Appalachian Bear Rescue 11th Annual Bearly 5K Run/Walk

Appalachian Bear Rescue 11th Annual Bearly 5K Run/Walk

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Trillium Cove Visitor Center, 121 Painted Trillium Way, Townsend, TN
Event: In-Person & Virtual 5K Run/Walk

Celebrate Halloween in the Smoky Mountains while supporting an organization dedicated to giving black bears a second chance at life! The Appalachian Bear Rescue 11th Annual Bearly 5K Run/Walk returns to Townsend, Tennessee, on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Runners and walkers can participate in person at the Appalachian Bear Rescue Visitor and Education Center at Trillium Cove or join virtually from wherever they are. Whether you plan to run the full 5K, enjoy a leisurely walk, or simply spend the morning supporting the bears, this family-friendly Smoky Mountain event is a fun way to make a difference.

A Halloween 5K in the Smoky Mountains

This year's Bearly 5K falls on Halloween, so participants are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes. The race begins at 10:00 AM in Townsend, creating a memorable way to enjoy fall in the Smokies while supporting Appalachian Bear Rescue.

Registration is $60 and includes a 2026 Bearly 5K long-sleeve T-shirt. Both in-person and virtual registration options are available.

Supporting Appalachian Bear Rescue

Appalachian Bear Rescue is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization based in Townsend, Tennessee. Its mission includes rehabilitating orphaned and injured black bears so they can ultimately return to life in the wild, while also educating the public about black bears and responsible coexistence.

Bear Tracts Vacation Cabins is proud to support Appalachian Bear Rescue and the important work they do for the black bears that are such an iconic part of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Supporting organizations like Appalachian Bear Rescue is especially meaningful to us. The Smokies aren't simply where our guests vacation—they are our home, and protecting the wildlife and natural resources that make this region extraordinary helps preserve it for generations to come.

Make the Bearly 5K Part of Your Smoky Mountain Getaway

October is one of the most popular times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains, with fall foliage, cooler mountain temperatures, seasonal events, and plenty of opportunities to explore Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

If you're traveling to the area for the Appalachian Bear Rescue Bearly 5K, turn race weekend into a Smoky Mountain getaway with Bear Tracts Vacation Cabins. Our vacation cabins provide a comfortable home base for enjoying fall in the mountains while supporting a great local cause.

We hope to see plenty of Bear Tracts guests, bear lovers, runners, walkers, and Halloween costumes at the 2026 Bearly 5K!