The Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains
Your guide from the Hemlock Inn, Bryson City

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Catalochee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
For a quiet evening watching elk graze a short distance away, drive to the Cataloochee Valley section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Elk thrived in the Appalachian Mountains for many years, but they were hunted out of existence in North Carolina by the late 18th century. In February 2001, 50 elk were reintroduced to the park as part of a five-year experiment to bring elk back to the park. They are thriving today, with 12 or 13 calves born during the summer of 2003.

Since many of the elk came from other national parks, they are quite tame and graze daily in the meadow near the road. The best time to see the elk is early morning and late evening. You can watch them from your car or enjoy a picnic at the edge of the meadow while watching the elk. Often you can see 15-20 elk during one visit.

Prior to the purchase of this area for the national park, Cataloochee Valley was once home to 1,200 residents. Today you will see several preserved buildings, including a school, church, and a number of former homes and barns. There are a number of hiking and horse trails, as well as the Cataloochee Primitive campground.

Directions: From the Hemlock Inn, take US 23 North/74 East to exit 102 in Waynesville for US 276 North. Follow US 276 North for about 9 miles (you will approach entrance ramps for I-40 West). Just before you reach I-40, turn left onto Cove Creek Road (NC 284). Travel 5.8 miles on this narrow, steep, winding, mostly gravel road to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Go slow and be careful! Continue another 1.7 miles to a paved road. Follow road another 3.5 miles until you see several old buildings and a meadow on each side of the road.

 

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Hemlock Inn
Adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
P.O. Box 2350, Galbraith Creek Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713
phone: 828-488-2885 / fax: 828-488-8985
Reservations taken from 7:30 AM until 11:00 PM EST
e-mail: hemlock@dnet.net

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