Elk in Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains Park

The experimental release of elk into Great Smoky Mountains National Park began in February, 2001 with the importation of 25 elk, In 2002, the park imported another 27 animals. All elk are radio collared and are monitored. In 2012, the number has grown to 140+.

Elk once roamed the southern Appalachian Mountains and elsewhere in the eastern United States. They were eliminated from the region by over-hunting and loss of habitat. The last elk in North Carolina was believed to have been killed in the late 1700s.

The best times to view elk are usually early morning and late evening. Elk may also be active on cloudy summer days and before or after storms. Enjoy elk at a distance, using binoculars or a spotting scope for close-up views. Approaching wildlife too closely causes them to expend crucial energy unnecessarily and can result in real harm. If you approach an animal so closely that it stops feeding, changes direction of travel, or otherwise alters its behavior, you are too close!

There are several hiking trails in Cataloochee Valley. Boogerman Trail is named for Robert "Boogerman" Palmer, whose homesite you will see as you complete this moderately challenging 7-mile loop trail, which can take between 2 and 3 hours to complete. You will gain nearly 850 feet on your way to 3,600 feet at the trail's highest point. The trail is well maintained, and this hike offers views of some of the largest trees in the area, old homesites (including Palmer's) and mountain streams. This area was spared from the logging operations which dominated much of the Smokies area before the land was purchased for the Park.

A primitive campground with 27 sites, is open mid-March through October for tents or RVs up to 31 feet. Reservations are required for all campsites. Reserve online at www.recreation.gov or toll-free at 1-877-444-6777. The camping fee is $20 per night. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Before the arrival of the Park in 1934, Cataloochee consisted of farmland maintained by an agrarian community of approximately 1,000 people. While few of the original structures remain, Big Cataloochee, the largest of several coves in the area, is considered to be North Carolina’s "Cades Cove." The Caldwell and Woody homes, the Will Messer barn, Beech Grove School and Palmer Chapel are maintained by the Park Service.

You can also usually see a view elk in the open field by the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee.

Spring: Most elk shed their antlers in March. The antlers, which are rich in calcium, are quickly eaten by rodents and other animals.

Summer: Most calves are born in early June. Male elk roll in mud wallows to keep cool and avoid insect pests.

Fall: Male elk make their legendary bugling calls to challenge other bulls and attract cows. Their calls may be heard a mile or more away. Large bulls use their antlers to intimidate and spar with other males. During the "rut" in September and early October, dominant bulls gather and breed with harems of up to 20 cows.

Winter: Elk wear a two-layer coat during the colder months. Long guard hairs on the top repel water and a soft, wooly underfur keeps them warm. Elk may move from the high country to valleys to feed.

The Elk of Cataloochee Valley, Great Smoky Mountains