Cataloochee Valley

Cataloochee Valley is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. During the early 1900's, there was a community of over 1,000 Appalachian settlers in the valley. The land was eventually turned over to the National Park, and is now a tourist destination. Several historic buildings still remain, but the main attraction is the elk that were relocated to this area in 2001. Visitors have the opportunity to see the elk at fairly close range, as the elk have become accustomed to human presence. The best time for viewing the elk are in the mornings and evenings, especially during the mating season in September. Although not as common as the elk, visitors can also see deer, turkey, bears, and coyotes in the valley. In addition to the historic buildings and wildlife, there are beautiful mountain views and several wonderful hiking trails.