Cataloochee Valley is nestled among some of the most rugged mountains in the southeastern United States. Surrounded by 6000-foot peaks, this isolated valley was one of the most prosperous settlements in what is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Some 1,200 people lived in this valley in 1910. Most made their living by farming but an early tourism industry developed in Cataloochee with some families boarding fishermen and other tourists who wished to vacation in the mountains. A variety of historic buildings have been preserved in the valley.
Reintroduced in 2001 the elk herd is thriving. Last spring 20 elk calves were born in the Smokies, and out of that 17 survived. It was the park's second good calving season in a row. In 2010, 25 calves were born in Cataloochee, and all survived.
Biologists say the fact that more than half of the calves born this season were females is more good news because it should help the herd's growth in the future. The survival rate among this year's newborn calves was high. Biologists say the mother elk have learned to defend their young against black bears which was a huge problem and are selecting more protective areas to have their calves. Morning and evenings are the best time for wildlife veiwing. As someone raised on whitetailed deer it takes a bit to get used to the sheer size of these awesome animals.
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