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Elk Watching 101

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One of the biggest draws to Haywood County – our antlered locals! We’re the proud home of the Cataloochee Valley, a remote section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s also where the reintroduced elk population roams! Each year, Haywood County welcomes plenty of elk-watching enthusiasts hoping to get a glimpse of these majestic creatures.

The elk of Cataloochee Valley wander free and wild in the valley (no cages or fences), so it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of wildlife viewing. But with a little lesson on the elk and how to best enjoy their beauty, you’ll be all set for an incredible adventure.

WHERE TO SEE ELK IN NORTH CAROLINA

Saunter on over to the Cataloochee Valley area in the southeastern section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Maggie Valley, NC. This remains the most prominent area for elk viewing and you are more likely to witness elk here. Though the valley is where they are most commonly found, some of these elk have migrated to other areas including Maggie Valley, the Oconaluftee and Ravensford area, and the land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, NC.

ABOUT CATALOOCHEE VALLEY

As we mentioned, Cataloochee is a remote area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so once you leave Highway 276 there is no food, gas, or other commercial services available. Another thing to note: there’s only one road in, so please practice caution and remember to share the road with your fellow wildlife enthusiasts. Wanna tip? Fill up your car, grab some snacks or picnic items, and make one last pit stop before heading into the valley. 

In the valley itself, you’ll find several historic structures and exhibits like homes, a schoolhouse, and churches from the original pioneer settlement. You’ll also find hiking trailheads with miles and miles of winding trails, places to stop and camp, and of course the opportunity to view wildlife (that’s where the elk come in).

REINTRODUCING THE CATALOOCHEE ELK HERD

Elk were once abundant across the United States but by the mid-1800s, the population of the eastern herds were wiped out due to over-hunting and habitat loss. However, in 2001, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—along with other partners, including the Rock Mountain Elk Foundation—joined together to restore the wild elk population in Cataloochee Valley. The initial 52 elk were released and have grown to a herd of over 150 (and counting!).

ELK WATCHING SAFETY

First and foremost, safety should be a top priority. Elk are wild animals and there are no boundaries or barriers keeping you and the elk separated. When elk are present, federal regulations require that you DO NOT approach an elk within 150 feet or any distance that disturbs the animals. Failure to do so can result in fines, arrest, or even harm from the animal itself. It is also extremely important not to feed the elk or interact with them in any way. Feeding causes way more harm than good, so please do the elk a favor and keep your tasty treats to yourself. For more safety tips, watch this video.

BEST TIMES FOR ELK VIEWING

The prime time to spot these majestic creatures is around sunset and sunrise. The elk come out into the open valley fields at these times to graze and return to the wooded areas during the day. Elk behavior can change over the course of the year, so check out the seasonal highlights below to know what to expect and how to be prepared.

WHEN TO SEE ELK DURING THE DAY

Early morning and late evening are typically the best times to view elk. They also tend to be more active on cloudy summer days and before or after storms occur in the region.

ELK VIEWING BY SEASON

Calving Season: Late Spring – Most of the elk calves in Cataloochee and Western North Carolina are born late May thru June. The cows (lady elks) hide their calves in the high grass. For safety and to avoid disturbing the calves, visitors should stay out of the fields. Cows can be aggressive in protecting their young. By late June, the calves are typically up and moving with the herd.

Growing Season: Summer – The herd can often be seen grazing in fields. Bulls are “in velvet,” rapidly growing new antlers. The calves are growing quickly and will gain as much as 140 pounds by winter.

The Rut: Fall – The mating season for the elk is called the rut, which occurs from mid-September through the end of October. The antlered bulls (males) bugle and fight for domination and the right to breed with the cows. This can be a dangerous time for visitors as the bulls can be aggressive with unpredictable behavior. For your protection, please remain on the roadway and near your vehicle during the rut.

Winter in Cataloochee – Winter is a quiet time in the valley. The elk herd retreats to the woods and may not be seen in the fields for weeks. The road can become treacherous in the snow and is typically closed when the snow is on the peaks around Jonathan Valley.

For directions and more information about the elk of Cataloochee Valley, stop by the Haywood County Visitor Center at 1110 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley for your free guide. You can also go on a fully guided eco-tour with Cataloochee Valley Tours to make the most of your elk-viewing experience.

Now that you have all the details, get out there and enjoy the elk!

 

 

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