Camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The bears will probably still be in their dens in late March unless we have a short winter. A good bear repellent is wasp spray but it isn't needed often if you don't approach the bears.

Elmont is convenient to everything in the park. To the south is Cades Cove, my favorite, which has hiking, old buildings, horseback riding, and hayrides (seasonal). To the north is the Sugarlands Visitors Center (and Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge for touristy things). And it is close to the road going up to Clingman's Dome, a must-see view if they clear the landslide by then.

Download the map at

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will probably have bears coming out of hibernation. Any warm day can allow bears to begin foraging in late winter and early spring. I once went hiking up a mountain, knocking down four-foot snowdrifts all the way up the trail. When I was tired of that, I turned around and found bear tracks in my footprints. The bear was intelligent enough to use me as his snowplow through the drifts of snow. I have close encounters with bears annually. I never met a bear that I did not like. Bears are very gentle animals, mostly vegetarian and very courteous in avoidance of conflicts with one another and people. Simply, keep food out of reach and bears will not get near you. I never carry bear spray and relate well with all wildlife. It is the people that are sometimes a challenge.

it can be quite frosty so make sure to bring warm clothes. elkmont is beautiful all times of the yr. make sure to ask about the fireflies in June. dollywood is fun. i think the music on the street in gatlinburg begins in june. cades cove is a must see.wears valley is a nice drive from the park through townsend to pigeon forge.the bushes baked bean factory is on 411. their restaurant is good eating. forbidden caverns also off 411.hope you have a great time.