This one has to be a must do while you’re living in or visiting North Carolina. It’s pure magic. I think it doesn’t matter how many animals you’ve seen in the wild, every time you get an encounter with them is something special. Here’s a guide full of useful tips on how to spot Elk in Cataloochee Valley to help you prepare for your visit. Of course, if you have any questions just let me know and please share this so others can plan a visit too.
All The Best Tips On How To Spot Elk In Cataloochee Valley
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When is the best time to see Elk?
Sunrise and sunset at the best times to see the Elk roaming. This is when it is cooler and they are more likely to be out eating in the open.
I went there for sunrise and by about 9am they were all moving into the woods. Once they’re in the woods, it’s hard to see them. For reference, it was early September when I visited and a very sunny day. If it’s a really cloudy day, you may have more opportunity to see them later.
Of course, they’re wild animals and don’t follow a schedule. You can’t expect them to do anything – they’ll do as they please. Part of this adventure is hoping for the best and leaving it up to nature.
You may see them somewhere in the middle of the day – we saw one crossing the road on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Or you might not see any at all. It’s up to nature.
However, your best bet is to go at sunrise or sunset. It’s worth the wake up!
I’d recommend going at sunrise because then if you don’t see any you still have time to try again at sunset.
Elk are not the only animals in the area so keep an eye out for other wildlife too.
Sunrise from the overlook
Where to go
You can use ‘Cataloochee Valley Overlook’ in Google Maps as a reference point to get there.
I made a quick stop at the overlook (you walk up a short path on the right to the lookout) for a photo of the most gorgeous sunrise before continuing on.
You can just follow this road into the valley.
We followed Cataloochee Entrance Road until it ended and saw Elk at a few different spots along the way. The biggest group we saw was on the field by the end of the road.
Basically, you’re just driving slowly on the one road and keeping an eye out as you go. There’ll most likely be other cars around doing the same thing, you can kind of tell where the Elk are by where the cars are parked on the side of the road.
What to expect
Majestic animals doing their thing in nature.
It’s really all there is to it.
And it’s pure magic. You’ll get to watch them with a backdrop of the epic mountains while everything lit up with soft light.
Sometimes the Elk would make a loud noise called Bugling which is cool to hear. Keep an ear out for something that sounds like a high pitch scream. I’d never seen or heard an Elk before so I had no idea what to expect, but from something that looks so grand and majestic I definitely expected something different.
There’ll probably be lots of other people around gazing at them and taking photos too. Expect lots of ‘awwwwww’ noises 🙂
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Safety and legal tips
Just a few safety tips to make sure your visit is memorable in a good way.
You have to keep a distance of 50 yards between you and the Elk. Â Never try to feed or touch them. Even if there is a baby left alone, there is probably a parent nearby keeping an eye on them.
Also you cannot use spotlights, bugles, or animal calls.
If you have to doubt if something is OK or not, just don’t do it.
Where else can you see Elk?
Cataloochee Valley is the most common area for seeing Elk, but you could also check out around the Oconaluftee Visitors Center area or Ravensford area.
What camera is best for taking photos of the Elk?
It’s more a case of what lens is best, than what camera.
Full disclosure, I didn’t plan to be going Elk spotting until the night before and wasn’t fully prepared. If I was going again, this is what I would use:
- 55-210mm lens for close ups of the Elk or when they are further away (if you’d like examples of this lens check out my South Africa safari posts)
- 35mm lens for wider shots (this is the only one I had with me and the one I use for most of my travels. The photos in this post are using this lens.)
You can get good deals for both these on Amazon. If you’re just looking for a hobby travel camera, I’d recommend using them with the Sony a6000.
They’re probably not going to pose as you wish, so remember to keep your shutter speed high so you can get clear photos as they move around.
Just before heading into the woods
What else to do in the area?
If you like hiking, there is no shortage of trails in the area.
Pets are only allowed on the Gaitlinburg and Oconaluftee River Trails. That’s just a heads up that it might be better to leave your pets at home to allow you more freedom on what you can do.
Here are a few hikes around the valley to look into if you’re planning a hiking day:
- Rough Fork Trail
- Big Fork Ridge Trail
- Pretty Hollow Gap Trail
You can also stay in the valley to explore some of the historical churches and buildings.
If you’d like to go a little further away, you could also visit Waterrock Knob or Clingamans Dome for some beautiful views.
Cool statue on the way
Where to stay in the area
If you’re planning a weekend trip, Maggie Valley is a good place to base yourself from.
I recommend checking out Booking.com which is what I usually use to book accommodation when I travel.
This is the cabin I stayed in and it was simply fantastic. Cozy, comfortable, and plenty of amenities for a self sustained weekend away. It even had a hot tub (which was wonderful at night while glow bugs flew around) and a fire pit. Couldn’t have picked a better spot for a home away from home.
Other guides you might enjoy:
Where To Swim At Jordan Lake, NC – Complete Beach Hopping Guide
Here’s Why You Gotta Visit The World’s Largest Strawberry Building In NC
How To Visit The World’s Largest Chest Of Drawers In North Carolina
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