Bigfoot / Sasquatchsighting locationAppalachian temperate rainforestTennessee, United States35.6118°, -83.4895°

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans over 522,000 acres of Appalachian temperate rainforest along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, encompassing some of the highest peaks in eastern North America including Kuwohi and Mount Le Conte. The park's ancient mountains, dense hardwood forests, and countless hollows create ideal habitat for a large, elusive primate — remote enough to avoid the 12 million annual visitors who stick mainly to developed areas and popular trails. Cherokee tradition from this region includes accounts of a hairy giant of the mountains, while modern sightings continue to emerge from the park's backcountry. Finding Bigfoot investigated compelling trail camera photos from the Smokies that appeared to show a large, upright figure moving through the forest canopy.

Timeline

c. 1800s

Cherokee accounts of a hairy forest giant are documented by early European settlers

1934

Park officially chartered, providing protected habitat for wildlife including any undocumented species

2013

Finding Bigfoot team investigates trail camera photos showing possible sasquatch figure

Notable Sightings

c. 2012· park visitor with trail camera
Trail camera captured images of what appeared to be a large, dark, upright figure moving through the forest canopy. The photos showed something much larger than typical wildlife, with apparent bipedal locomotion.
Trail cameras eliminate human error and misidentification issues that can affect eyewitness accounts. The images were compelling enough to warrant investigation by Finding Bigfoot researchers who examined the photos and location extensively.
c. 2000s· backpackers on Appalachian Trail
Hikers reported encountering a large, hair-covered figure crossing the trail at dawn in the high country. The creature was described as very tall and moving with purpose through dense forest.
Experienced backpackers familiar with local wildlife including black bears. The size, gait, and behavior described differs significantly from known animals in the park.

What the Shows Found

Finding BigfootS03E17
Did: Team analyzed trail camera photos showing possible sasquatch figure, conducted night investigations using professional hog callers to potentially attract a hungry bigfoot, and explored the dense forest areas where the photos were captured
Found: While no definitive proof was obtained during filming, the original trail camera photos remained unexplained and the team found the location promising for ongoing research

What the Science Says

The Great Smoky Mountains provide exceptional habitat for a large primate — over 500,000 acres of protected forest with minimal human presence outside developed areas, abundant water sources, and diverse food sources including nuts, berries, and small game. Research on sasquatch footprint morphology suggests creatures of this type would thrive in mountainous forest environments with seasonal food availability, exactly what the Smokies provide.

Black bears are abundant in the park and could account for some sightings, though experienced outdoorsmen who know the difference between a bear's movements and what they describe are unlikely to confuse the two. The trail camera evidence from this location is particularly intriguing because it eliminates the possibility of misidentification or human error that can affect eyewitness accounts.

While no definitive physical evidence has been recovered from the Smokies, the combination of ideal habitat, historical accounts, and ongoing reports from credible witnesses keeps this location active in sasquatch research. The park's status as protected land ensures that any undocumented species would have the space and resources needed to remain elusive.

Lore & Fun Facts

Cherokee tradition referred to a hairy forest giant said to inhabit these mountains

The park receives over 12 million visitors annually, making it the most visited national park in the United States

The Appalachian Trail passes directly through the park, with many backpackers reporting unusual encounters

The park contains some of the oldest mountains on Earth, worn down over millions of years

Planning a Visit

Access

As a national park, the Great Smoky Mountains is fully accessible to the public with no entrance fees. Visitors should stick to marked trails and established camping areas, following all park regulations while remaining observant in the backcountry.

Nearest Town

Gatlinburg, Tennessee (main park entrance)

Best Time to Visit

Spring through fall offers the best weather and wildlife activity, though winter provides better visibility through bare trees.