Elk Facts
Elk (called wapiti by Native Americans) released in 2001 & 2002 in the Cataloochee area of GSMNP are Subspecies Manitoban. Elk have an acute sense of smell and sharp eyesight. They are vegetarian and eat grass, acorns, and bark, leaves, and buds from shrubs and trees. Apples are especially tasty to elk.
They generally live 15 years but some WNC elk have lived 20+.
Calves are usually born in late May thru June. At birth, calves weigh 30-40 pounds and are spotted. Never touch or move a calf, mothers are usually close by and are very protective and potentially aggressive. Adult female elk (cows) weigh 500-600 pounds & give birth to one calf each year.
Adult male elk (bulls) weight 700-1000 pounds. Bulls will shed antlers in March & grow a new set of antlers each year. New growth, as much as one inch per day, is covered in “velvet”. Antlers harden & the velvet is rubbed off on tree limbs. By September the two antlers will weigh 40-45 pounds. During the mating season (often called the rut) they start “bugling” which is their mating call in late August and can be heard bugling into November. They can be aggressive during this time period so please stay a minimum of 50 yards away and use binoculars, cameras or cell phones to view the herd. You will be subject to fines and/or arrest if you get too close to the animals. Always remember the elk are wild animals and treat them with respect.
Both bull and cow elk have eyeteeth called ivories. Elk’s ivories are made of the same material and have the same chemical composition as tusks on elephants. People have collected and treasured elk ivories for hundreds of years. Both male and female humans wear beautiful jewelry with elk ivories as their focal point.
Note: It is illegal to use spotlights and elk bugle calls in the GSMNP. It is also illegal to remove elk antlers from the park. The antlers provide food for rodents and other animals. Never feed elk or other wildlife to try to get them to come closer. It is absolutely forbidden by law and many times will result in the death of the animal.
Travel Directions
To Cataloochee Valley in GSMNP from Maggie Valley, NC or Waynesville, NC:
Hwy. 19 to Traffic Circle, take 276 N, left to Cove Creek Road (the last left turn before coming to the I-40 intersection).
Note: GSMNP’s Cataloochee Valley is different from the Cataloochee Ski Area, 1080 Lodge Rd. Maggie Valley, NC 28751
Note: Roaming elk can be seen throughout the Cataloochee Valley, Maggie Valley, and the Cherokee/Oconaluftee/GSMNP areas.
Note: Cataloochee is a remote area of GSMNP, therefore no gas, no food, etc. are available once you turn on Cove Creek Road.
Note: Whatever area you choose to visit the elk, the best time to locate the elk is shortly after sunrise and a couple of hours before sunset as they come out into the fields to graze.
Note From Local Brochure: Cove Creek Road is a steep, ten-mile, narrow, curving mountain road. There is a three-mile unpaved section leading up and over Cove Creek Gap, and then winding down the other side of the mountain. When you again reach pavement, turn left and enjoy your easy descent into the valley. You may see random elk as you drive thru the Valley, past the Campground which closes in October (restroom location), past the Palmer Chapel Methodist Church (pavement ends), past the Hiram Caldwell House and barn, to the dead end of the road. There are fields along the road where you may see elk.
Additional Note: Due to sections of this road being destroyed by Hurricane Helene, it is closed just past Palmer Chapel at the horse camp entry and bridge. Foot traffic is allowed from there to the upper end of Cataloochee Valley along the old roadbed. It is suggested that visitors check the GSMNP Website or call 865-436-1200 for information or visit a local Visitors Center for information and maps.
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 Visitor Center 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 previous directions.
