It’s turkey time in Tennessee! With Fall in full effect and the leaves coming down, it is time to keep an eye out for the Great Smoky Mountain’s biggest bird. Turkey are often found in small groups of a dozen or less in and around the edges of fields. They are highly cautious of people and shy away from where we tend to congregate in the park so going early on days when there are fewer visitors will give the highest chance of success in encountering one.  

Where to go: 

Wild Turkey can be found all throughout the park boundary, but there are some key places we suggest checking out to spot one of our most sought-after birds. They tend to frequent lower elevations but have been documented almost everywhere within the park.  

1. Cades Cove – A large driving loop through one of the area’s first settled locally. This is the best place to see all types of wildlife GSMNP offers. They specifically love the fields around the Methodist Church according to local reports.  

1. Townsend – The roads leading in and around Townsend are another area many locals know of to have an encounter.  

1. Abrams Creek Campground – Located just off the Foothills Parkway, this recreational area has a large field where groups tend to gather.  

Fun Facts: 

• The turkey is America’s largest gamebird and can weigh up to 25 lbs! 

• Benjamin Franklin offered it up as our national bird prior to the bald eagle being selected. 

• They are one of only two birds from the Americas to be domesticated.  

• They rarely fly over 100 yards due to their size, but have been documented flying over 50 MPH. 

• There are some wild turkeys among the population that have white plumage. However, this is not albinism but instead a different rare genetic mutation that causes the change. The term for this type of turkey is the “Smoke Phase”.