Black bear populations concentrated along Appalachian Trail

Black bear populations are widely distributed along the Appalachian Trail, with high concentrations found in the Southern and Mid-Atlantic regions, specifically within Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

In Tennessee, bear habitats extend beyond traditional mountain counties to include the northern Cumberland Plateau and transitional areas. Sevier County, home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a notable area where well-established bear populations overlap with heavily visited tourist destinations, including Gatlinburg.

During the fall, bears enter a period of hyperphagia, an intense feeding phase before winter, which can increase activity. Wildlife regulations in national parks prohibit approaching bears within 50 yards, or any distance that causes the animal to alter its behavior. Hikers are advised to use bear canisters for food storage and follow safety precautions to mitigate encounters.