Viewing Elk in WNC
We are committed to promoting community education on coexisting with area wildlife in Western North Carolina.
Directions: Where to see the elk.
Please Note:
-
Cataloochee Valley is different from the Cataloochee Ski Area
-
Random elk can be seen throughout Maggie Valley & Cherokee.
-
Cataloochee is a remote area of GSMNP, therefore no gas, no food, etc are available once you turn on Cove Creek Road.
-
Whatever area you choose to visit the elk, the best time to locate the elk is shortly after sunrise and and a couple of hours before sunset as they come out into the fields to graze.
To Cataloochee Valley in GSMNP from Asheville or Knoxville:
Travel from either direction on I-40. Take Exit 20 towards Maggie Valley. After ¼ mile, turn right onto Cove Creek Road. See instructions above regarding Cove Creek Road.
To Town of Cherokee and Oconaluftee area of GSMNP
Follow your GPS via Blue Ridge Parkway; Hwy 441 from Franklin, NC and Georgia; I-40 from Asheville or Knoxville, exit 27 to Hwy. 74 W; to exit 74 onto Hwy 441 N to Cherokee and on to Oconaluftee Visitors Center in GSMNP. Check with Rangers in V.C. for locations of elk (if they are not in the large fields near the V.C);
From Bryson City travel on Hwy 74E to exit 74 onto Hwy. 441, then follow the above directions.
Email Us
info@wncfriendsoftheelk.org
or you can use the contact form.