Elk Sighting: Where to View in the Smokies

By visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), you have an opportunity to see elk.  Elk roamed eastern North America until extensive hunting significantly reduced the population.  Thankfully the GSMNP re-introduced elk into the park in 2001.

Elk size and movement make watching them so impressive.  Elk are one of the largest land mammals in North America, reaching up to nine feet tall if including antlers.  Antlers can weigh up to 40 pounds.  Only the male elk or bull have antlers.  These bulls can weigh up to 700 pounds.  The bulls bugle loudly during the mating season of fall and aggressively guard their harem of female elk known as cows.

Looking to impress your loved one with the thrill of sighting elk in the Smoky Mountains?  A few facts about elk will help you increase your odds:

1) Timing is everything.  Elk fall into the category of crepuscular animals, meaning that they are active primarily during twilight (periods of dawn and dusk).  It's no wonder the two times I've spotted elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was during dusk.  I had passed by the same field earlier during the day and saw no elk.

2.  Location is important.  Elk prefer woodlands and avoid dense forest.  Elk feed on grasses.  Natural predators include black bear which can be found in the forest.  It's no wonder the two times I've spotted elk in the GSMNP was in the woodlands near the Oconaluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee.

Most websites will direct you to Cataloochee Valley in the GSMNP to see elk.  My tip - take a chance at seeing them near the Oconaluftee Visitors Center instead.  If you don't see elk, you can still tour the mountain farm and enjoy the views.  It saves you from a drive that sounds difficult.  Here's the Cataloochee Valley directions according to the GSMNP:  "The entrance road to Cataloochee Valley is a winding, gravel road that has some steep drop offs with no guard rails.  The road is narrow, so drivers may be required to stop or back up their vehicles to allow oncoming motorists to pass...A more scenic rout (not recommended for RVs) is to take a long winding road, highway 32, from Crosby, TN to the Tennessee-North Carolina state border, where the road becomes gravel.  It twists and winds into Cataloochee.  (This route is not recommended if your passengers are prone to car sickness."

Relationship #7: Water Fun, Hot Tub and Whitewater Rafting in the Smokies

This is the seventh article in a series of ideas on how to take the ideas from Re-Energize Your Relationship book and apply to vacationing in the Smokies.  We hope Lightning Bug Lodge is a place for you to strengthen relationships and gain new perspective.
In the chapter "Making a Splash", the author suggest couples immerse in water together, "Water, water, everywhere and not all of it's to drink.  Relationship feeling parched?  Make the most of the revitalizing properties of H20...Once the privilege of the seriously rich, you'll find a jacuzzi or hot tub in most spas, and in many hotels and gyms.  What a great way to re-energize tired bodies."

Idea:  Why not visit the Smoky Mountains where you'll find water relaxation or adventure inside and outside the cabins? 

Leisurely soak in the tub.  Spend the day rafting the Pigeon River. Relax under the stars in your cabin hot tub.  Indigo Moon Lodge has a jacuzzi tub, hot tub, and sauna and conveniently located less than 60 miles from Hartford, TN where you'll find 12 Class 3 and 3 Class 4 rapids on the Upper Pigeon River.

Here's two whitewater rafting tours in Hartford, TN:

1.  Rafting the Smokies - recommend
Upper Pigeon River includes 5 miles of lively rapids named Too Late, Vegamatic, Razor Blade, After Shave, and Lost Guide
Member of the Friends of Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Age 8 and up, 1.5 hours, $42/person, March to Nov., Tue., Wed., Thurs., Sat, 12:15PM meet -2:45PM
Grills and picnic tables on the site
Other tours offered:  Ropes course, Zipline

2.  White Water Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors
$45/person, $42 after 4PM; May 23 to Sept. 6, Tue., Wed., Thurs., Sat.
Also 1.5 to 2 hour tour and request to arrive 1 hour early, both include short bus ride
Other tours offered:  hike & paddle package $82, inflatable kayak rental for lower Pigeon River $39

Both tours require tennis shoes/deck shoes/rafting shoes.  No flip flops, Crocs, or bare feet.  If you had a positive experience with another Smoky Mountain rafting tour, feel free to post a recommendation.