Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect winter vacation spot. With affordable cabin rentals, stunning views, and abundant wildlife, you can spend the colder months enjoying a cozy getaway in the beauty that is the wilderness surrounding Gatlinburg. And if you’re an animal lover and were hoping to see some fauna this season, you’re in luck! American Patriot Getaways in Pigeon Forge, TN, has compiled a list of winter wildlife you’ll likely see near your cabin rental.

3 Types of Winter Wildlife You’ll Spot From Your Cabin Rental

1. Elk

These animals were reintroduced to the area in 2001 and since then, their population has exceeded 100. If you want to see an elk, the best places to go are Cataloochee Valley, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and the Smokemont Campground.

2. Deer

Like elk, deer keep their antlers through most of the winter, so it’s an excellent season to go looking for them. There are three recommended places to see white-tailed deer: Cades Cove, the Sugarlands, and Deep Creek.

3. Otters

If you’re hanging out around Cades Cove or Abrams Creek, you can probably spot an otter or two in the waters. These locations are also home to mink, foxes, squirrels, and plenty of birds.

Whether you need help finding the perfect winter cabin rental or want the inside scoop on where to find these and other local wildlife, contact American Patriot Getaways by calling (800) 204-5169. You can also visit them online to see their listings of luxury cabins in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Ford areas.