wild. I know it is luck most of the time, I just thought maybe some areas had a larger population of wildlife than others or some areas are known for seeing certain animals.

Go to Grandfather Mountain and hike the backside trails (don't forget to get a permit at one of the local stores nearby first for about $5.00). This is an active bear area and you'll see a lot of biodiversity.

Then, drive around to the entrance and pay to go in to the Grandfather natural exhibit. You'll see a lot of local wildlife up close that way

I especially like the otters, you might like the cougars! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-rdIrcRO3Y

[kate61880]

Thanks so much lovesmountains!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by kate61880

Thanks so much lovesmountains!

No problem! Grandfather Mountain is a real special place along the Parkway

http://www.grandfather.com/