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Discover the Best Places to See Black Bears in the USA

Black bears populate North America, and it became an exciting activity to view them in the wild. Depending upon the treks, there might be forests, valleys, and scenic beauty drives. Some of the areas in the United States offer the best habitats to spot these creatures. 

Maine’s Acadia National Park is one of the most popular playgrounds for the black bear. Hikers prefer the vast forest tracks over here as it is easy to locate any black bear.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

In the USA, Great Smoky Mountain Park is considered to be one of the best spots to find black bears. The population of black bears is maintained, and it is estimated that an average of 1500 black bears can be found here. 

Due to the forest land it occupies, it offers many opportunities to view bears, whether on the hiking tracks or when driving across the park. 

A few other locations where one can spot black bears are Newfound Gap Road, Cades Cove and Roaring Fork Motor Trail.

Shenandoah National Park

This park in Virginia is another spot to find Black bear. The park is located right at the Blue Ridge Mountain line and is home to many black bears. 

Tourists are able to drive around in circuits like the Sky Line Drive while observing the bears feed or commute around the woodlands. 

It is recommended that bear watching is done in spring and summer since the animals are more playful during this time.

Yellowstone National Park

One of the most famous national parks in the United States, Yellowstone, is famous for its fauna, particularly the black bear. 

It is also home to grizzly bears, although visitors can see black bears easily during spring and summer when the animals are out of hibernation. Lamar Valley and Tower Roosevelt are the best places if one expects to see a bear.

Yosemite National Park

In California, one can usually find black bears in the forest of Yosemite National Park. Besides being a great place for photography owing to the great waterfalls and granite cliffs in Yosemite, it also offers a view into wild life. 

Black bears can easily be seen around busy hiking grounds like the Lower Yosemite Falls trail and the Glacier Point.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is in Washington state, commonly hosting black bears, though most are cinnamon-colored. 

Due to the subalpine meadows, the forested area and rough terrains, the park provides a perfect habitat for these bears. Bears are quite easily spotted on the Skyline Trail, Glacier Basin, and Sunrise Rim.

Big Bend National Park

However, people who would like to see black bears in quite an unusual environment should visit Big Bend National Park in Texas. 

Called for its desert climate and large canyons, black bears inhabit Big Bend rather poorly, but the number is gradually increasing. It is most likely to see a bear in the wild in areas such as Chisos Mountain and Window Trail.