For more than 200 years, elk were missing from the landscape in the Tar Heel State. But in the early 2000s, a small herd was reintroduced to live in the wilds of the Cataloochee Valley in Western North Carolina. Today, a visit to the Cataloochee Valley to see the ever-growing herd of wild (but closely monitored) elk is nothing short of magical.

After a visit to this remote part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (on the North Carolina side) some people are surprised to discover that the elk usually outnumber the people wandering around on foot to admire the majestic creatures.
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At certain times of the day (dawn and dusk) it's not unusual to see a field filled with them.
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The massive bulls can grow to be 1,000 pounds and can be an overwhelming sight on many levels, including beautiful and frightening.
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Most propaganda distributed by the park cautions visitors to stay at least 500 feet away whenever you spot an elk.
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Cataloochee Valley isn't the kind of place that's best seen through your windshield.
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A vast system of trails lead to old homesteads and historic structures that are now empty, yet still maintained by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park so that visitors can go inside and explore the history found within.
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As if the hike through the valleys isn't enough to make the experience an enchanting time you'll never forget... the wild elk herd sends it over the top.
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The Cataloochee Valley is located on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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When you’re ready for an elk spotting adventure like no other in the Tar Heel State, see this link for directions to Cataloochee Valley.

Love spotting majestic, wild animals in the Tar Heel State? Head to the coast to discover a wildlife preserve that’s filled with BEARS. Keep reading here to learn more!

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