A trip to Dollywood has always been about mountain scenery, family fun and celebrating the spirit of East Tennessee. Now, the beloved theme park is taking on another important role: helping visitors learn how to safely share the Smokies with one of the region’s most iconic residents — the black bear.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts has announced a new partnership with BearWise Tennessee, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Pigeon Forge to educate both tourists and locals on how to coexist safely with black bears in the Smoky Mountain region.

Why This Partnership Matters

Millions of travelers visit the Smokies each year, many staying only a few days. That creates a challenge for wildlife officials trying to quickly educate people unfamiliar with bear country. By bringing BearWise messaging directly to one of the South’s most visited tourist destinations, Dollywood can reach guests before they head into nearby mountain communities, scenic roads and outdoor recreation areas.

Visitors will soon notice BearWise signage across Dollywood properties with reminders about black bear behavior and simple ways to reduce conflicts.

What Visitors Need to Know

The guidance is straightforward but important:

• Remove food and trash from vehicles
• Keep car doors and lodging doors locked
• Never feed wildlife
• Never approach or pet a bear
• Observe animals from a safe distance
• Give bears plenty of space

These steps help prevent bears from becoming dependent on human food, which can create dangerous encounters and often harms the animals.

A Smart Move for a Major Tourism Destination

Dollywood’s reach makes this initiative especially meaningful. The resort destination includes the 165-acre theme park, Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort.

Because millions of guests visit annually, Dollywood can amplify a message that wildlife agencies often struggle to deliver to short-term travelers.

It’s also another example of how tourism destinations can balance entertainment with stewardship. In a region where nature is part of the vacation experience, protecting wildlife helps protect the visitor experience, too.

Why Black Bears Are Part of the Smokies Experience

Seeing a black bear in or near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area can be memorable — but only when done responsibly.

The best wildlife encounters happen at a distance, with no food involved and no disruption to natural behavior. That keeps both people and bears safer for the long term.

Planning a Dollywood Vacation?

If you’re heading to Dollywood this season, expect more than rides, shows and mountain hospitality. Expect a timely reminder that respecting the Smokies also means respecting the wildlife that calls them home.

For families planning a Pigeon Forge getaway, that may be one of the most valuable lessons of the trip.

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