Bears stalk me in Sugarlands

There's been a lot of buzz about the mystery stone building in Sugarlands (Great Smoky Mountain National Park). Located off-trail, it was forgotten by most until recently re-discovered. I obtained directions from UT's Colloguy magazine and set out early on Wednesday morning in brisk 21 degree weather from Sugarlands Visitor Center. Old Sugarlands Trail follows the Little Pigeon River on old TN 73. It is well traveled and wide enough to walk two abreast. The directions take me to the CCC ruins. Here at 1.5 miles from the trailhead I turn right and another well traveled gravel two track. After about 1/3 mile, this trail "T's" into a lesser trail. Left leads to the Sugarlands cemetery containing the graves of many Reagans, Ogles, McCarters, Partons, Owenbys and other local names. Turning right goes along and eventually to a former bridge on the river. Directions say to head straight into the woods for 1/2 mile. That is what I do. Just a minute or two into the buchwhack I find myself walking toward a black object, just a shadow I think, as it turns to look at me. I stop, think perhaps I can get this guy to move. I bang my stick on a tree, wave it around and then growl. At that, the bear, an adult male, takes 2 steps closer to get a better look with a face scowling "who the hell do you think you're growling at?". Not a good tactic. Perhaps I should move off and I do, circling around just out of sight. I'm a little unnerved but I'll just have to be mindful when I return through here on my return. I get back on track, heading to the building. Suddenly, in front of me there is lots of movement. Momma and her two cubs are scambering just out of sight. Whoa. This is a little more than I bargained for. I move on a few steps mulling the situation over and decide to live to hike another day. That building's not going anywhere. Turning around, I start back, listening and scanning. I've retraced only a few steps when I spot two yearlings eyeing me from the hillside above. They move around a bit to keep me in view as I move away. I keep turning back and they are still peering at me but not interested in doing anything more. Wow, six bears in one small area. There must be a preferred food here as I've always heard bears are solitary creatures. I suspect there must have been some really good tasting acorns around. I'd had enough and decided they can have all the acorns. I only got one picture and it was a bit shaky using the zoom. Anyone want to accompany me for a return attempt?