There are a little over 100 North American Manitoban Elk in the park. They live in a very small area of the park, unlike the deer that can be viewed throughout. The released Elk are wearing tracking collars so they can collect data.
We found last year the best place to view them was on the North Carolina side in the Cataloochee section right next to Maggie Valley. You will see them in large fields and around building in the area. Take exit 20 off of I-40 and go .2 miles and turn right onto Cove Creek Road. It is about 11 miles to Cataloochee Valley. It is marked so no fear of missing it. You will need to drive about 5 miles on a very narrow gravel road, no room to turn around. Remember if there is a lot of snow this road isn’t plowed. You can also see them at the Oconaluftee Visitor’s center and the Farm Museum in the fields and near Newfound Gap Road (US 441). Go early in the morning or just before sunset as they are not as visible in the head of the day. If it’s going to rain or is cloudy they will be a little more active during the day.
In the early morning and just prior to sunset they will be seen in the fields grazing. Please share your photos and any information you can add.
We will give an update when we are there the week of December 13, 2013 so please follow us
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