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We examined the reactions of 24 radio-tagged black bears (Ursus americanus) to roads on the Harmon Den area of Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, during 1984 to 1987. The number of times roads were crossed by bears was related to the road density within their home range, and to the traffic volume associated with these roads. Roads were classified according to the mean number of vehicles using that road per day. Class I roads had 10,000+ vehicles per day, Class II had 50-100 vehicles per day, and Class III roads had 5-20 vehicles per day. Bears crossed Class I roads significantly less (P <0.0001) than Class II and Class III roads. Class II and III roads were crossed with almost equal frequency. A mean difference of 60 vehicles per day between the 2 classes did not affect the crossing frequency by bears. Bears strongly avoided (P <0.0001) Class I roads as the density of these roads in their home range increased. Bear crossings of Class III roads increased as road density increased. Bears were found to cross roads with greater frequency during daylight hours than at night. The potential adverse effects of human activities such as timber management and hunting are discussed in relation to different types and uses of roads.